June 9, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: French Polynesia is a French overseas country located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of several groups of islands, the largest and most populated of which is Tahiti. Tourist facilities are well developed and are available on the major islands.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport valid for six months beyond duration of stay is required. Visas are not required for stays up to one month. Extensions for up to three months may be granted locally by applying to the Haut Commissionaire (The French High Commissioner). For further information about entry requirements, travelers, particularly those planning to enter by sea, may contact the French Embassy at 4101 Reservoir Road, N.W, Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone (202) 944-6200, fax 202-944-6212, or visit the Embassy of France's web site at http://www.info-france-usa.org .

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

SAFETY and SECURITY: For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

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. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the U.S. Consular Agent in French Polynesia at (689) 42 65 35. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the U.S. Consular Agent in French Polynesia for assistance. The U.S. Consular Agent can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov , or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs' web site, http://travel.state.gov .

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: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if 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.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs' web site.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en . Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith .

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.

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.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: Civil aviation operations in French Polynesia fall under the jurisdiction of French authorities. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of France 's civil aviation authority as category 1 -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of France 's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's web site, http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm .

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: French customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from French Polynesia of some items. 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 http://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. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found at http://www.ustr.gov/reports/2003/special301.htm .

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and do not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens to exploit children sexually via pornography, the Internet or other means or to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person under the age of 18 in a foreign country, regardless of whether there was intent.

CONSULAR ACCESS: U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. If detained, U.S. citizens are encouraged to request that the U.S. Consular Agent in French Polynesia be notified.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: The cyclone season is November through April. French Polynesia is located in an area of high seismic activity. Although the probability of a major earthquake occurring during an individual trip is remote, earthquakes can and will continue to happen. General information regarding disaster preparedness is available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/crisismg.html , and from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) home page at http://www.fema.gov .

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: There is no U.S. Embassy or Consulate in French Polynesia. However, there is a U.S. Consular Agent in French Polynesia who provides assistance to American citizens. American citizens may register with the Consular Agent and obtain up-to-date information on travel and security in French Polynesia. To contact the Consular Agent, call (689) 42 65 35 or fax (689) 50 80 96 or e-mail usconsul@mail.pf. The address is: U.S. Consular Agency, Centre Tamanu Iti, 1er etage, Punaauia, B.P. 10765, 98711 Paea, Polynesie Francaise. The U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji, which oversees the U.S.Consular Agent in French Polynesia, can also provide assistance for U.S. citizens. It is located in the capital city of Suva at 31 Loftus Street, P.O. Box 218, telephone 679-331-4-466, fax 679-3302-267. Information may also be obtained by visiting the Embassy's home page at http://www.amembassy-fiji.gov .

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 4, 2003, to revise sections on Entry Requirements, Safety and Security, Crime Information, Customs Regulations, Criminal Penalties, Consular Access, Children's Issues and Registration/Embassy location.

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