How to go through customs freely for your vacation in Tahiti?

And yes, there are rules. 

Tahiti, a paradise island in the heart of French Polynesia, attracts visitors from all over the world. Before diving into the crystal-clear waters or relaxing on its white-sand beaches, it's crucial to know the customs rules for a hassle-free stay . It would indeed be a shame to have to pay a heavy fine as soon as you get off the plane. Or worse, see the lagoon through the bars of the Tatutu detention center in Papeari!

Declaration on arrival

Upon arrival, you must submit a declaration to customs and declare all the products you bring. This step is essential to avoid complications During your stay.

, then you can do your online declaration. And this as soon as you have a network. As for me, I do it from the Duty Free in Los Angeles. This can do Save a lot of time at the arrival. You will find the download links of this application below:      Google Play          Apple Store

Products exempt from duties and taxes

Some items can be imported without paying duties or taxes. This generally includes the personal purchases ou gifts. However, it is important to note that even these items must be declared. The tobacco and alcohol being extremely taxed in Polynesia, and therefore excessively expensive, one might be tempted to put some in one's luggage to make nice gifts for the friends one comes to see and who live in Fenua. But be careful not to exceed the authorized quota. You might see yourself confiscate your presents through customs while receiving a heavy fine. Hello, the start of the holidays...

Tobacco and alcohol

For tobacco and alcohol lovers, there are specific limits to respect:

- Cigarettes : up to 200 units

- cigarillos : up to 100 units

- Cigars : up to 50 units

- Pipe tobacco : up to 250 g

- Champagne : up to 4 liters

- Wines, sparkling wines, naturally sweet wines, fortified wines and wine-based aperitifs : up to 4 liters

– Beers, ciders or perries : up to 2 liters

– Brandies, liqueurs, vodka, whisky, rum, gin, cognac, armagnac : up to 2 liters

Travelers from Less than 18 years old ne are not allowed to import from tobacco or alcohol duty-free.

What you have to understand is that the maximum allowed per adult is 4 liters. For example, you can take in your luggage 2 liters of champagne et 2 liters of wine without having to pay taxes upon arrival in French Polynesia. However, there are 2 specificities with the beer ciders and pears and with many strong alcohols. For these alcohols more protected because some are produced within the territory, the Pigmentation that we can have in our luggage is 2 litersBut here again, we can mix and match. 2 liters of beer with 2 liters of wine or 2 liters of champagneBut you can't mix them with... stronger alcohols such as gin, rhum, pastis or whiskey. And similarly, the strong alcohols can also be mixed with wines and champagnes.

Here are some examples of what you can bring:

• • • 2 liters of wine + 2 liters of champagne
    • 2 liters of rum + 1 liter of wine + 1 liter of champagne
    • 1 liter of beer + 3 liters of champagne

Finally, I strongly advise you to download application "I declare" whose download links are located above in this article to do your own simulations before departure.

Other goods

As for other goods, persons aged 15 years and older can import up to 30 F.CFP of goods, or around 250 euros, without paying duties or taxes. For the Less than 15 years old, the limit is 15 F.CFP, is around 125 euros.

Prohibited items

It is strictly prohibited to import certain items, including:

- Live animals not originating from Polynesia

- Plant materials, flowers, fruits (except if Polynesian)

- Cultured pearls non-Polynesian

- Arms, munitions et Narcotics

In addition, some foodstuffs are strictly prohibited on import into French Polynesia and many are subject to a strict regulations. I therefore advise you to read this article to find out about it.

Telecommunications equipment

All equipment of telecommunication must be declared and may require a import license. We are talking here about material of radio, CB,transmitter, and not of course cell phones.

Luggage storage

If you need to store your luggage, luggage storage facilities are available at Tahiti-Faa'a Airport. Rates vary depending on the size of the bag and are payable upon drop-off. Here you will find a detailed article on the extensive luggage storage facilities on the island of Tahiti.

Ultimately

The key to a successful trip to Tahiti is preparation. By respecting customs formalities and informing you about the authorized items, you will be able to fully enjoy your stay in this corner of paradise. It is said that Tatutu prison is the most modern and comfortable in the world. That's true. But take my word for it, it's better to be on a stilts in the middle of a turquoise lagoon 😉