What is a Pet Passport?
We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents that fulfill French Polynesia pet import requirements for dogs or cats entering the country. This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for resident pets. The pet passport will include proof of microchip, rabies and other vaccinations, rabies titer test results, an import permit, and an export health certificate.
Animals Eligible for These Regulations
Unless otherwise stated, the regulations below apply to domestic dogs and cats including service and assistance dogs and cats. These regulations do not include the import of wolf hybrids, Savannah and Bengal cats, unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree.
Pets in French Polynesia
French Polynesia, known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and luxury experiences, is a popular tourist destination in the South Pacific. In French Polynesia, pet ownership is relatively common, with dogs and cats being the most popular companions. Other pets such as birds, fish, and small mammals may also be kept by some families.
Cultural attitudes towards pets in French Polynesia are generally positive, with many people considering their pets as valued members of their families. Pets often accompany their owners on outdoor activities and outings, contributing to the vibrant pet-friendly culture of the islands.
Given French Polynesia’s remote island geography, however, the availability of veterinary services and pet supplies may vary across different islands. In larger urban centers like Papeete on the island of Tahiti, pet owners are more likely to find veterinary clinics, pet stores, and other pet-related services. Pet owners who plan further travels in the islands of the Pacific will want to research pet import requirements to address testing and treatments needed.
Flying a Pet to French Polynesia
Some commercial airlines that offer services to pets that fly to Fa’a’ã International Airport in Tahiti are Air France, Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti and Air Tahiti Nui.
Flights to French Polynesia should be direct or transit through a rabies-controlled country or another EU Member State if possible*. *Note: If your pet has a layover in an EU Member State in its itinerary, then additional requirements will apply.
Find a Licensed Veterinarian
Before beginning any pet export procedure, make sure your veterinarian is approved by the governing veterinarian authority in your pet’s country of origin. The agency of the government that is responsible for the movement of live animals should either license or employ your veterinarian.
Quarantine for Pets Entering French Polynesia
Quarantine will not be imposed on your pet if the following regulations are met. Pets not meeting import regulations will be quarantined, returned to the origin country or euthanized. All costs are the responsibility of the importer.
French Polynesia Pet Import Requirements
All steps required to import a pet dog or cat to French Polynesia must be completed in the origination country. Complete steps 1-6 in the order given.
Step 1: Country Classifications
French Polynesia classifies countries as rabies-free and non-rabies-free countries. Dogs and cats must reside in these countries for at least 6 months prior to import.
The following countries are classified as rabies-free:
Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, the Falkland Islands, Fiji, Guam, Hawaii, Iceland, Japan, Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Singapore, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.
All other countries are classified as non-rabies-free.
Pet owners should identify the classification of their country of origin before reviewing import regulations for French Polynesia.
Step 2: Pet Microchip
The second step to importing a dog, cat, or ferret to French Polynesia is to have your pet identified with a non-encrypted, 15-digit pet microchip that is compliant with ISO 11784 or Annex A of ISO 11785. If your pet’s microchip is not ISO-compliant, you can either bring your own microchip scanner.
A licensed veterinarian, a veterinary hospital, or a trained nurse should implant the microchip. You should receive documentation as to the manufacturer of the microchip and instructions on how to register your pet’s information in the manufacturer’s or government database in your country.
A readable tattoo is also an acceptable form of identification.
All tattoo and/or microchip numbers should be recorded on all documentation required by French Polynesia.
Step 3: Vaccinations
Unless your pet has lived in a rabies-free country (step 1) during the six months prior to travel, it must have proof of a current rabies vaccination after microchip implantation. The vaccination must be administered after three months of age and more than six months before entering the country.
Note that puppies and kittens younger than three months of age cannot be vaccinated for rabies.
The administering veterinarian will issue either a rabies certificate or record relevant information in a government-issued vaccination booklet or EU Pet Passport (issued in the European Union).
