No need to go through quarantine to spend a vacation in French Polynesia. To give a little air to its economy based on tourism, the archipelago reopened its doors without conditions, welcoming its first vacationers on Wednesday.
After four months of stopping, commercial flights had resumed in early July, but passengers had to present a compelling reason to board and tourists were not allowed to come to Polynesia. This overseas community was confined a few days after the first cases of Covid-19 and only identified 62. The virus no longer circulates in Polynesia.
Tests to be performed
Since March, only a dozen flights of territorial continuity have been operated between Paris and Papeete. Funded by France, they have made it possible to repatriate Polynesians stranded in mainland France, to ensure medical evacuations, or even to transport freight, notably medical. All passengers arriving in Polynesia were subject to a 14-day quarantine, which increased to seven days on July 1. This quarantine is removed, to allow the resumption of tourism, the first local economic sector.
Travelers are however required to present a negative Covid-19 test carried out within 72 hours of their flight, and another test four days after their arrival. This second test will be carried out by the travelers themselves, using a self-collection kit which is provided to them upon arrival.
A new form
All passengers must also complete a new form, the ETIS. They agree to have travel insurance and must indicate their place of residence or their tourist route in Polynesia. Tahiti is also reopening its borders in the United States. This country remains very affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, but is also one of the main tourist markets for Polynesia. The absence of circulation of the virus in Polynesia is also an asset claimed by the local Ministry of Tourism.
Autonomous in terms of health, the Council of Ministers of French Polynesia took on Wednesday the decision to sanction a 750-euro fine for non-compliance with the barrier measures. Wearing a mask is now compulsory in public places.
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- Tourism
- French Polynesia
- Covid 19
- Coronavirus
- Society