Tahiti has been open….is it the right time to visit?

February 13, 2021

It’s been a long road back to planning those dream vacations. Good news! Tahiti prepared early and has played the long game in order to get tourists back to their islands. Since July 2020, clients have had successful vacations to Tahiti. Could now be the best time to plan a trip? We think so.

Honeymooners, Chris and Amanda, waiting patiently to see if Tahiti was going to work for their trip. They were among the first group of our clients to get to Tahiti during the pandemic and make their trip a reality. These milestone type trips made up a large number of travelers during 2020 and 2021. In addition to honeymoons, we also planned weddings, birthday and family vacations. This wasn’t for the faint of heart. Traveling during a pandemic certainly has it share of challenges, both for clients and for the travel professionals taking care of the arrangements.

The demand for Tahiti continues to be high. We suggest you book as far in advance as possible. It’s not uncommon to find resorts completely sold out; especially in the peak months of May – August.

Overall Tahiti is a great value, and worth putting on your list. Could this be one of your first international trips since the pandemic began? Many resorts do include breakfast and most offer a dinner inclusive package you can include as well. Activities and excursions are reasonably priced but offer amazing cultural and stunning nature and outdoor experiences.

Take a look at the new “normal” protocols to consider. Many of our clients have faced these hurdles as they planned their trips. All agree the reward of being on a secluded island in the South Pacific, with very few tourists, is a once in a lifetime opportunity and worth the extra steps.

What are the requirements to travel to Tahiti?

1. Travelers must provide proof of “complete vaccination schedule” for passengers 18 years and older (CDC vaccination card). Children who are 17 and under, accompanied by a vaccinated adult are not required to be vaccinated.
2. A person is considered fully vaccinated 7 days after receiving the second dose of approved vaccine. . If the last dosage was prior to 9 months, and travel to French Polynesia is within 9 months , a booster shot is not required.
3. Next you must provide a negative COVID test taken within 24 hours of boarding your flight to Tahiti, complete an online health certification and request for entry. The good news is the airlines and governments have a very efficient process established. As of February 9, 2022 you can take either a PCR or an antigen test.
4. We also highly suggest you purchase travel insurance.

What happens if you get a positive test result before your trip?

We suggest working closely with a Tahiti Specialist with a company like ours. A specialist will be able to discuss a back-up plan to help you navigate the best way to approach your booking and determine if there is flexibility to re-schedule.

What happens if you can’t travel or if you must return home from your trip early due to border closures or lockdowns?

Many suppliers in Tahiti have committed to a flexible policy with change fees waived. A specialist will be able to advocate for you in this type of situation. We have a significant amount of experience on this topic!

What will the experience be like?

The Tahitian Islands feature endless space to explore by land and sea, providing a natural setting for social distancing. Tahiti has always received a small number of visitors in comparison to other island destinations. Overall you can find amazing resorts with excellent service, staffed by friendly locals who are anxious to welcome you to their home.