Venture Tahiti has been quoted in a recent Forbes Magazine article by Senior Contributor, Christopher Elliot. We have included an excerpt inside. "This Is How To Stay Safe When You Travel After The Pandemic" - "A lot of people who want to stay safe while traveling during the coronavirus pandemic use other criteria to choose their destination — exciting, fun, or cheap. Mostly, cheap. That's a mistake, says Keith Smith, managing director of Venture Tahiti." A great way for travelers to stay safe as they begin traveling again is to be thoughtful and selective about their early destination choices," he told me. "I recommend traveling to destinations that have purpose-built health and safety protocols designed specifically for the resumption of incoming tourism." These protocols consider vaccinated or immune travelers and travelers complying with disciplined testing and entry requirements. If your intended destination has them, you can feel safer. Smith says places like Tahiti have been at the forefront of these purpose-built health and safety protocols, which allows visitors to not just feel safer, but to be safer."
Entry Procedures for French Polynesia have been simplified once again. To help clarify these new requirements, Tahiti Tourisme has released, and subsequently updated, an Infographic PDF. As this information is still being refined, we have linked to the source document on Tahiti Tourisme's website below. This document was last updated on August 5, 2022.Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Resources page for more detailed information on the specific requirements and remaining testing protocols to see which apply to you.If you are a Venture Tahiti client and are unable to comply with the new protocols before your travel dates arrive, please contact your Tahiti Specialist to reschedule under our Book with Confidence policy.
The Tahiti Travel Specialists at Venture Tahiti have recently introduced a comprehensive online guide providing resources for travel during the pandemic. In our COVID-19 Travel Resources, you will find a real-time COVID-19 travel update, answers to Frequently Asked Questions, new COVID-19 travel protocols introduced by the United States, French Polynesia and the airlines, and recent news articles related to international travel during the pandemic. You can also find suggestions on what to take with you as well as many health and safety protocols introduced by the hotels and resorts in Tahiti.
For more details, click for a link to the source article.
The new Entry Requirements have finally been announced for Tahiti's May 1st reopening. The cautious French Government, undoubtedly influenced by the level of infection in Europe, has announced that travel to French Polynesia can commence for fully vaccinated, or immunized, visitors from the United States only. Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Resources page for more detailed information on the specific requirements and testing protocols. The link below also provides more insight as published by the news site "Tahiti Infos". The content is in French, but Google Translate is available. If you are a Venture Tahiti client and are unable to comply with the new protocols before your travel dates arrive, please contact your Tahiti Specialist to reschedule under our Book with Confidence policy.
The government of French Polynesia has just announced that they will accept a specific type of Antigen Test as an alternative to the RT-PCR test for entry into Tahiti. The RT-PCR test has been in place since July 2020. As mentioned in our French Polynesia COVID-19 Entry Protocols, the Antigen test must detect the "N" protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This test should prove to be more widely available, be less expensive, and produce faster results.
In response to the new regulations, requirements and entry protocols updated and clarified by the authorities in French Polynesia on April 22, 2021, Air Tahiti Nui has updated the guidance provided on their website. We have provided a helpful updated summary of Air Tahiti Nui's policies in our Tahiti Travel Tip called, "Air Tahiti Nui | COVID-19 Policies & Protocols". It is also found in our COVID-19 Travel Resources section. Air Tahiti Nui's source documents can be found through the link above or below.
An interview by Travel Pulse with Kristin Carlson, Managing Director of Tahiti Tourisme. Kristin provides timely answers on travel to Tahiti under the new Entry Protocols.
United Airlines streamlines boarding process for its San Francisco to Tahiti flights by integrating the new Entry Requirements into their "Travel Ready Center". Click the link below to view the Travel Ready Center on UA's website. This does not eliminate the need to complete the Tahitian government's online forms. But, it does streamline things, add some peace of mind, and allow you to check-in from another domestic US airport.
