French Polynesia (Tahiti) Pet Import Requirements

If the pet has lived in a country which is not rabies free during the six months preceding departure, it must have been vaccinated or vaccinated again against rabies according to manufacturer’s recommendations with a vaccine prepared and used according to standards set up by the OIE Terrestrial Manual, the vaccination have been carried out on animals aged at least 3 months.

 

RABIES: concerns all animals except those having resided continuously for the last 6 months in Hawaii or rabies free area

The anti-rabies vaccination must be valid according to the manufacturer's recommendations. In case of primary vaccination: the animal must be at least 3 months old, and the vaccination must be carried out more than 6 months and 21 days before the day of arrival in French Polynesia (report the date of vaccination and the vaccine batch with period of validity.

The titration of antibodies neutralizing the rabies virus must be carried out for more than 3 months, and less than 12 months before the day of arrival in French Polynesia, with a rate of at least 0.5 international unit/ml.

Titre Test required for at least 3 months and wait 3 months after, also no later than 12 months before their shipping.

 Leishmaniosis test (see vaccinations section)

Pet must fulfill all entry requirements to avoid any form of quarantine or being denied entry. It is best to check with your country’s export requirements for French Polynesia / Tahiti.  Quarantine rules are subject to change.

French Polynesia is a territory free from rabies, leishmaniasis as well as many diseases transmitted by ticks and fleas and wishes to maintain this favorable health status.

 

At present imports of birds or reptiles are not allowed on the territory of French Polynesia.

Please note, certain dog breeds are considered to belong to category 1 according to Decree No. 1927 HC of 04/09/2009 (regulations specific to French Polynesia), and are therefore prohibited from importing into French Polynesia. This also applies to crosses and mixes of these breeds.

As defined by the French Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, the transportation of dogs that may be dangerous, i.e. category 1 (attack dogs) and 2 (guard and defense dogs) is prohibited.

Examples: Pitt Bulls, American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Broholmer, German mastiff, Majorca mastiff, Bordeaux mastiff, Bulldog, Bullmastiff,Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Italian Cane Corso and Tosa

The International Cynological Federation (FCI) does not recognize the American Bully "bully" or American Bulldog "Boul'Am" breeds, therefore the importation of dogs belonging to these breeds is refused in French Polynesia

For pets other than dogs and cats: see
https://www.service-public.pf/biosecurite/import/import-animaux-vivants/animaux-de-compagnie-autres/

 

Inspection of the animal and documentary verification by the official veterinarian of the DBS upon arrival in Tahiti, will determine whether the animal is authorized to circulate in French Polynesia or not.

 

Clearance by Yacht:

All dogs and cats coming by boat from any country, must be declared by the owner, using the declaration form n ° 211A. They must meet import requirements. Declaration form is found here - https://www.service-public.pf/biosecurite/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2021/10/Decla_bateau-1.pdf.

It is mandatory to declare the animals on board the vessel at the latest when entering French Polynesian waters, using the declaration form n ° 211A which must be returned completed and signed by e-mail to:

– yann.teikiteetini@biosecurite.gov.pf in the event of arrival in the Marquesas Islands at the first place

– animal.impex@biosecurite.gov.pf in case of arrival on the other archipelagos in the first place

 

Dogs and cats must travel by freight in French Polynesia. Exemptions for cabin travel may be granted by the Biosecurity Department only in the case of assistance dogs for disabled people or for transport by private aircraft. Inspection upon arrival by the Biosecurity’s official veterinary at Tahiti airport (don’t forget to book an appointment) You can email - animal.impex@biosecurite.gov.pf

For the veterinary inspection on arrival and the issue of the pass, the amount of 6500 XPF is requested by payment in advance by bank transfer or directly at the management of the Biosecurity Department (DBS headquarters at MOTU UTA ).

Upon arrival in French Polynesia, the animal must be accompanied with an import permit (PIP) issued by the Biosafety Department of French Polynesia (DBS); - Government FORM health certificate issued by the official USDA veterinarian - his own original documents (vaccination record, identification card, results of tests and treatments )

 

VETERINARY EXAMINATION ON ARRIVAL:
Please make an appointment with the DBS (by e-mail: animal.impex@biosecurite.gov.pf or by phone at +689 40 540 100) to schedule the examination by the official veterinarian on arrival at the airport of Tahiti Faa'a and pay the cost of the official visit and issuance of passes. Be careful to take into account the DBS inspection schedules.

A pass or a deposit of the animal will be decided if non-compliances are detected. In the event of detection on arrival in French Polynesia of an administrative or health non-compliance, a reshipment or euthanasia of the animal will be decided according to the assessment of the health risk.

It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure that all requirements of this protocol have been met. Any animal not picked up by the owners on the set exit date is considered abandoned.

On the day of pick up of the animal at Tahiti -Faa' airport and after the pass has been issued by the biosecurity department, users must:

- First go direct to the international freight office to with the “laissez-passer” delivered by the DBS and the original documents of the animal.

- Secondly, go to the Customs service located on the 1st floor of the same building, - and lastly, go to the freight parcel recovery area to pick up their animal.

-Lastly - go to the freight parcel recovery area to pick up their animal.

 

Customs Broker/Agent Requirments:

Customs Broker: No but recommended. See list under destination service providers. You also must make an appointment for inspection of pet arriving.

Agent:

Owner can be present. Pet must be cleared through inspection upon arrival. Pet will be examined by the official veterinarian of the Biosecurity Department of French Polynesia on arrival in Tahiti-Faa'a, who will issue a pass in the event of compliance.

Please make an appointment with the DBS (by e-mail: animal.impex@biosecurite.gov.pf or by phone on +689 40 540 100) to schedule the examination by the official veterinarian on arrival at the airport of Tahiti Faa'a and pay the cost of the official visit and issuance of passes. Be careful to take into account the DBS inspection schedules.

Best Airport:

Faa'a International Airport (PPT). Airlines flying to The Islands of Tahiti arrive at this airport located a few miles from Papeete on the main island of Tahiti.

Faa’a International Airport (PPT) International Airlines:

• Air France
  www.airfrance.com
• Air New-Zealand
  www.airnewzealand.com
• Air Tahiti Nui
  www.airtahitinui.com
• Aircalin
  www.aircalin.com
• French Bee
  www.frenchbee.com
• Hawaiian Airlines
  www.hawaiianair.com
• Latam Airlines
  www.latam.com
• United Airlines
  www.united.com

Faa’a International Airport (PPT) Domestic Airlines

Faa’a International Airport is also a primary terminal for domestic travel. Air Tahiti and Air Moana serve most major destinations within The Islands of Tahiti through regularly scheduled flights. Flights range between multiple times a day to weekly service.

• Air Tahiti
  www.airtahiti.pf
• Air Moana
  www.airmoana.com
• Tahiti Nui Helicopters
  www.tahitinuihelicopters.com

Domestic Charter Flights

• Air Achipels
  www.air-archipels.com
• Air Tahiti

www.airtahiti.pf