Getting there & Getting around

Getting there

French Polynesia is readily accessible by air from most parts of the world, the sad exception being the rest of the Pacific. Qantas, Air New Zealand, Air France, Aircalin, Corsair and AOM shunt most of the visitors, though Lan Chile provides access from South America (and Easter Island) and Hawaiian Air flies between Honolulu and Tahiti once a week. All international air traffic comes through Faa Airport in Pape'ete. There is no departure tax in French Polynesia.

Cruise ships regularly call into the region and it's also a favourite among yachties - crewing positions are sometimes available. There are distinct sailing seasons in this part of the Pacific. Yachts tend to leave the US coast in September or October, and between January and the beginning of March. From Australia and New Zealand, yachts depart after the cyclone season, around March and April.

Getting around

Getting around the islands of French Polynesia can be done by boat or air, though access to some of the remote islands can be difficult and unreliable. The French government kicks in some financial support so domestic air travel is not as expensive as you might expect, but distances between some island groups are great and these flights are costly. Apart from some small charter operators, domestic flights are handled by Air Tahiti and Air Moorea.

Inter-island boats run regular routes between all of the island groups and can be a great way to travel within the region. Huge catamarans ply between Tahiti and Mo'orea and the very modern Ono-Ono services the rest of the Society group. Luxury cruises are available on vessels like the Wind Song, the Arunai and the Club Med 2.

Tahiti and the developed islands operate a local bus service (still known as le truck though the battered wrecks that once formed its core have now mostly been replaced), which is cheap and reliable. Taxis are available for hire, but they are horribly expensive. Rental cars, scooters and bicycles are good ways to explore, and 4WDs can be hired if you want to head inland on some of the tracks. In the Marquesas many locals (and tourists) choose to get around on horseback.

Visa information

Only French citizens can enter French Polynesia without a passport and the visa requirements are much the same as for France itself. EU, Scandinavian and Australian citizens are allowed to stay for up to three months without a visa. Citizens of Argentina, Canada, Chile, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, the USA and some other European countries can stay for up to one month without a visa. Other nationalities need a visa, which can be applied for at French diplomatic missions. Visa regulations for French Polynesia can change at short notice, so check with a travel agent shortly before departing.