How to go through customs freely for your vacation in Tahiti?
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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 its crystal-clear waters or relaxing on its white sand beaches, it's crucial to know the customs regulations for a hassle-free stay . It would be a shame to have to pay a hefty fine as soon as you step off the plane. Or worse, to see the lagoon through the bars of the Tatutu detention center in Papeari!
Declaration on arrival
Upon arrival, you must present a customs declaration and declare all the products you are bringing. This step is essential to avoid complications during your stay.
Products exempt from duties and taxes
Some items can be imported without paying duties or taxes . This generally includes personal purchases or gifts . However, it's important to note that even these items must be declared . Tobacco and alcohol are heavily taxed in French Polynesia, and therefore extremely expensive, so you might be tempted to pack some in your luggage as nice gifts for friends you're visiting who live there. But be careful not to exceed the permitted quota . You could have your gifts confiscated by customs and face a hefty fine . So much for a great start to your vacation…
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 litres
– Beers, ciders or perries : up to 2 litres
– Brandies, liqueurs, vodka, whisky, rum, gin, cognac, armagnac : up to 2 liters
Travellers under the age of 18 are not permitted to import duty-free tobacco or alcohol.
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, the ciders and the pears and with the 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, the rhum, the 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 highly recommend that you download the "I declare" application , the download links for which are located above in this article, to carry out your own simulations before departure.
Other goods
Regarding other goods, individuals aged 15 and over can import up to 30,000 CFP francs worth of merchandise, or approximately 250 euros , without paying duties or taxes . For those under 15 , the limit is 15,000 CFP francs , or approximately 125 euros.
Prohibited items
It is strictly prohibited to import certain items, including:
– Live animals not native to Polynesia
– Plant materials, flowers, fruits (unless Polynesian)
– Non-Polynesian cultured pearls
– Weapons , ammunition and narcotics
Furthermore, certain food products are strictly prohibited from being imported into French Polynesia, and many are subject to strict regulations . I therefore advise you to read this article to learn more.
Telecommunications equipment
All telecommunications equipment must be declared and may require an import license . This includes radio equipment , CB radios , transmitters , and of course, not mobile phones.
Luggage storage
If you need to store your luggage, lockers are available at Tahiti-Faa'a Airport. Prices vary depending on the size of your luggage and are payable upon drop-off. You can find a detailed article here about the wide range of luggage storage options available on the island of Tahiti.
Ultimately
The key to a successful trip to Tahiti is preparation. By respecting customs formalities and informing yourself about permitted items , you can fully enjoy your stay in this corner of paradise. They say Tatutu prison is the most modern and comfortable in the world. That's true. But take my word for it, it's much better to be on stilts in the middle of a turquoise lagoon 😉
Hello,
If I understand correctly, you can't mix two bottles of wine with hard liquor?
Can I put one bottle of wine with one bottle of spirits? Or put two bottles of spirits together?
Because there are 2 of us, so 2 suitcases, and we were planning to bring 2 bottles of hard liquor, 1 champagne and 1 or 2 wines.
Thank you ☺️
Ia ora na and mauruuru for your participation in this discussion thread.
No, you misunderstood. You can mix wine with spirits, but only up to a maximum of 2 liters of spirits. In other words, for one person, 2 liters of rum and 2 liters of champagne or wine is perfectly fine. 😉
For what you want to take, it's enough for one person if you take 1 liter of champagne, 2 liters of spirits, and 1 liter of wine. Since there are two of you, you can double those amounts.
The easiest way is to download the "I declare" app and run some simulations. You'll know exactly what you're entitled to and how much you'll have to pay if you exceed the limit. Have a great trip! 😉
Ia Ora na Titi,
If I understand correctly, if I buy a bottle of alcohol during my stopover in the USA, for example, a liter, I do not declare it. But if I exceed 4 liters (champagne, wine, and other alcohol), I declare it.
I have another question, if I decide to put 2 or 3 small items to eat in my suitcase (e.g. a packaged sausage, some dry biscuits and 2 or 3 vacuum-packed food bags) do I have to declare them? These are not fresh, vegetable products, so for me there is no declaration.
I pray to Eva.
Normally, you have to make a declaration even if you don't exceed the authorized duty-free quantities. That's why if you install the "Je déclaré" app, everything is simpler. For other products, and especially sausage, it must be packaged in its original packaging, on which the seller must affix a label proving its origin. Here, biosecurity is serious business, and they have a good nose. I also recommend you read this article, which describes everything in detail. https://tahiti-pratique.com/envoyer-et-apporter-a-tahiti-guide-pratique-pour-colis-et-bagages/ There you'll find links to official biosecurity services with information on the items you want to import. Above all, keep everything well packaged before going through customs. Happy planning!
Application used during my last return. Very satisfied 😎
Me too. I really liked it. The terminal at the arrivals is practical and you don't have to open your suitcases 👍