Is French Polynesia safe to travel to?

Yes—French Polynesia is generally safe for tourists, and current guidance is Level 1 (Exercise normal precautions). Most trips to Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea are trouble-free, but it’s still smart to stay aware of occasional protests, spotty transport schedules between islands, and the possibility of tourist-targeted scams.

What are the main travel risks in French Polynesia?

The main travel risks in French Polynesia are occasional civil unrest (usually localized), transport reliability issues such as ferry/flight delays between islands, and tourist scams in busy areas. Serious crime is uncommon, but keep an eye on valuables in markets, ports, and popular beach areas.

What is the current travel advisory for French Polynesia?

French Polynesia is currently under a Level 1 travel advisory: Exercise normal precautions. This is a low advisory level, meaning most travelers can visit with standard safety habits and routine planning for inter-island transportation.

What safety tips should I know before visiting French Polynesia?

Use normal precautions: keep passports and cash secure, avoid flashing valuables, and be extra alert in crowded areas like Papeete markets and ferry terminals. Build buffer time for inter-island flights/ferries, confirm schedules in advance, and save local emergency numbers and your accommodation details in case plans change.

French Polynesia

Europe

Higher risk than 12% of countries. Main concerns: civil unrest and transport reliability.

Government Advisory

Low

Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

Traveler Practical Risk

Low

Confidence: high. Main drivers: civil unrest, transport reliability, tourist scams.

Risk Profile

Score breakdown across 7 risk dimensions

📢Civil Unrest

Europe avg: 5850

🚌Transport

Europe avg: 5250

🎭Scams

Europe avg: 5250

🌊Natural Disaster

Europe avg: 2624

🏥Health

Europe avg: 1818

⚠️Violent Incident

Europe avg: 2412

🔓Petty Crime

Europe avg: 187

Practical advice

✓Follow standard urban travel precautions and keep local emergency contacts available.

Data Sources & Updates · Synced 5/10/2026

Government Advisory: U.S. Department of State

Advisory published: 12/2/2024 (by U.S. Department of State)

Our last sync: 5/10/2026

Indicators: World Bank Governance & Stability Indicators (2024)

Recent update: Updated 2026-05-10 from refreshed advisory and traveler risk indicators.

Frequently Asked Questions — French Polynesia

Is French Polynesia safe to travel to?: Yes—French Polynesia is generally safe for tourists, and current guidance is Level 1 (Exercise normal precautions). Most trips to Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea are trouble-free, but it’s still smart to stay aware of occasional protests, spotty transport schedules between islands, and the possibility of tourist-targeted scams.
What are the main travel risks in French Polynesia?: The main travel risks in French Polynesia are occasional civil unrest (usually localized), transport reliability issues such as ferry/flight delays between islands, and tourist scams in busy areas. Serious crime is uncommon, but keep an eye on valuables in markets, ports, and popular beach areas.
What is the current travel advisory for French Polynesia?: French Polynesia is currently under a Level 1 travel advisory: Exercise normal precautions. This is a low advisory level, meaning most travelers can visit with standard safety habits and routine planning for inter-island transportation.
What safety tips should I know before visiting French Polynesia?: Use normal precautions: keep passports and cash secure, avoid flashing valuables, and be extra alert in crowded areas like Papeete markets and ferry terminals. Build buffer time for inter-island flights/ferries, confirm schedules in advance, and save local emergency numbers and your accommodation details in case plans change.

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