French Polynesia: Biosecurity and Health Notifications Required for Entry

Biosecurity and Health Requirements

Authorities in French Polynesia are becoming increasingly concerned about pests currently present in certain regions of the Eastern Pacific, including the Galápagos Islands and parts of Central America such as the Coconut Rhinoceros beetle.

The Coconut Rhinoceros beetle damages and kills coconut and oil palms and has also been known to attack bananas, sugarcane, papayas, sisal, and pineapple. Coconut palms photo from Tahiti Tourism website.

Advance Notice:

All vessels must now submit a maritime health declaration and a biosecurity questionnaire at least 48 hours prior to arrival. Biosecurity inspections can only be undertaken at Nuku Hiva or Papeete. Even if you arrive at another Port of Entry, you may be required to travel to either of these two ports to be inspected by Biosecurity officials.

These two new requirements are in addition to the standard Declaration of Entry – see French Polynesia Clearance for details.

General Biosecurity Requirements

In order to prevent the accidental introduction of insects, diseases or invasive species that could devastate the environment or agriculture of French Polynesia:

No Unloading: You may not land or take ashore any plants, agricultural products, fresh food, or animals before an official onboard inspection.
Quarantine Anchorages: If your first landfall is in the Marquesas, you can anchor and remain on board, but you must fly the yellow flag until cleared. Advance documentation must be filled out, and inspections are coordinated at Nuku Hiva or the port of Papeete.
Pests: If you are departing from an infested region (such as Panama or Mexico), you may be required to complete a preventive treatment on your vessel prior to departure.
Selected arrivals will be subject to visual inspection. Inspections will take place in the Marquesas Islands at Nuku Hiva and in Tahiti at the Port of Papeete.
Do not throw waste or food overboard while you are in French Polynesian waters. Waste must be stored carefully on board until instructions on its removal are given to you by agents from the phytosanitary unit if you are in Tahiti or from the local branch of the Department of Agriculture if you are on an island other than Tahiti.

These measures apply to all vessels arriving in French Polynesia, regardless of nationality or rally participation. Physical inspections are expected to be widened in 2027 to other ports of entry.

If you have been in French Polynesia already or for several years, the biosecurity paperwork doesn’t apply. However, if you have just entered French Polynesia, you must fill out the Biosecurity files online and get your boat inspected in Nuku HIva or Papeete.

Contact the Direction de la Biosécurité (Biosecurity Directorate) prior to arrival to ensure full compliance with current regulations including up-to-date lists of prohibited food items and official declaration forms. Failure to comply with biosecurity formalities may result in a fine of 450,000 XFP for vessels 20 metres or less and up to 900,000 XFP for vessels over 20 metres.

Biosecurity Directorate: Navires de Plaisance

Health & Vaccination Rules

In addition to biosecurity requirements a Maritime Health Declaration must be submitted by all vessels. This is due to health officials wanting to stop the spread of infectious diseases including Yellow Fever.

Maritime health declaration (DMS) All ships (cruises, yachts or pleasure boats) must submit the declaration at least forty-eight (48) hours before arrival. The captain must indicate the state of health of the people on board, specifying any symptoms observed (fever, cough, etc). More information can be found on the DPAM website – I would Like to Organize My Arrival by Sea in French Polynesia under the Before Arriving/Health Formalities section. The DMS must be submitted to the health surveillance department of the Directorate of Health at the following address : veille.sanitaire.arass@administration.gov.pf
Yellow Fever: Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from (or have transited through) a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

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