Travel Vaccines and Advice for French Polynesia
In French Polynesia travellers will see the many shades of blue of the ocean and experience cool waters. The mountain views will take your breath away with their moss green peaks. If you want to experience life at a slow pace and lay back and relax, French Polynesia is the place for you.
There are many activities to enjoy in French Polynesia. You can dive and snorkel in Rangiroa, watch the whales in Rurutu, and much more. There are also sites to experience art, music, and dance of French Polynesia.
French Polynesia offers travellers fresh ingredients like fish, taro, and fruits to experience. These ingredients are prepared in many ways. Cuisines include savory vanilla sauces, Chinese specialties and gratins.
There is so much to discover in French Polynesia whether it’s in the water or on land. If you’re interested in island life, then this is the perfect fit for you. French Polynesia awaits you.
Do I Need Vaccines for French Polynesia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for French Polynesia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for French Polynesia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - 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. - 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. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - 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. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for French Polynesia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| 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. |
| 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. |
Routine Vaccinations for French Polynesia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| 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. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Dengue is present in some parts of French Polynesia. This mosquito-borne disease can be deadly. Be sure to bring mosquito repellent and netting.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for French Polynesia
“The nurse was most friendly and helpful in outlining what vaccinations are recommended for my trip to French Polynesia. She was extremely thorough in explaining how I take the vaccinations, and followed up with an email with the same information. I highly recommend a trip before your trip!”
“The young lady nurse who helped us was very knowledgeable, intelligent and sympathetic to our needs. She answered all of our questions about French Polynesia and looked it up if she had any doubts. We did not feel rushed and she was very friendly and professional. The beautiful young lady made us feel very safe for our first trip to come and she made our day! Thanks for giving us a smile in our step :)”
“Booking an appointment was easy. The nurse was very helpful, knowledgeable and was very easy to deal with. Great experience overall would definitely repeat and recommend.”
Do I Need a Visa for French Polynesia?
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.
French Polynesia Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to French Polynesia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of French Polynesia 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 French Polynesia?
This country has a mixture of tropical climates. French Polynesia’s higher regions have a subtropical climate because of the temperatures. A tropical savannah climate and unpredictable weather are what French Polynesia mainly experiences.
The western islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora have dry and wet seasons. From June until October travellers will see the least amount of precipitation. But, after these months pass the precipitation increases. The north, south, and east islands don’t see this increase in precipitation.
French Polynesia is located in a region with severe tropical weather. Hurricane season starts from the end of October until June.
How Safe Is French Polynesia?
French Polynesia has a low crime rate. But, petty crimes like pick pocketing and purse snatching do occur. Travellers should keep an eye on their valuables and be aware of their surroundings at night. Do not purchase counterfeit or pirated goods because you’re breaking the law.
Grotte aux pas (Cave of Footprints)
There is much to do in French Polynesia. It’s also known as the cave of footprints and is located in Marquesas, which is near the south east coast of Ua Huka.
The cave has a spooky like feel to travellers who come upon the cave at the beach. Fine sand covers the entrance of the cave. Travellers can see the footprints of unknown beings in the sand before the tide comes in.
What Should I Take to French Polynesia?
Before you come to French Polynesia, there are some things you need to take with you on your trip.
- Currency — French Polynesia’s currency is the Pacific French Franc (CFP). There are banks on the main islands and hotels that also help with the exchange of currency.
- Cash and Credit Cards — You can bring both. Not all places accept credit cards. Travellers’ checks are also another option. ATMs are available on the main islands to use for credit and debit cards.
- Health and Safety — Make sure to bring all recommended medications with you for your trip.
Canadian Embassy in French Polynesia
Canada currently does not have a residential government office in French Polynesia. You can obtain consular services from the Consulate General of Australia in New Caledonia under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement.
Centre Tamanu Iti, 1er etage
Norwich Building,
11 rue Georges Baudoux,
Noumea, New Caledonia
Tel.: +687 27 24 14
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for French Polynesia?
Do I Need a Visa for French Polynesia?
What Is the Climate like in French Polynesia?
How Safe Is French Polynesia?
Grotte aux pas (Cave of Footprints)
What Should I Take to French Polynesia?
Canadian Embassy in French Polynesia
