Travel Vaccines and Advice for Bora Bora
Bora Bora is an island group in the western part of the Society of Islands of French Polynesia. It is an overseas collective of France. The island is surrounded by a lagoon and barrier reef. It is an incredibly popular tourist destination.
You can expect luxurious hotels, beautiful bungalows, and locals accustomed to tourists. Snorkeling and diving in the lagoon are two of the most common pastime. There are also cannons from World War II for history-buffs to explore.
Those looking to enjoy some sun and explore the sea will find Bora Bora the perfect place to visit.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Bora Bora?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Bora Bora
Do I Need a Visa for Bora Bora?
What Is the Climate Like in Bora Bora?
Is It Safe to Travel to Bora Bora?
Shark and Stingray Feeding
What Should I Take to Bora Bora?
Canadian Embassy in Bora Bora
Do I Need Vaccines for Bora Bora?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bora Bora. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bora Bora: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Bora Bora |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Bora Bora |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is primarily transmitted through tainted food and water. Protection against this disease involves vaccination combined with good hygiene and careful food consumption.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fatigue, stomach pain, and jaundice. The hepatitis A vaccine provides effective prevention against the virus. It is administered in a series of shots, usually starting in childhood, and is recommended for travel to areas with high infection rates.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly virus transmitted through animal bites, affecting the nervous system. The rabies vaccine, given before or after potential exposure, prevents the virus from developing into active disease. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for high-risk groups like travellers, while post-exposure shots are crucial after suspected rabies exposure.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, caused by the hepatitis B virus, spreads through infected bodily fluids. While safe practices can reduce the risk, vaccination is the most reliable defense. The hepatitis B vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring robust and long-lasting protection against this liver disease.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can easily spread. Vaccination remains the primary defense against these threats. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, is a reliable way to bolster immunity and reduce the risk of infection and outbreaks.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Bora Bora if arriving from a region with the virus. Immunization is not otherwise recommended for the country.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection found in Bora Bora. Be sure to bring mosquito repellent. Mosquito nets are also a good idea, especially if you’re in a more rural area.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Bora Bora
Prevent Bug Bites in Bora Bora
If you get bitten by bugs, clean the area, resist scratching, and use over-the-counter remedies like hydrocortisone or antihistamines to relieve itching. Seek medical attention for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Bora Bora
When abroad, ensure food safety by avoiding street vendors, practicing hand hygiene, and opting for thoroughly cooked dishes. Choose bottled or canned drinks with intact seals. To prevent travellers’ diarrhea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at trustworthy restaurants.
Infections To Be Aware of in Bora Bora
- Dengue – Dengue fever, caused by Aedes mosquito bites, poses a significant global health risk. Preventative measures, including avoiding mosquito bites, are crucial due to the lack of direct antiviral treatments.
- Zika – Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, can lead to severe health issues and is primarily spread through mosquito bites. To prevent Zika, individuals should use mosquito repellent and wear protective clothing while travelling, and pregnant women should avoid affected areas and practice safe sex.
Do I Need a Visa for Bora Bora?
A passport which is valid for 3 months from the expected date of departure is required to enter the country. A tourist visa is not required for stays up to 90 days. A business visa is required.
Bora Bora Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Bora Bora? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of France and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Bora Bora?
Bora Bora is a beautiful island located in the South Pacific. Its climate is tropical, which means it is warm all year round, with temperatures between 25 to 30 degrees. The rainy season is from November to April, and the dry season is from May to October.
It’s important to check the weather forecast before planning a trip to Bora Bora, as the weather can change. You can do this by looking at the weather report online or on TV. By checking the forecast, you can make sure you pack the right clothes and plan activities that are appropriate for the weather.
Is It Safe to Travel to Bora Bora?
Bora Bora is a beautiful and safe travel destination, but it’s still important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some tips for staying safe:
- Research your accommodations before you book your stay to make sure it’s in a safe location.
- Be careful when doing water activities like swimming and diving.
- Keep your valuables in a safe place like a hotel safe.
- Respect local customs and traditions when visiting villages or religious sites.
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid unsafe areas.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Bora Bora.
Shark and Stingray Feeding
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
Go on a Lagoon Cruise excursion and enjoy the warm weather on the blue seas off of Bora Bora. Your guides will guide you into shallow water near the boat when you see the tips of gray fins peeking out of the water.
The Black Tip Reef sharks are about 2 metres long and will eat the food your guides provide. The food will also attract stingrays, which are said to behave like cats. If you’re careful you can pet them and the stingrays. They love it! Colorful fish are also likely to be drawn out by the food.
Many cruises will also provide you with snorkeling gear. You can see the fish swimming around and colorful coral. Ask your guide to provide you with fish food so that the you can get up close to them.
What Should I Take to Bora Bora?
Popular for so many types of travel, Bora Bora is a must visit destination. Make sure you bring these key items with you on your trip:
- Light Clothing – It can get very hot and humid in Bora Bora. You will be most comfortable in light, flowy clothing.
- Sunscreen – Lounging on the beach or exploring the outdoors is a must in Bora Bora. Make sure to lather up in sunscreen first to preventing burning.
- Swimsuit – Bora Bora has plenty of beaches and pools so bring a swimsuit to enjoy the water.
Canadian Embassy to Bora Bora
Canada currently does not have a residential government office in Bora Bora. You can obtain consular services from the Consulate General of Australia in Tahiti under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement.
Consulate General of Australia – Tahiti
Level 2, CCISM building, 41 rue du Docteur Cassiau
Papeete, Tahiti, 98713, French Polynesia
Tel.: 689 40 57 69 00
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the Bora Bora
“We had an amazing and informative visit. The nurse was amazing and helped us with everything we needed plus information to help with our trip to Bora Bora.”
“The nurse was efficient and straightforward and provided all the info I need to decide what shots to get for Bora Bora.”
“The nurse was very thorough and did a nice job on the vaccinations for all 4 family members before our trip to Bora Bora.”
“Very clean and comfortable clinic. The nurse was kind and respectful. We’re ready for Bora Bora!”
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