French Polynesia Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK nationals can visit French Polynesia visa-free for up to 90 days. As an overseas collectivity of France and part of the EU's OCT (Overseas Countries and Territories), French Polynesia follows French entry rules for short stays.
Great news! United Kingdom passport holders can enter French Polynesia without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for UK nationals. On arrival at Fa'a'a International Airport in Papeete, Tahiti, present your valid UK passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your intended departure date, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. An entry stamp will be issued. As a French territory, frontier formalities follow French customs procedures but Schengen rules on the 90/180-day count do not apply.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to French Polynesia: What You Need to Know
French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity in the South Pacific, comprising over 100 islands including Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, and the Marquesas and Tuamotu archipelagos. It is not part of the Schengen Area or the EU customs territory, meaning that days spent in French Polynesia do not count towards your Schengen allowance. UK nationals benefit from visa-free access for stays of up to 90 days under French bilateral arrangements. The islands are renowned as one of the world's premier luxury and honeymoon destinations, but budget options are available in guesthouses (pensions) and local transport.
Practical Tips
The French Pacific franc (XPF) is the local currency, pegged to the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and larger establishments; cash is useful for local markets and smaller islands. Prices are significantly higher than in mainland France or the EU; budget carefully. There are no direct flights from the UK; typical routes connect via Los Angeles, Paris (CDG), or Auckland, with total journey times of 20 hours or more. Inter-island travel is by domestic Air Tahiti flights or ferries. Many outer islands are only accessible by boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK nationals need a visa for French Polynesia?
No. UK passport holders can visit French Polynesia visa-free for up to 90 days. As a French overseas collectivity, French Polynesia follows French bilateral entry rules for short stays.
Does time in French Polynesia count towards my Schengen allowance?
No. French Polynesia is a French territory but is outside the Schengen Area. Days spent in French Polynesia do not count towards your 90-day Schengen allowance. You can visit for 90 days and still use your full Schengen entitlement separately.
How do I fly from the UK to French Polynesia?
There are no direct flights from the UK. The main routes connect via Paris Charles de Gaulle (Air Tahiti Nui or Air France), Los Angeles (Air Tahiti Nui), or Auckland (Air New Zealand). Total journey time is typically 20 to 24 hours.
What currency does French Polynesia use?
French Polynesia uses the CFP franc (XPF), pegged to the euro. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments. Prices are significantly higher than in mainland Europe; budget accordingly.