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Sarah Marshall describes the Farerei Haga Rangiroa festival, which celebrates the culture and traditions of French Polynesia. The festival features evening dance shows, coconut-shelling, va’a racing, and stone-lifting competitions. Her article also provides an overview of French Polynesia, highlighting its remote location, the beauty of its islands and atolls, and its association with exotic travel destinations. Marshall shares their experience of visiting Rangiroa and exploring the Blue Lagoon with their boat captain, Ismael Tixier, who showed them how to weave a plate from palm leaves and served them a lunch of mahi-mahi fish and coconut bread.
The Gauguin continues to charm travelers worldwide, enticing couples, honeymooners, families, nature lovers, and adventure-seekers to discover the wonders of French Polynesia with one-of-a-kind expertise, artful authenticity, and all-inclusive excellence. As the Gauiguin celebrates its 25th year, they expressed how incredibly grateful they are to their loyal guests and valued travel partners for their continued devotion to Paul Gauguin Cruises. Look forward to a year of nostalgic celebration and new discovery with Paul Gauguin Cruises.
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If you're into diving, the Tuamotu Archipelago is an excellent place to visit. This natural and cultural gem is located 600 miles south of Bora Bora and has many nearby dive sites where underwater life is spectacular. As you discover these atolls with incredible natural scenery, once you come back you'll definitely be seduced by them.
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.
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.
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.
Tahiti Tourisme teams up with AFAR Journeys once again for a custom designed itinerary featuring the "Big Three"...Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. This itinerary hits all the major sites and features 2 of our favorite resorts, the Sofitel Kia Ora Beach Resort and The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. We are very glad they included a stop at the sumptuous Villa Mahana as well!
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.
AFAR Journeys features another original Tahiti Tourisme itinerary with a 14 day immersion into Huahine and Moorea. If you are looking for a more authentic glimpse into slow, island life, this itinerary could take you there.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Four Seasons Bora Bora claims the award for "Best for an Epic Stay" for the fourth year running in AFAR's annual Traveler's Awards. Winning 4 years in a row has inspired Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort's Get a 4th Night Free package. Feel free to contact a Venture Tahiti Specialist for a quote on an Epic package for one of our favorite resorts.
Holland America has unveiled its 2022 itineraries featuring the South Pacific. Both the 34 night, "South Pacific Crossing" and the 45 night, "Tales of the South Pacific" make stops in our favorite destination.
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.
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.
COVID-19 has taken down its share of businesses and hotels worldwide. Unfortunately, the InterContinental Resort & Spa Moorea is on the list and has closed permanently. Thank you for the memories InterConti Moorea. We will miss you.
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.
Want a behind the scenes look at one of our favorite resorts? The Brando is featured in the BBC's "Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby".
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.
For some people a postcard or a Tahitian Black Pearl is enough. But, for others, and you know who you are, souvenirs have to be over the top. Well, this one lasts for ever (and it looks pretty cool). Our friends onboard The Aranui 5 have you covered.
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.
For more details, click for a link to the source article.
The exotic Islands of Tahiti have won Travel Pulse's Travvy Award for the "Best Destination Overall" for 2020. We are not surprised. Once you visit, you will agree!
Forbes provides a nice list of the Best Resorts in Tahiti. It's so hard to narrow it down to a top 5 as people have different tastes and preferences, but we think they made some great choices. Let us know if you want us to plan an itinerary for you featuring one or more of these great resorts.
Travel Pulse details the steps necessary, including testing and entry requirements, when traveling to French Polynesia during COVID-19.
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.
Both Tahiti and Bora Bora make the list of the World's Best Places to Visit, according to CEO World.
Rangiroa and Fakarava in the Tuamotu Atolls named by CNN as one of the world's "most epic" Diving destinations. We agree, of course. Let us know if you'd like to visit this part of French Polynesia. We'd be glad to help.
