French Polynesia

General Information
	Area: 4167 sq km (1609 sq miles). Population: 227,800 (1999). Population Density: 54.7 per sq km. Capital: Papeete (Tahiti Island). Population: 25,553 (1996). Geography: French Polynesia comprises 120 islands divided into five archipelagos: the Society Archipelago, Tuamotu Archipelago, Marquesas Islands, Austral Islands and Mangreva Islands. The Windward and Leeward Islands, collectively called the Society Archipelago, are mountainous with coastal plains. Tahiti, the largest of the Windward group, is dominated by Mount Orohena at 2236m (7337ft) and Mount Aorai at 2068m (6786ft). Moorea lies next to Tahiti, a picturesque volcanic island with white sand beaches. The Leeward Islands to the west are generally lower in altitude. The largest islands are Raiatea and Bora Bora. Tuamotu Archipelago comprises 80 coral atolls, located 298km (185 miles) east of Tahiti. The Marquesas Islands lie 1497km (930 miles) northeast of Tahiti and are made up of two clusters of volcanic islands divided into a southern and northern group. The grass-covered Austral Islands south of Tahiti are scattered in a chain from east to west over a distance of 499km (310 miles). Government: French Overseas Territory since 1946. Head of State: President Jacques Chirac since 1995, represented locally by High Commissioner Jean Aribaud since 1997. Head of Government: Gaston Flosse, President of the Council of Ministers since 1991. Language: The official language is French. Tahitian and other Polynesian languages are spoken by the indigenous population. English is widely understood, mainly by islanders accustomed to dealing with foreign visitors. Religion: Protestant 55 per cent; Catholic 34 per cent. Time: GMT - 9 Gambier Islands; GMT - 9.5 Marquesas Islands; GMT - 10 Society Archipelago, Tubuai Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago (except Gambier Islands), Tahiti. Electricity: 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style 2-pin plugs are in use. Communications: Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 689. Outgoing international code: 00. Operator assistance may be required for international calls. Mobile telephone: GSM 900 network. Network operators include Tikiphone.S.A. Fax: Post offices and some hotels have facilities. Internet/E-mail: There are cybercafés in Papeete and Moorea. Telegram: Facilities are limited to Papeete and Uturoa (Raiatea). Telegrams can be sent from the post office on boulevard Pomare, Papeete. Postal: Post office hours: In Papeete, Mon-Fri 0700-1800, 0800-1000 at weekends (outside Papeete, there is a restricted service in the afternoons and at weekends). Press: There is an English-language weekly, the Tahiti Beach Press.
Travel
	Air Tahiti Nui (TN), the first Tahiti-based international carrier, began operation in November 1998. Tahiti is served by AOM French Airlines, Aircalin (Air Calédonie International), Air France, Qantas, Air New Zealand and Hawaiian Airlines for longhaul international flights. The Visit the South Pacific Pass is valid for a number of airlines operating in the South Pacific, including Air Caledonie, Air Marshall Islands, Air Nauru, Air Niugingi, Air Pacific, Air Vanuatu, Polynesian Airlines, Qantas, Royal Tongan Airlines and Solomon Airlines. Offering reductions of up to 50 per cent on normal airfares, this sector-based pass allows for flexible island-hopping between the destinations of American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, Vanuatu and the more remote Melanesian and Micronesian islands, together with major cities in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) and New Zealand (Wellington). The journey must be started outside the South Pacific and only one stopover in Australia is allowed. A minimum of two coupons must be bought before departure (a maximum of eight coupons can be purchased en route). For details and conditions, contact the South Pacific Tourism Organization or your travel agent. Approximate flight times: From Papeete to Auckland is 5 hours 35 minutes, to Honolulu is 7 hours, to London is 20 hours, to Los Angeles is 8 hours 15 minutes, to New York is 16 hours and to Sydney is 9 hours 35 minutes. International airport: Papeete (PPT) (Faaa), on Tahiti, is 5km (3 miles) from the city (travel time - 15 minutes). Buses run every 15 minutes from 0400-2359. Metered taxis are also available. Airport facilities include bank/bureau de change, post office, duty-free shop, left luggage, newsstand, restaurant, bar, light refreshments, car rental and 24-hour tourist information. Departure tax: None. SEA: The international port is Papeete, on Tahiti, which is served by Cunard, P&O, Holland America and Radisson Seven Seas.
Entry
	Passport Visa Return Ticket Required Australian  Yes  No  No British  Yes  No  No Canadian  Yes  No  No Japanese  Yes  No  No Other EU  Yes  No  No/1 USA  Yes  No  No
	PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond length of stay required by all. VISAS: Required by all except the following for a period of up to 1 month for non-EU nationals and up to 3 months for EU nationals; (a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above; (b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep. of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela; (c) nationals of the following, provided their passport states 'holder has right of abode in the UK': Cayman Islands, Montserrat, St Helena, British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands. Validity: Short-stay visas are valid for 6 months from date of issue. Transit visas are valid for single or multiple entries of maximum 5 days per entry, including the day of arrival. Additional Visa Information: Internet: http://www.france-consulat.org
Misc. Info
	CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: French customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from French Polynesia of some items. Customs officials can control at any time, not just on the border. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. or one of France’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. The web site for French customs is www.finances.gouv.fr/douane. Goods arriving on pleasure yachts must be declared at the first point of arrival in French Polynesia. Arms, animals, alcohol, cigarettes, cameras, etc., must be included in this declaration. CRIME INFORMATION: French Polynesia has one of the lowest crime rates within France and its territories. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical treatment is generally good on the major islands, but is limited in areas that are more remote or less populated. Patients with emergencies or with serious illnesses are often referred to facilities on Tahiti for treatment. In Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, two major hospitals as well as several private clinics provide 24-hour medical service. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning French Polynesia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Safety of Public Transportation: Good Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good in Tahiti While most major roads are paved, many secondary roads are not. Traffic is brisk and all types of vehicles and pedestrians jockey for space on narrow streets. Crosswalks are marked and the law requires that motor vehicles stop for pedestrians; however, this is not always done. Tourists should exercise caution when driving, particularly at night. For specific information concerning the operation and rental of motor vehicles in French Polynesia contact the Embassy of France.

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