Travel Vaccines and Advice for Tahiti
Tahiti is home to two-thirds of the French Polynesian population as well as the capital of Papeete.
Tahiti became a French protectorate in 1842 and then a colony in 1880 when King Pomare V abdicated.
Residents are proud to continue their aita pea pea (not to worry) cultural philosophy. They also keep traditions like pareo garments, pahu drums and tattoo art.
Do I Need Vaccines for Tahiti?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Tahiti. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Tahiti: 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 Tahiti |
||
| 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 Tahiti |
||
| 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 a risk for travellers to Tahiti, make sure you’re protected with mosquito repellenta and netting.
Traveller’s diarrhea can happen anywhere. This one symptom can turn a honeymoon, leisurely vacation or business trip into a nightmare. Make sure to bring a traveller’s diarrhea kit to prevent the illness and help with symptoms.
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 Tahiti
“The lady there was extremely nice and gave me so much useful knowledge for Tahiti! I’m happy that even though I didn’t get any vaccines that I was completely informed about everything. She was so patient and answered all my questions. I enjoyed my visit!”
“Very knowledgeable nurse and great service. Definitely recommend for anyone going to Tahiti!”
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Tahiti?
No, you do not need a tourist visa to travel to Tahiti for stays of up to 90 days if you have proof of return travel. If you are travelling to Tahiti for non-tourist business a visa may be required.
You do need a passport with a blank page for each stamp and three months validity.
Tahiti Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Tahiti? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | |
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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 Tahiti?
Tahiti has a tropical climate and experiences about 2,500 to 2,900 hours of sun each year. Due to wind cooling daytime temperatures are in the 20’s throughout the year.
The territory has two main seasons, the rainy season and the dry season.
The rainy season is from November to March. It is usually hotter than the dry season. The island Tahiti is muggier with more rainfall and potential for tropical storms. It is possible for cyclones to form during the humid season. But, this is rare.
The dry season is from April to October. It is a little bit cooler with July and August being the coolest due to the maraamu Southeast trade winds. The dry season is still sunny and pleasant but is cooler and a little less wet and muggy.
How Safe is Tahiti?
Tahiti is a very safe and pleasant travel destination. Remember, you must have ID with you at all times.
Crime is extremely unusual, on Tahiti. Take the usual precautions – don’t leave valuables unattended, for example. It is against the law to not help someone in danger unless doing so would involve danger to yourself.
There are some water creatures to watch out for. Sharks swim quite close to the shore. Attacks are very rare, but do occur. Moray eels can hide in corals and then bite and cause serious injury to swimmers. Coral is fascinating but can be sharp and poisonous.
Tahiti does experience cyclones and tropical storms. These are most common during the cyclone season from November to April.
Visit Papeete – the Capital of French Polynesia
Papeete is the capital of both Tahiti and of French Polynesia. If you want to get a literal and figurative taste of Tahiti, Papeete is a magical place.
Visitors can enjoy shopping at the Marché de Papeete, which has beautiful cultural items. The include pareos and black pearls. Seafood can be found nearby sold by fishermen. Just a short walk away from the market is also the lovely Notre Dame Cathedral.
Another great choice to explore is the Municipal Market. It offers a wide range of goods including fresh foods and souvenirs.
If food is more what you’re looking for, consider the roulottes that Papeete has to offer. These food trucks offer a wide range of cuisines including Chinese and Italian.
What Should I Pack for Tahiti?
Think ahead on what to pack by perusing these suggestions:
- Bug Repellant – Mosquito-borne infections are present on Tahiti. Make sure you bring repellent with you on your trip.
- Secure Bag – While crime is rare, Tahiti does require you have your passport with you. Make sure you keep it in a secure bag so it is not lost or stolen.
- Adapters for Electronics – Tahiti uses 220 V outlets. Be sure to bring outlet adapters and a power converter.
Canadian Embassy in Tahiti
Tahiti is a magical place, but it’s important to know where the nearest help is in case of emergency. While there is no embassy in Tahiti, there is a Canadian consul in Australia serving the region:
Consulate of Australia in New Caledonia
Immeuble Norwich, Level 2,
11 Georges Baudoux street,
Artillerie, Noumea, New Caledonia
Tel.: 687 272 414
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Tahiti?
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Tahiti?
What is the Climate Like in Tahiti?
How Safe is Tahiti?
Visit Papeete – the Capital of French Polynesia
What Should I Pack for Tahiti?
Canadian Embassy in Tahiti
