Travel Vaccines and Advice for Tahiti
Tahiti is home to two-thirds of the French Polynesian population as well as the capital of Papeete.
Tahiti became a French protectorate in 1842 and then a colony in 1880 when King Pomare V abdicated.
Residents are proud to continue their aita pea pea (not to worry) cultural philosophy. They also keep traditions like pareo garments, pahu drums and tattoo art.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Tahiti?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Tahiti
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Tahiti?
What Is the Climate Like in Tahiti?
How Safe Is Tahiti?
Visit Papeete – the Capital of French Polynesia
What Should I Pack for Tahiti?
U.S. Embassy in Tahiti
Do I Need Vaccines for Tahiti?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Tahiti. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Tahiti: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Tahiti |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Tahiti |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water sources. Vaccination is recommended for travelers and those at risk, along with maintaining good hygiene and food safety.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. The hepatitis A vaccine is an effective prevention method, administered in two shots over six months. The vaccine is recommended for travelers to areas with high hepatitis A rates and certain high-risk groups.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects mammals and spreads through the saliva of infected animals, primarily through bites or scratches. Preventing rabies involves vaccinating pets, avoiding contact with wild animals, and seeking immediate medical attention if exposed. The rabies vaccine is a crucial preventive measure that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B virus causes liver infection, spreading through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention measures include safe practices and, notably, hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine effectively triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, offering reliable, long-term protection against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can easily spread. Vaccination remains the primary defense against these threats. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, is a reliable way to bolster immunity and reduce the risk of infection and outbreaks.
Dengue is a risk for travelers to Tahiti, make sure you’re protected with mosquito repellents and netting.
Travelers’ diarrhea can happen anywhere. This one symptom can turn a honeymoon, leisurely vacation or business trip into a nightmare. Make sure to bring a travelers’ diarrhea kit to prevent the illness and help with symptoms.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Tahiti
Prevent Bug Bites in Tahiti
If you get bitten by bugs, clean the area, resist scratching, and use over-the-counter remedies like hydrocortisone or antihistamines to relieve itching. Seek medical attention for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Tahiti
When eating abroad, prioritize cooked and hot foods, choose reputable eateries, and practice good hand hygiene. Stick to bottled or sealed beverages, avoid tap water, and enjoy hot drinks or alcohol responsibly. To avoid travelers’ diarrhea, follow these tips: eat well-prepared foods, drink safe water, maintain hand hygiene, consider probiotics, and be selective about local dishes.
Infections To Be Aware of in Tahiti
- Dengue – Dengue fever is a significant global health concern. Symptoms can escalate from mild fever to life-threatening conditions. Preventing mosquito bites is key to avoidance, with recommendations including repellent and netting use.
- Zika – Zika, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, can lead to birth defects during pregnancy. Prevention includes mosquito bite avoidance, safe sex, and travel precautions.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Tahiti?
No, you do not need a tourist visa to travel to Tahiti for stays of up to 90 days if you have proof of return travel. If you are traveling to Tahiti for non-tourist business a visa may be required.
You do need a passport with a blank page for each stamp and three months validity.
Tahiti Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Tahiti? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of French Polynesia and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Tahiti?
Tahiti has a tropical climate and experiences about 2,500 to 2,900 hours of sun each year. Due to wind cooling daytime temperatures are in the 70’s throughout the year.
The territory has two main seasons, the rainy season and the dry season.
The rainy season is from November to March. It is usually hotter than the dry season. The island Tahiti is muggier with more rainfall and potential for tropical storms. It is possible for cyclones to form during the humid season. But, this is rare.
The dry season is from April to October. It is a little bit cooler with July and August being the coolest due to the maraamu Southeast trade winds. The dry season is still sunny and pleasant but is cooler and a little less wet and muggy.
How Safe Is Tahiti?
Tahiti is a very safe and pleasant travel destination. Remember, you must have ID with you at all times.
Crime is extremely unusual, on Tahiti. Take the usual precautions – don’t leave valuables unattended, for example. It is against the law to not help someone in danger unless doing so would involve danger to yourself.
There are some water creatures to watch out for. Sharks swim quite close to the shore. Attacks are very rare, but do occur. Moray eels can hide in corals and then bite and cause serious injury to swimmers. Coral is fascinating but can be sharp and poisonous.
Tahiti does experience cyclones and tropical storms. These are most common during the cyclone season from November to April.
Visit Papeete – the Capital of French Polynesia
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Papeete is the capital of both Tahiti and of French Polynesia. If you want to get a literal and figurative taste of Tahiti, Papeete is a magical place.
Visitors can enjoy shopping at the Marché de Papeete, which has beautiful cultural items. The include pareos and black pearls. Seafood can be found nearby sold by fishermen. Just a short walk away from the market is also the lovely Notre Dame Cathedral.
Another great choice to explore is the Municipal Market. It offers a wide range of goods including fresh foods and souvenirs.
If food is more what you’re looking for, consider the roulottes that Papeete has to offer. These food trucks offer a wide range of cuisines including Chinese and Italian.
What Should I Pack for Tahiti?
If you’re going to Tahiti, you’ll want to pack lightweight clothes like shorts and t-shirts, as well as swimsuits and dressier options for nicer events. You’ll also need comfortable walking shoes, sun protection items like sunscreen and sunglasses, and insect repellent to keep bugs away.
Bring a waterproof phone case or camera to take pictures, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Lightweight rain gear might be useful in case of unexpected showers, and a universal power adapter will be handy for charging your electronics. Don’t forget to bring any medications you need and some cash or credit cards for expenses. Check the weather before you go and make room in your suitcase for souvenirs.
U.S. Embassy in Tahiti
The United States does not have an embassy in Tahiti, but the U.S. Embassy in France offers help to American citizens traveling in French Polynesia.
The embassy can help with renewing or replacing a U.S. passport, provide emergency assistance in case of natural disasters or serious illnesses, offer notary services, and give information on federal benefits and voting while abroad. They can also give general information on traveling to French Polynesia and local laws and customs.
Centre Tamanu Iti, 1er etage
98718 Punaauia
French Polynesia
Telephone: +(689) 4042-6535
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Please contact the U.S. Embassy duty officer in Suva, Fiji: +(679) 772-8049
Fax: +(689) 4050-8096
If you are an American citizen traveling to French Polynesia, it is a good idea to sign up with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and information from the embassy.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Tahiti
“The nurse was very informative regarding her recommendations and precautions so that my trip to Tahiti will be as enjoyable as possible – health wise.”
“The nurse was amazing! I am already an experienced traveler and have gotten many shots before so I was just expecting a quick couple of shots and I would be on my way. Instead she sat down with me and talked with me about my trip and talked through what I should be aware of when traveling to Tahiti. It was an unexpected amazing visit. I will definitely use them again!”
“Great Clinic and Great Location for a satellite office. The representative at this location provided much health safety information about Tahiti.”
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