Does Travel Insurance cover COVID-19? What exactly is covered? Which policy should I buy? These are questions we are often asked at Venture Tahiti. The professionals at Yonder Insurance have put together a nice summary of how Travel Insurance companies treat COVID-19 related issues. Click the link above or below for the details. If you are interested in comparing policies for yourself, click here. You can also learn more about Travel Insurance in our article titled, "Should I buy Travel Insurance".
French Polynesia is listed by Travel Pulse as one of the safest countries to visit this summer. This is based on recent CDC travel recommendations. Tahiti reopened to US travelers in May and touts some of the lowest levels of COVID-19, globally. French Polynesia continues to lead the way in the global reopening efforts.
Upon the reopening of the resort, Luxury Travel Magazine recognizes The Brando's "enhanced" dedication to Holistic Wellness. The new offerings of the Varua Te Ora Spa at The Brando are designed to "tap into the power of one’s physical and spiritual senses for a much-needed mind, body, and soul realignment".
The US State Department has validated the response to COVID-19 by the government of Tahiti by recently lowering the travel risk assessment for French Polynesia to "Level I - Exercise Normal Precautions". This is great news for US tourists and the people of French Polynesia. We applaud their continued efforts in leading the way back to safe travels.
The High Commissioner and President of French Polynesia have announced a temporary restriction for the Society Islands from August 23rd through September 6th. Resorts remain open and travelers can still travel between accommodations in their itineraries. However, they will need to remain on resort property during their stay. You can read the full press release through the links above and below. You can also find more updates on our COVID-19 Travel Update.
Travel + Leisure agree that a workcation should be in your future. This article features the many resorts offering extended stay specials right now in Tahiti. Check out the article, then give us a call to help you set up your office in paradise.
Get ready to hear more about this topic, The Workcation. Millions of Americans are getting a little tired of working from home. For a change of scenery, many hotels in French Polynesia are offering extended stay discounts and making setting up a remote office in the islands, easier than ever before.
Lists, lists, and more lists. Venture Tahiti has made the Entry Requirements for Tahiti easier with our own Pre-Flight Checklist. But, Travel + Leisure have provided another list - The TOP 25 Things to do Before Your Flight! There are some great tips inside.
The world is slowly reopening and travel is coming back...but, the new COVID-19 rules and protocols can get confusing. According to Travel Pulse, the biggest mistake travelers are making right now is not consulting with a Travel Specialist or Advisor. At Venture Tahiti, we work with clients in many different ways...
A press conference was held by the President of French Polynesia, Edouard Fritch, and the High Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia to reconfirm that The Islands of Tahiti are still on track to resume tourism on May 1st.Tahiti will only allow tourists from the United States for now as France and other European countries are currently exhibiting "High Epidemic Risk." Tahiti Tourisme has not released the new Entry Protocols, yet. But, they are said to be released very soon. There is an indication that vaccinations and/or immunizations will be taken into account in the new procedures. Stay tuned and we will provide an update as soon as more details are released.
During the recent, temporary border closure, Venture Tahiti was featured in TravelAge West's article on the impact of COVID-19 on Tahiti tourism.
The President of French Polynesia has announced that Tahiti will reopen on May 1st. After discussions with Emmanuel Macron, President of France, the table is set to reopen based on new Entry Protocols that are forthcoming. "We are going to put in place a protocol at the entry of our borders using virological testing, serological testing, vaccine and ETIS (Electronic Travel Information System). We will explain this protocol in detail with the High Commissioner in the coming days”. - Edouard Fritch, President of French Polynesia
On Wednesday, April 7, 2021, after meetings with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, the President of Tahiti has announced that Macron does indeed approve of Tahiti reopening its borders on May 1, 2021. Macron is satisfied with how French Polynesia has managed the COVID-19 crisis. More details on Entry Protocols to follow.
Tahiti Tourisme's CEO, Jean-Marc Mocellin issued a statement that borders will remain closed through April, but with the intent to reopen to tourism on May 1st. Tahiti continues its positive trends of reducing COVID-19 numbers within its borders and looks forward to welcoming back tourism very soon.
