French Polynesia flag French Polynesia Beach Holidays

Flights, Hotels & Travel Guide

Bora Bora's lagoon, Moorea's peaks, and overwater bungalows across 118 South Pacific islands. Plan your French Polynesia beach holiday with flights and tips.

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£1 CFPF 138

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Weather & climate

Weather in French Polynesia

French Polynesia

28°

Overcast

Thu

27°

28°

Fri

27°

28°

Sat

28°

28°

Sun

27°

28°

Mon

26°

27°

Tue

26°

27°

Wed

24°

27°

SPF level in French Polynesia

Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)

Spring

SPF 50+

Summer

SPF 50+ (extreme)

Autumn

SPF 50+

Winter

SPF 50+

Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.

Before you go

Entry requirements for French Polynesia

What British travellers need to know

You can visit French Polynesia without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business.

Your passport must have an expiry date at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave French Polynesia.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

To stay longer than 90 days, to work or study, check the visa application process and timelines on the French visa website.

If you want to work in French Polynesia, get permission from the French Consulate General before you travel there.

Good to know:

You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering French Polynesia.

You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

Safety in French Polynesia

Tips when travelling

French Polynesia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:

Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark.

Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive-looking jewellery or watches on the street.

Put valuables and travel documents in a safety deposit box or hotel safe.

When scuba diving, ask to see a dive operator’s credentials and check that safety equipment looks to be in good condition.

You need to carry both the 1968 version of the international driving permit and your UK driving licence when driving.

Bonus tips:

If you have not had any previous diving experience, check what to do if something goes wrong, including how to call for help while at sea.

Tropical storms including cyclones can happen from November to April, so monitor local news and weather reports.

More information

Driving in French Polynesia

A valid UK driving licence is accepted. An International Driving Permit is recommended.

Side of road

right

Motorway speed limit

110 km/h

Urban speed limit

50 km/h

Alcohol limit

0.05%

Remember: French Polynesia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.

Health in French Polynesia

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not applicable in French Polynesia.

No vaccinations required

Consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations and health precautions before travelling to French Polynesia. Dengue fever and Zika virus are present, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues.

Cards & payments

Credit card acceptance is good in tourist areas, hotels and larger establishments and shops. Smaller businesses may only accept cash.

Visa

High

Mastercard

High

American Express

Medium

Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096

Tipping in French Polynesia

Tipping is not mandatory in French Polynesia, but it's becoming more common for good service.

Restaurant

5-10% for exceptional service

Bar/Café

Small change or 5-10% for exceptional service

Taxi

Round up the fare or a small tip for helpful service

Hotel Porter

100-200 XPF per bag

Hotel Housekeeper

100-200 XPF per day

Tour Guide

5-10% of the tour price for a good tour

Mobile & roaming

As the UK is no longer in the EU, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in French Polynesia. Roaming charges can be high; consider a local SIM card if you plan to use your phone extensively.

Local SIM

5GB for 5000 XPF (~£35)

Network coverage

4G, 5G

Electrical in French Polynesia

Voltage

220V / 60Hz

Plug types

Type A, Type B, Type E

UK adapter needed

WiFi & internet

WiFi is commonly available in hotels, resorts, and some cafes, particularly in tourist areas. Coverage can be limited on smaller islands or in more remote areas. Some places may charge for WiFi access.

Average speed

25 Mbps

Free Wifi is available in most resorts.

Emergency numbers

Universal emergency

112

Police

17

Ambulance

15

Fire

18

Save 112 in your phone before travelling.

Calling French Polynesia

Country code

+689

To call a number in French Polynesia dial 00 689 40 12 34 56.

The country code for French Polynesia is 689. When calling from outside French Polynesia, use the exit code of your country followed by 689 and the local number.

UK Embassy

British Embassy Paris (France)

35 rue du Faubourg St Honoré, 75383 Paris Cedex 08, France

Frequently asked questions

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.