Tahiti Is Ready For A Safe Reopening

The Islands of Tahiti will reopen its borders to international tourists as early as July 15. The destination continues to be proactive and innovative in implementing an avant-garde health protocol to protect the local population and its visitors in search of a stay free of Covid-19.

As a reminder, the destination has only recorded about 60 cases with no fatalities; from mid-July, quarantine will be replaced by a protocol including 3 commitments applicable to all travellers (resident and non-resident) arriving by air:

• Perform an RT-PCR test of SARS-CoV-2 within three days before the flight to Tahiti and present the negative result to the airline attendant upon check-in
• Complete a health commitment form via the online platform Etis.pf, (Electronic Travel Information System). Like a health ESTA, this health surveillance system established by the government of French Polynesia monitors the traveller’s health status and allow to contact the traveler throughout his itinerary if necessary.
• 4 days after the traveller’s arrival in French Polynesia, they will carry out a self-administered RT-PCR test of SARS-CoV-2 using the kit provided free of charge upon arrival at Tahiti Faa’a international airport.

If a traveller is tested positive during their journey in The Islands of Tahiti, they will be rapidly transported to the main island of Tahiti to avoid any spread and for medical care if necessary by the local health authorities.

Also, a guide of procedures and recommendations to protect against the COVID-19 virus has been produced specifically for the tourism sector and professionals trained, while awareness campaigns are being broadcasted on local television channels to the population.

Jean-Marc Mocellin, CEO of Tahiti Tourisme, said: “The country, the health authorities including Louis Malardé research Institute, the Ministry of Tourism and Tahiti Tourisme as well as the tourism actors have all been mobilized over the last few weeks to prepare for the return of our visitors. This health protocol with the ETIS platform and the Traveler’s Self-Test implies a huge work and an impressive logistics for a territory as big as Europe.”

In addition to this health protocol aspect, most of the Polynesian tourism professionals have agreed to adopt a common policy waiving cancellation or changes fees in favor of the visitor.

Go to www.tahititourisme.ca for more.