Travel insurance policies are adapting to the new world of travel protocols, including COVID-19 testing and potential quarantine. AIG has introduced a new optional rider that would cover the accommodations expense incurred should you test positive for Coronavirus prior to returning to the United States. We encourage you to carefully consider the inclusions and coverage of several insurance offerings prior to making a decision on which policy to buy. Yonder Insurance makes it very easy to compare and contrast the policies and pricing of major carriers.
Given discussions held between French Polynesian leaders and their French counterparts, Tourisme Tahiti expects current border closure, enacted on February 3, 2021, to be "very temporary". Eduoard Fritch, the President of French Polynesia, strenuously requested that the temporary closure of Tahiti be no more than three months in duration. Tahiti has seen much improvement in their COVID trends. However, leaders of France mandated the closure for all of its overseas territories due to fear of new COVID variants they were already seeing in Europe. French Polynesia's economy, and it people, depend on tourism. A closure of more than 2 or 3 months would be a devastating and avoidable mistake. Expectations are that the borders will be open for travel in April or May.
The Centers for Disease Control have announced that traveling presents a low-risk of COVID-19 among those that have been fully-vaccinated. They even go so far as saying that vaccinated travelers do not have to be tested for COVID-19 before or after traveling, unless mandated by the airline or their destination.
For the latest from Air Tahiti Nui on the recent February 3, 2021 border closure and how it may affect your travel plans, please see the link inside. With the recent suspension of leisure travel, Air Tahiti Nui has a dedicated web page to provide travelers with the latest information. From conditions of entry to rebooking options, you will find everything you need to know related to flights scheduled for February or March.
You may already be hearing a lot about the potential of Vaccine Passport Requirements. 30 airlines are already testing one version of one. Okay, we know this is a controversial subject. But, it isn’t going away. Some advocates for digital health passports are in the camp of safety first. Others don’t care as long as they can travel again. Still others have grave concerns about government overreach and privacy issues, assuming Mark Zuckerberg doesn’t already know everything about you. CNBC gives a solid overview in the attached link.
The President of Tahiti suggests this latest border closure should only last 2-3 months. Tahiti has seen much improvement in their COVID trends and has implemented excellent protocols and standards for tourism during the pandemic. With this latest border closure being mandated for all French Territories, the President of Tahiti is stressing the importance of keeping this closure to no more than 2-3 months. Tahiti depends on tourism to survive. A closure longer in duration than 2-3 months would have a devastating effect on the nation's economy and citizens. Expectations are that the borders will be open for travel in April or early May.
Recently vaccinated Americans are ready to travel again. However, health officials are not ready to take their feet off the brakes, just yet. The debate continues on proper protocols once vaccinated.
Millions of travelers have been disappointed over the last year due to canceled or postponed trips as a result of the Coronavirus. Adding to the disappointment was the realization that most travel insurance policies did not provide much, or any, coverage if the trip was canceled or delayed due to the pandemic. Thankfully, companies are offering more coverage options with regard to contracting COVID-19, being denied access to flights, or being quarantined. Since the pandemic, Venture Tahiti has expanded the available insurance options that they recommend to clients to help address some of these issues. Our specialists recommend that you compare policies very carefully and fully-understand what is and what is not covered. We recommend using a trusted comparison tool like Yonder to help you gather several quotes and select the best plan for your personal circumstances.
The World Health Organization voiced their opinion that a requirement of a Vaccine Certificate or "Vaccine Passport" is not the best solution at the current time. Many people around the world, including in developed and undeveloped nations do not have access to vaccines just yet, and may not for some time. Requiring a vaccine to travel would discriminate against those without equal access to a vaccine.
