It is NO LONGER compulsory for all yachts visiting French Polynesia to visit Papeete Customs and Immigration to complete the clearing-in process.

Yachts can now clear in or out of FP with the “gendarmes” offices (French Police) at the ports of entry in the other islands (Marquesas, Tuamotus, Gambiers, Australs etc.) and complete all customs and immigration formalities in the one place.

If visiting Tahiti or Moorea – within 50nm of the Islands (regardless of whether you have already cleared into FP elsewhere), it is compulsory to register with the Papeete Harbourmaster (this can be done by e-mail). Moorea, whilst a separate island, is under the same jurisdiction as Tahiti.

For full details on clearance into and out of FP and Papeete go to French Polynesia Formalities.

Boat Repair/Parts

Papeete is the first place from Panama that cruisers can source parts and individuals to do boat repair. There is no local VHF Cruisers net here so experienced FP cruiser Chuck Houlihan of SY Jacaranda has put together a very useful services guide.  This is downloadable as a .pdf or viewed online. By downloading the guide and the gps waypoints and importing into maps.me you can then use this guide offline. It can also be viewed online by clicking “View in Google Maps” which will drop you into the exact location of the store or service.

http://www.tahiticruisersguide.com/

Cruisers that have been through Papeete in the last couple of years can contribute suggestions of services or individuals who they found helpful.