Franska Polynesien

Översikt

French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity and/or constituent country of the French Republic. It is made up of several groups of Polynesian islands, the most famous island being Tahiti in the Society Islands group, which is also the most populous island and the seat of the capital, Papeete.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

There has recently been a minor outbreak of Dengue Fever in Papeete and surrounding areas. A much bigger outbreak happened in 2001, resulting in more than 27,000 cases. Dengue Fever is a viral disease that causes flu-like symptoms and can be, in some cases, fatal. Dengue fever is transmitted by Aedes Mosquitoes. There is no vaccination for this disease.

Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travellers over one year of age. It should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure.

Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for those who might need blood transfusions or injections while abroad. Those who are going to have intimate contact with locals should also get the vaccine.

Typhoid vaccine is recommended for all travellers, with the exception of short-term visitors who restrict their meals to major restaurants and hotels, such as business travellers and cruise passengers.

Yellow fever vaccine is required for all travellers greater than one year of age arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas, but is not recommended or required otherwise.

In order to minimise the risk of contracting traveller’s diarrhoea, travellers are advised to eat and drink food items that have been properly cooked, packaged, sanitised or pasteurised. Avoid cooked foods that are no longer piping hot. Cooked foods that have been left at room temperature are particularly hazardous. Avoid unpasteurized milk and any products that might have been made from unpasteurized milk, such as ice cream. Avoid food and beverages obtained from street vendors. Do not eat raw or undercooked meat or fish. Some types of fish may contain poisonous bio toxins even when cooked. Barracuda in particular should never be eaten. Tap water should be avoided unless is has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected.

Good medical facilities are available in Tahiti and in some other islands. Some medical treatments are available only in the main island. Some hospitals and doctors will accept credit cards or insurance payment, but some others will accept only cash, regardless of whether you have travel health insurance.

Pass

French Polynesia is a Overseas Collective (Collective d’Outre Mer) of France. Nationals of all countries are required to have a passport valid for six months beyond the length of stay.

Visum

Citizens of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, Monaco and Andorra don’t need a visa for French Polynesia. Citizens of Australia, Canada, United States and several other countries don’t need a visa for short-term stays. Short-term stay is usually under 90 days (nationals of certain countries might obtain only a one month permission and then ask for extension).

The concession of visas for French Guyana is controlled by the central government in Paris. Non-EU nationals who intend to work in France need a work visa. The procedure is different for short-term (up to 90 days) and long term visas. French embassies in your country of origin (see below) should be contacted in order to obtain more detailed information. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into the country (see medical section after).