Pet import requirements for TAHITI (French Polynesia)

TAHITI (French Polynesia) at a glance

The detail

Airport for arrival: All live animal / cargo flights arrive through Faa'a International Airport. Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia, the South Pacific archipelago. Age greater than 9 months and 21 days for USA except Hawaii / Age greater than 3 months for Hawaii.

Import requirements

Age greater than 9 months and 21 days for USA except Hawaii / Age greater than 3 months for Hawaii.

Bringing your pet or service animal to The Islands of Tahiti is possible but requires adherence to several regulations which may vary by your country of origin. The Islands of Tahiti has a sensitive environment that is free from rabies and other diseases that could possibly be transmitted through animals.

To be authorized to be transported by plane to French Polynesia, the animal must be accompanied by:

– an import permit issued by the Biosafety Department of French Polynesia (DBS);

– a health certificate signed by an of ficial veterinarian of the exporter country (previously negotiated, different for each country).

Crate specifications: animal was loaded either in the quarantine station or at the airport, in a cage meeting IATA standards with drinking and food distribution devices complying with its in violability and containing only in dustrial food, clean and free from arthropods vectors of animal diseases.

The relevant authority has sealed the cage at departure point with an of ficial mark copied on the accompanying animal health certificate and transported by fret, or in a private plane having been treated with an efficient long action pest treatment against ticks and fleas within WHO norms before its loading.

IN CASE OF ENTIRE FEMALE: gestation not exceeding 42 days, the day of departure

When traveling by air, animals must travel under the freight regime and in a transport cage sealed by the veterinarian at the time of loading (except for private aircraft).

Steps:

1

DOWNLOAD THE IMPORT PROTOCOL OF DOGS AND CATS IN FRENCH POLYNESIA

COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THE IMPORT PERMIT REQUEST FORM

2

THE 2 INTERNAL (VERMIFUGE) AND EXTERNAL (ANTI-FLEA AND ANTI-TICKS) PEST TREATMENTS MUST BE CARRIED OUT BY THE VET IN THE MONTH PRIOR TO DEPARTURE (1st within 30 days and 2nd within 4 days before departure, with a minimum of 14 days between each ) MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

3

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE TO BE COMPLETED BY THE COMPETENT VETERINARY AUTHORITY OF THE EXPORTING COUNTRY WITHIN THE 4 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE

4

DEEP INSPECTION OF THE ANIMAL BY A VETERINARY AT THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT AT THE TIME OF LOADING OR IN A QUARANTINE STATION IN THE PREVIOUS DAYS

5

INSPECTION OF THE ANIMAL BY THE OFFICIAL VETERINARY OF THE BIOSECURITY DEPARTMENT ON ARRIVAL AT TAHITI AIRPORT

The disease status varies from one importing country to another.

So in order to obtain the protocol in accordance with the country of origin of the animal, please go to the relevant page:

o from France

o from New Caledonia

o fromCanada

o from the USA

o from New Zealand

o from Australia

If the country of origin of the animal is not listed above, it means that there is no certificate negotiated between these 2 countries for the importation of dogs and cats, and we in vite you to contact us by email to: animal.impex@biosecurite.gov.pf

In case of an arrival by private aircraft, the sanitary conditions remain the same. *2.ARRIVAL BY BOAT*

All dogs and cats coming by boat from any country, must be declared by the owner, using the declaration form n ° 211A.

If the owner expects the animal to be allowed to disembark, he must complete the requirement listed on this same form n°211 A and provide all the documents listed in it.

All dogs or cats accompanying their owner aboard pleasure boats (sailboats, yacht, cruise ship) must respect the same sanitary conditions as an importation by plane, provided for in the regulation n ° 738 CM of 15 May 2013 as amended.

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

Please note, certain dog breeds are considered to belong to category 1 according to Decree No. 1927 HC of 12/22/2009 (regulations specific to French Polynesia), and are the refore prohibited from importing into French Polynesia. Please refer to the Restriction section for example of breeds.

An in spection by the of ficial veterinarian of the Biosecurity Department will be organized as soon as possible on board the boat at anchor or in a port on the Island of Tahiti.

