Tahiti & French Polynesia: Entry Rules for U.S. Citizens

Do you need a passport for Tahiti and Bora Bora?

Yes — this is the most-Googled question about the destination, and the answer surprises people. French Polynesia is NOT a U.S. territory: it's a French overseas collectivity. A U.S. passport is required; the passport card won't work, and your driver's license won't either.

No visa needed though — U.S. citizens get 90 days visa-free per 180-day period for tourism.

Entry requirements checklist

• U.S. passport book valid for the duration of stay (6 months recommended)
• Return or onward ticket — airlines check this
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host details)
• No visa, no eVisa, no ETA required for stays ≤90 days

Is Tahiti a U.S. territory?

No — another common misconception. French Polynesia belongs to France. The U.S. territories in the Pacific (Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands) have different rules — those don't require a passport for Americans flying directly from the U.S. mainland in some cases. Tahiti always does.

Getting there and getting around

All international flights land at Faa'a International Airport (PPT) near Papeete, Tahiti. Bora Bora, Moorea, and the other islands are reached by Air Tahiti domestic flights or ferries — your 90-day allowance covers the whole territory.

Practical note: the currency is the Pacific franc (XPF), not the euro. U.S. dollars are accepted at resorts but at poor rates.

Other Pacific destinations without a visa

Same 90-day visa-free treatment applies in New Caledonia (also French). For comparison: Fiji allows 120 days visa-free, the Cook Islands 31 days, and French nationals can also stay via the same French-territory rules.