Do I need a visa for French Polynesia? +
Not for French citizens: it is a full French territory, no visa paperwork, but a valid passport is mandatory (an ID card is not enough, since almost all flights transit through the United States, where a passport is required even for a technical layover). For other nationalities, entry conditions are close to mainland France's but distinct from the Schengen regime: check with the consulate before booking.
What's the budget for 2 weeks in French Polynesia? +
Around €2,900 in budget mode (family guesthouses, simple inter-island flights), €5,800 in comfort (3-4★ hotels, inter-island pass), and €12,000 to €18,000 for a honeymoon with an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora. The Paris-Papeete flight (€1,100-1,300 in economy) remains the biggest fixed cost regardless of travel style.
Bora Bora or Moorea, which should I choose? +
Bora Bora for the most spectacular lagoon and the iconic overwater bungalows, but at steep prices (€1,200+ a night in a 5-star resort). Moorea delivers 90% of the visual experience at 50-60% of the price, with no domestic flight needed (ferry from Tahiti, 30-45 minutes), and it's the best base for swimming with whales.
When should I go to French Polynesia? +
May to October: the dry season, the most comfortable time to travel (less rain, calmer seas). July to October adds the chance to swim with humpback whales in Moorea or Rurutu, peaking in August-September. November to April: hot and humid, more rain but also the best hotel rates.
How do you get around between the islands? +
Air Tahiti serves nearly every inhabited island from Papeete: 10 minutes to Moorea, around 50 minutes to Bora Bora or Rangiroa. The inter-island pass becomes worthwhile from 3 flights. Ferries connect Tahiti to Moorea (30-45 min) at a much lower price. Remote archipelagos (Marquesas, Australs) are only reachable by plane or the Aranui mixed cargo ship.
Is French Polynesia safe? +
Yes, among the safest destinations in the Pacific for tourists. Standard caution around valuables applies in urban Papeete. The main practical risk is medical and logistical: secondary islands are far from medical facilities, so insurance covering inter-island evacuation matters.
What's the time difference with mainland France? +
Tahiti is UTC-10 year-round (no daylight saving). Compared to Paris, that's -11h in winter and -12h in summer. A call or message sent in the morning in France lands in the middle of the night in French Polynesia: plan the timing.
Should inter-island flights be booked in advance? +
Yes, especially in high season (July-August, year-end holidays) and for remote archipelagos (Marquesas, Australs) where flight frequency is low. Book Bora Bora or Rangiroa flights 2-3 months ahead to get a choice of schedule.