This visit will lead to the issuance of:

– a strict lock down of the animal on board; or

– an unboarding pass « laissez-passer », authorizing the animal to disembark.

If the user is prevented from going to the island of Tahiti upon arrival, please contact the Biosecurity Department by phone: (+689) 40.540.100 or by e-mail: animal.impex@biosecurite.gov.pf as soon as possible.

Without a pass « laissez-passer » delivered by the direction of biosecurity, the animal is obligatorily maintained by the boat. It cannot disembark under any circumstances, in cluding for medical reasons.

*Any of fender exposes itself to a fine of 450 000 FPC pursuant to Article LP 58 of the Country Act No. 2013-12 of 6 May 2013.3.ASSISTANCE DOGS*

According to Order No. 738 cm of May 15, 2013 laying down the zoosanitary conditions applicable during the in troduction and importation of dogs and cats, animals are heard by the disability assistance dogs with disabilities.

*For in formation, a certified disabled assistance dog is defined as a dog that has been trained by a Dog Country (s) trading in stitution and who has a certification in force. Only requests in cluding a medical certificate or other of ficial document attesting to the owner’s disability and a certificate attesting the quality of the assistance dog issued by a dressed in stitution approved by the Dogworthy Country of Provenance are admissible. *

The term certified assistance dog does not in clude emotional assistance dogs, the rapy dogs, comfort dogs and psychiatric assistance dogs (or dogs of the same description), which are not assimilated to ASSISTANCE (DOGS Service). The recording of an animal on an ESA certificate only is the refore not suitable for receiving an import permit and are entitled to exemptions granted to certified disabled assistance dogs.

Any request must be accompanied by the following documents:

– a medical certificate or other of ficial document attesting the owner’s disability;

– a certificate attesting to the quality of the assistance dog issued by a dressage establishment approved by the country of origin of the dog.

Dogs of assistance to persons with disabilities are allowed to transit in the in ternational airport rooms specifically reserved for this purpose. They are not subject to the obligation to be exclusively transported as freight manifested to any animal in troduced or imported into French Polynesia.

Cats do not have to work derogation as such and must be exclusively transported as freight manifested.

• *REGULATION*

COUNTRY LAW No.2013-12 of 06 May 2013 regulating, for protection purposes in matters of biosecurity, the in troduction, import,

export and inter-island transport of living organisms and their by-products.

COUNTRY LAW APPENDIX to the Country Law No. 2013-12 regulating, for protection purposes in matters of biosecurity, the in troduction, import, export and inter-island transport of living organisms and their by-products, published in the Official Journal of French Polynesia No. 16 NS of 06 May 2013. (https://www.service-public.pf/biosecurite/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2017/10/LP_201312_echanges_annexe_anglais.pdf)

Decree no. 738/CM of 15 May 2013 setting the animal health conditions for in troduction and import of dogs and cats. (NOR: SDR1300891AC) modified by decree no. 899/CM of 1st July 2013 (NOR:SDR1301171AC)

Decree n°1927 HC du 22/12/2009 setting the list of dogs likely to be dangerous.

Must meet all import requirement.

List of countries recognized as rabies free by Decree No 738/CM of 15 Me 2013): Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Guam, Hawaii, Iceland, Japan, Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Singapore, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.

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.

Identification and microchip

Required. The animal must be identified by a tattoo or a microchip ISO 11784

Rabies and vaccinations

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 in ternational unit/ml.

For a dog having stayed six months prior to his departure to French Polynesia in a country considered as being in fected by leishmaniosis (Leishmania in fantum (Sand flies), it must either have undergone a test by in direct immunofluorescence or ELISA on a blood sample carried out 30 days prior to the shipping with a negative result, or properly vaccinated against leishmaniosis and tested for the disease allowing discrimination between vaccinal antibodies and those in duced by field in fection on a blood sample taken 30 days prior to the shipment with negative results.

Core vaccinations for dog or cat depending on your country’s protocol.

