Customs & Duties

Customs requirements can change at any time, so it's best to check with a travel agent before departing for Tahiti. Some general rules of thumb, however, are to limit the amount of perfume, alcohol, and cigarettes you bring into the country. Don't bring any live animals or pets, or cultured pearls of a non–French Polynesian origin. Also, take note that you are limited to the number of rolls of unexposed film (10) you can take into French Polynesia, and that any telecommunications or radio equipment must have an import license. For departing the country, you can leave with $800 worth of goods per traveler, including one quart of liquor and 200 cigarettes. Any items of worth (medicine, pearls, art, antiques, etc.) need an accompanying purchase documentation. Generally, customs in French Polynesia are fair and simple: make certain you have proper paperwork to document anything of worth entering or exiting the country, and follow all the basic rules—don't travel with the usual hazards and don't stash shells or animal products in your bag before leaving.

U.S. Information

U.S. Customs and Border Protection. www.cbp.gov.