French Polynesia transit visa

Many passengers can connect through the airport's international transit area without a visa. Some passengers still need an airport transit visa.

Ways to get a French Polynesia transit visa

Airport transit without a visa
Transit without a visa
Passengers staying only in an airport's international transit area, except those required to hold an airport transit visa for mainland France.
Airport transit visa
Visa needed
Passengers who fall within the categories required to have an airport transit visa for mainland France.
Crew transit without a visa
Transit without a visa
Airline and ship crew members.
Cruise transit with a qualifying visa or residence permit
Transit without a visa
Cruise passengers holding a visa for any French territory, or a residence permit for Andorra, Canada, Japan, Monaco, San Marino or the United States.
Stay
Up to 24 hours.
Cruise transit while staying on board
Transit without a visa
Cruise passengers who do not leave the ship.

Who needs it

Who doesn't

Other passengers staying in the international transit area can transit without a visa. Exemptions also cover airline and ship crew, and certain cruise passengers.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?: Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport: The airport transit exemption only covers the international transit area. To leave that area and enter French Polynesia, you must meet its entry rules.
Transit without a visa: Stay within the airport's international transit area and do not belong to a category that requires an airport transit visa for mainland France. Separate exemptions apply to crew and cruise passengers.

Good to know

The airport transit exemption requires you to remain in the international transit area.
No airport transit time limit is specified.
The 24-hour limit below applies to a cruise passenger exemption, not to airport connections.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for French Polynesia?

Passengers in the same categories that need an airport transit visa for mainland France also need one when using the international transit area in French Polynesia. Those categories are not listed here. Other passengers staying in the international transit area can transit without a visa. Exemptions also cover airline and ship crew, and certain cruise passengers.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for French Polynesia?

There are 5 options: Airport transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Airport transit visa (a visa from an embassy); Crew transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Cruise transit with a qualifying visa or residence permit (transit without a visa); Cruise transit while staying on board (transit without a visa).

Can I stay inside the airport in French Polynesia without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: The airport transit exemption only covers the international transit area. To leave that area and enter French Polynesia, you must meet its entry rules.

What rules do I have to follow on a French Polynesia transit visa?

The airport transit exemption requires you to remain in the international transit area.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for French Polynesia?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the French Polynesia visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for French Polynesia be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest French Polynesia transit visa rules?

On French Polynesia's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my transit visa once I am in French Polynesia?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

Reviewed by @snuck