Tests and treatments

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)

Within the 30 days prior to shipping to French Polynesia, the animal must have undergone two treatments against in ternal parasites with an anthelmintic efficient against nematodes and cestodes (especially against tapeworm echinococcus). The second treatment must have been undergone at least 14 days of in terval from the first and within the 4 days prior the shipping.

Health certificate and permits

The pet must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate within 72 hours of travel. The relevant authority confirms that the pet has undergone, following the second pest control treatment provided in the previous point, a thorough examination of the coat, in cluding ears, in terdigital spaces and perineal area and has shown no external parasites noticeable or palpable.

• Either at the airport when shipped to French Polynesia;
• Or in the quarantine station, within 4 days prior his shipping to French Polynesia, the pet being isolated up to shipping date

Health certificate signed by an of ficial veterinarian of the exporter country (different for each country).

NOTE: This certificate must be countersigned by the of ficial government veterinarian, after the last in ternal and external antiparasitic treatment and within 4 days before departure. If the frames of the health certificate are too small for all the required in formation to be in cluded, an additional sheet bearing the certificate number and signed by the of ficial veterinarian can be added.

An import permit from the Zoosanitary unit of the Biosecurity directorate is required.

LINK TO IMPORT PERMIT APPLICATION

You are requested to send to the following address: secretariat@biosecurite.gov.pf an application for a prior import permit accompanied for each pet with a file consisting of a legible copy of the following documents:

• proof of his identity: tattoo card or microchip identification ISO 11784
• a statement of the owner establishing the list of countries in which the animal has visited or transited from birth or during the last 6 months preceding the import demand in French Polynesia
• for a Rottweiler dog or American staffordshire terrier a copy of its registration to an origins book recognized by the International Cynological Federation(FCI)
• for a dog, if applicable, a copy of the result of the Leishmaniasis screening test prescribed
• a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate (at least the last two vaccines must appear in the case of a vaccination in two in jections, or a booster vaccination made within the time prescribed by the manufacturer of the vaccine)
• a copy of the result of the titration of antibodies neutralizing the rabies virus

The identification number of the animal must appear on all the supporting documents on pain of nullity.

If the country of origin of the animal is not listed (USA, France, New Caledonia, Canada, New Zealand, Australia), it means that there is no certificate negotiated between these 2 countries for the importation of dogs and cats, and please contact by email to: animal.impex@biosecurite.gov.pf

https://www.service-public.pf/biosecurite/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2021/10/form_PIP_CNCT_ENG_FR.pdf

Helpful overview - https://www.service-public.pf/biosecurite/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2022/02/PROTOCOLE-USA-2.pdf

Quarantine

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.

Restrictions and banned breeds

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 the refore 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&data=05%7C01%7CLaetitia.JULLIAN%40airtahitinui.pf%7C6cfc4b7dc178498ad8c208db6c48f6a6%7C3913668e335a40a39e3c4141e6f3278a%7C0%7C0%7C638222832883970187%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0X3vr%2Bi2sjyo47zEf1z1DKHfpegIFrCjVh02XvsfGe4%3D&reserved=0), 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, the refore 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/

Customs, agents, and airports

Not required but owner should be present. If unable to be present a customs broker or agent will need to be appointed.

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 of ficial veterinarian on arrival at the airport of Tahiti Faa'a and pay the cost of the of ficial visit and issuance of passes. Be careful to take into account the DBS in spection schedules.

Helpful link: https://www.tahititourisme.com/customs-formalities/traveling-with-animals/

Destination Agent / Receiving Rules Required - Not required but the owner should be present. If unable to be present a customs broker or agent will need to be appointed. Veterinary in spection upon arrival required.

Helpful link:https://www.tahititourisme.com/customs-formalities/traveling-with-animals/

Airport for arrival: All live animal / cargo flights arrive through Faa'a International Airport. Certain animals depending on size (dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, freshwater fishes and freshwater turtles) are accepted in the cabin flying with Air Tahiti into other islands in French Polynesia.