Other Vaccinations/Tests
Dogs entering French Polynesia from any country must be vaccinated against the following diseases according to their country’s disease status: canine parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis/adenovirus, and leptospirosis.
Cats entering French Polynesia from any country must be vaccinated against feline calicivirus, panleukopenia, and feline rhinotracheitis.
Dogs who have lived in a country considered to be infected with leishmaniasis within 6 months of entering French Polynesia must show negative results in a screening test within 30 days of entry, whether or not they are vaccinated against the disease.
Step 4: Rabies Titer (Serology) Test
A rabies titer test measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. It must be administered more than 30 days after the rabies vaccination. Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) tests are recommended, as they are accepted by every country that requires this test.
Unless your pet is entering French Polynesia from a country classified as rabies-free (Step 1), it will need a rabies titer test. The sample must be processed by a laboratory approved by the World Organization of Animal Health not sooner than 30 days after the primary rabies vaccination and between 3 and 12 months of entry. If your pet is currently vaccinated, the titer test can be administered right after a booster vaccination.
Step 5: Import Permit
You must file an import permit with the Ministry of Agriculture in advance of entry. If your dog or cat is transiting through a country that requires it, a quarantine reservation must be provided. All vaccinations and tests must be provided at the time of application.
Your pet must have a certificate from the quarantine station that the booking is effective and respects the 3 months delay after rabies and rabies titer test.
Step 6: Parasite Treatments
Before your dog or cat can enter French Polynesia, it must be treated against both internal and external parasites using standard procedures twice within 30 days of entry. The second treatment must be administered at least 14 days apart from the first treatment and within 4 days of transport.
Step 7: Health Certificate
Every country worldwide requires a health certificate in their pet import regulations, and French Polynesia is no exception. The health certificate must clearly identify your pet, including its microchip number and species.
After the vaccinations and titer test are completed, a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin must then complete the pet health certificate for French Polynesia very shortly prior to entry. After issuance, the certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian representing the agency in the country of origin responsible for the import and export of live animals.
For pets entering from rabies-controlled countries (step 1), health certificates must contain a statement that your dog or cat has been in your country of origin for 6 months prior to export.
Other Information
Importing Puppies and Kittens to French Polynesia
Puppies must be a minimum of 10 months of age to complete the process to enter French Polynesia. All rules in these import regulations above will apply.
Related: Transporting a puppy
Breeds Banned by French Polynesia
The following dog breeds must have a pedigree issued by an organization recognized by the
International Federation of Cynologists (FCI) to enter French Polynesia:
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
Entering French Polynesia with a Pet
Dogs and cats entering French Polynesia by air must do so at Fa’a’ã International Airport in Tahiti. Notification of arrival must be provided.
Your pet’s crate must be sealed by government officials in the originating country. The number must be reflected
on the health certificate. Dogs and cats must not transit through a country that is not classified as rabies-free.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA compliant?
Any dogs or cats entering French Polynesia by pleasure boat must have preapproval from the Ministry of Agriculture.
All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry to Austria. If your dog or cat is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at importer expense.
Importing Other Pet Animals to French Polynesia
Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, and mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to the requirements of rabies vaccination but will have to meet other requirements and must have an import permit and a health certificate to enter French Polynesia. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Importers should verify that their pet is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This is important if your pet is not a dog or cat, and it is even more important if it is a turtle or parrot. You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countries participate in and enforce CITES regulations.
Related: Search the CITES database
Related: Learn more about CITES
Need More Detailed Pet Import Requirements and Forms for French Polynesia?
Visit PetTravelStore.com for further details on permits, costs, tests and pet import regulations for French Polynesia at minimal cost. They all contribute to the French Polynesia pet passport.
Have Questions About Importing Your Pet to French Polynesia?
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Current Information
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to:
- Make arrangements to put your pet into quarantine at your expense or
- Return your pet to the country of origin at your expense or
- Euthanize your pet.
We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following the French Polynesia pet import requirements.
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