October 2020

Jeff is the Director of Sales for Down Under Answers, a tour operator specializing in customized experiences for Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia & Africa. Out of these destinations, the islands of Tahiti are one of the few destinations currently open to U.S. visitors. Jeff just got back from his visit this month and tells about his personal experience with updates on the latest entry requirements for this beautiful destination. 
Reading time:  4 1/2 minutes

Q. What should US tourists know about going to Tahiti now?
A: The Islands of Tahiti are OPEN and there is very minor instance of the pandemic. We have just 290 active cases of COVID in Tahiti and they have been expats returning from France and travels overseas. The Islands of Tahiti set themselves up perfectly for social distancing. The popular islands of Moorea, Bora Bora, Taha’a, Huahine, Rangiroa or Tikehau give the exclusive feel of being private and luxurious.

Q. What makes Tahiti better than before?
A. There are two things that have improved due to the pandemic:  One, there are fewer people so you have more space than ever before. The second thing is that the enhance safety protocols in Tahiti attract travelers who are more globally minded and respectful of the health and well being of others.

The local Polynesians have always been warm and welcoming. Tourism provides them with employment and is an important economic sector. So the locals are pleased to see travelers.

Q. Are all hotels and facilities fully open and accepting visitors?
A. The Islands of Tahiti, like the rest of the world, initially went into lockdown back in March, but they did such a good job with no deaths and only a small incidence of COVID, they reopened on July 15. In reopening the resorts and tours, it has been a gradual process. We are now at the start of October and the resorts and tour companies that have been open since July are reporting a good return to a new normal. By that, I mean all guests, staff, and Tahitians, in general, are required to wear a mask in public areas. This means onboard your flight, at the airport, on transfer vehicles, vessels, and domestic flights. When you are at your resort you will wear a mask when you go into a restaurant, but once you are seated and socially distanced from others, your mask can come off. 

Q. Are activities and excursions available?
A.  With returning tourism, so are activities and excursions. Jet ski across an azure blue lagoon with Mt. Otemanu rising like a Greek Adonis draped in a blanket of rainforest that falls upon a sugar-white sand beach. Ride an ATV that takes you to a lofty lookout where the incredible beauty of the lagoons becomes overwhelmingly apparent. Also enjoy hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, fishing, snorkeling, and world class diving. The Islands of Tahiti are the place where the world dreams of escaping to for natural beauty; North America is blessed to be able to take that journey. 

Q. What are the requirements to enter Tahiti?
A.  You will need a COVID-19 RT-PCR test (Molecular Test) and it must be administered by a health professional (NO self-testing). The test must be performed 3 days prior to the day of travel, so if you are departing from LAX on a Friday, you must book an RT-PCR test for Tuesday 8 am to allow them time for an email from the doctor of your negative Covid-19 result. When you go to check-in for your International flight you need three documents: 
1. Passport 
2. Negative Covid-19 test (RT-PCR Test)
3. the ETIS health registration form that you complete online and print. 
Please also visit Tahiti's Official Tourism website for more information

Q. Anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
A.  The Islands of Tahiti are back and are doing it right!  With Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji still closed, if you are interested in traveling to and experiencing the best of French Polynesia, best to start talking to Amy, a Tahiti specialist!   

Hint: a breed of dog shares its name with this country's coastline