*You also may arrive by boat.*AUTHORIZED ENTRY PORTS BY SEA:

Marquesas: Nuku Hiva (Taiohae), Ua Pou (Hakahau), Hiva Oa (Atuona)

Australes: Tubuai (Mataura), Rurutu (Moerai), Raivavae (Rairua)

Tuamotu/Gambier: Rangiroa (Tiputa), Mangareva (Rikitea)

Society – Leeward: Raiatea (Uturoa), Huahine (Fare), Bora Bora (Vaitape)

Society – Windward: Tahiti (Papeete: main entry port)

Inspection of the animal and documentary verification by the of ficial 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 of ficial veterinary at Tahiti airport (don’t forget to book an appointment) You can email - animal.impex@biosecurite.gov.pf

For the veterinary in spection 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 of ficial 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 of ficial veterinarian on arrival at the airport of Tahiti Faa'a and pay the cost of the of ficial visit and issuance of passes. Be careful to take into account the DBS in spection 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 in ternational 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 in spection of pet arriving.

Agent:

Owner can be present. Pet must be cleared through in spection upon arrival. Pet will be examined by the of ficial 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 of ficial veterinarian on arrival at the airport of Tahiti Faa'a and pay the cost of the of ficial visit and issuance of passes. Be careful to take into account the DBS in spection 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

Export notes

Requirements will depend on destination country. It is best to reach out to an island veterinarian for assistance.

CLINIQUE VETERINAIRE DE FARIIPITI

Ave Du CHEF VAIRAATOA

PAPEETE 98713

BP 5514 PIRAE 98716

Tél: +689 40 50 65 65

OR

Clinique Vétérinaire d'Auae Faa'a

Docteur Le Breuil Florian

+689 40 58 45 45

www.veterinaireauae.com

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

Please refer to CITES classification and in formation if your shipment of species is classified as needing this documentation. FP is part of CITES under France.

In case of an arrival by private aircraft, the sanitary conditions remain the same.

When filling out the health certificate If the boxes of APHIS FORM 7001 are too small to print all required in formation, an additional sheet bearing the number of certificate and signed by the of ficial veterinary of ficer can be added. It is a good idea to label each additional sheet with the corresponding microchip number.

Customs clearance assistance for air cargo:

Airport – JA COWAN & FILS

http://www.cowan-tahiti.com/lg-en/home

Tahiti Transit

https://www.tahititransit.com/en/

SIFA Tahiti

https://sifalogistics.com/en/customs-expertise/

Although these agencies help to assist with yacht travel they can sometimes give referrals or provide concierge services for pet travel in general.

Les Doanes - Motu Atu – Papeete

French Polynesia: +689 405 05550: dr-polynesie@douane.finances.gouv.fr http://www.tahiti-yacht-agents.com/_______________________Pascale & Coriandre Bredin: +689 877 74447: paco@seal-superyachts.com: www.seal-superyachts.comhttps://www.seal-superyachts.com/tahiti-yacht-agents/______________________________http://www.tahitisuperyachtsupport.com/

Requirements will depend on destination country. It is best to reach out to an island veterinarian for assistance. They will be able to assist with export endorsement.

• CLINIQUE VETERINAIRE DE FARIIPITI

Ave Du CHEF VAIRAATOA

PAPEETE 98713

BP 5514 PIRAE 98716

• Tél: +689 40 50 65 65

Clinique Vétérinaire d'Auae Faa'a - Docteur Le Breuil Florian

+689 40 58 45 45

www.veterinaireauae.com

Official contacts

• Contact the originating country's department of animal health to determine if import health requirements are on file for the destination country.
• If not, contact the originating country's Agricultural Officer at the Embassy or Consulate in the destination country. They should be able to provide the import health requirements in the language of the originating country.
• Alternatively, go to the source in the destination country and contact the country's Department of Animal Health.

For more in formation, contact the Biosecurity office at: animal.impex@biosecurite.gov.pf

Biosafety Directorate

Rural Development Department

Hippodrome Route, Pirae

PO Box 9575,

98715 Papeete CMP

Tel: +689 4042-3518

Fax: +689 4042-3552

Email: sdr.qaav@rural.gov.pf

Email: secretariat@biosecurite.gov.pf

Web: www.service-public.pf/biosecurity

Current as of August 2024

Disclaimer

Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2025-08-19.

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