As of February 3, 2021, Tahiti's borders will be closed again, temporarily. We expect borders to open again after 2-3 months. French Polynesia has been welcoming back guests since July, 2020. As of February 3, 2021, their borders will be closed again, temporarily. Despite Tahiti's progress in combatting the COVID virus, other areas under French rule have not fared so well. As a precaution, the leaders of France have mandated that all French Territories close their borders for a two month period. This is due to concerns in France about new COVID variants and is not correlated to the progress made on the ground in Tahiti. In the months preceding this mandate, Tahiti was trending very positively with decline numbers of cases. The leaders of French Polynesia have been very clear that this closure should not last more than 2-3 months.
We are not surprised. Are you? French Polynesia has earned a spot on the list of "safest destinations" to travel during the pandemic. Tahiti and Bora Bora should be on your list of safe destinations to travel to. Their track record for handling COVID-19 and implementing necessary safety protocols for tourists has put them at the top of the list of the safest destinations in the world. Let us know if you'd like to plan a trip to paradise.
The CDC has now mandated that all passengers must wear masks on public transportation - Effective Immediately. Most transportation providers were making sure of this already, but now its official.
As of February 3, 2021, French Polynesia will once again close its borders to temporary. This is a mandate passed down from France and is not indicative of the positive trends that Tahiti has been showing with regard to COVID-19. All French Territories must comply. We have been told this is a very temporary measure and expect borders to reopen by May 1st, if not sooner.
Leave it to The Points Guy to give a nice synopsis of the new COVID-19 testing requirements prior to returning to the US. Never fear, the government of Tahiti, Tahiti Tourisme, and Air Tahiti Nui have already taken steps to make this very easy on its American visitors as well.
COVID-19 testing is becoming ubiquitous with international travel. Testing is here to stay, at least for a little while. Now, LAX has made it a bit easier by introducing rapid result PCR testing right at the airport. Results available in 3-5 hours.
The CDC has issued new guidance and recommendations for International Travel during COVID-19, including separate recommendations for fully-vaccinated vs. unvaccinated travelers.
Travel + Leisure examines some of the issues surrounding Vaccine Passports. Are they the way of the future?
For current COVID-19 statistics in French Polynesia, including new cases and trends, check back with this link from time to time. Tahiti Tourisme updates it weekly.
Our Tahiti Specialists have summarized relevant information from this link in our Tahiti | COVID-19 Entry Requirements post in our COVID-19 Travel Resources section of this site. For additional information, including travel advisories for French Polynesia, COVID-19 travel restrictions for Bora Bora and the Islands of Tahiti, and entry and stay protocols for the islands, please visit the link below. This link is updated regularly by Tahiti Tourisme and Venture Tahiti has segmented these topics into helpful articles on our COVID-19 Travel Resources page.
In November of 2020, Travel + Leisure put out a nice article titled, "What It's Like to Travel to Bora Bora During the Pandemic, According to an American Who Went". For those of you wondering what the experience may be like with social distancing and new protocols in place, this is a nice piece to read. Please keep in mind this was prior to the new Entry Requirements that will go into effect on May 1, 2021.
For more details, click for a link to the source article.
Conde Nast Traveler put out a nice piece, albeit "Pre-COVID", called "The 12 Best Travel Insurance Policies and Why You Need Them". We think the common themes in the article still ring true and all travelers should be well-versed on Travel Insurance. In our Tahiti Travel Tips piece called, "Should I Buy Travel Insurance", we recommend using Yonder Travel Insurance to compare and price major travel insurance policies that best fit your individual needs. It is a great tool and available through this link. Yonder also gives back to the global community. With every travel insurance policy sold, they donate a week of meals to vulnerable children in need in Nepal and Southeast Asia.
Was your Air Tahiti Nui flight cancelled due to COVID-19? Please click the link below for Air Tahiti Nui's COVID-19 Flight and Rebooking Information. Also visit our COVID-19 Travel Resources page for helpful articles as well.
French Polynesia advances protocols and safety measures to lead to a July 15, 2020 reopening to tourism. This makes Tahiti one of the first countries to reopen to travelers. Forbes lays out the details.
