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- From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
- Newsgroups: rec.travel
- Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Tahiti
- Message-ID: <930126182814_76702.1202_CHN95-1@CompuServe.COM>
- Date: 26 Jan 93 06:52:51 GMT
- Article-I.D.: CompuSer.930126182814_76702.1202_CHN95-1
- Sender: daemon@cs.utexas.edu
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-
- STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - French Polynesia (Tahiti)
- ============================================================
- French Polynesia (Tahiti) - Consular Information Sheet
- January 25, 1992
-
- Embassy and Consulate Locations: There is no U.S. embassy or
- consulate on Tahiti nor on any of the other French Polynesian
- islands. U.S. citizens seeking assistance can contact the U.S.
- Embassy in Suva, Fiji, which is located at 31 Loftus Street or P.O.
- Box 218, Suva, Fiji; telephone (679) 314-466.
-
- Country Description: French Polynesia is a French overseas
- territory located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is made up
- of several groups of tropical islands, the largest and most
- populated of which is Tahiti. French Polynesia's only international
- airport is located on Tahiti. Small commuter airplanes are the most
- widely-used type of transportation in the far-flung territory.
- French Polynesia has a moderately-developed economy which is
- dependent on heavily-taxed imported goods, tourism and the financial
- assistance of mainland France. Tourist facilities are available on
- the major islands.
-
- Entry Requirements: Passports but no visas are required for U.S.
- citizen tourists and business travelers arriving with return tickets
- and staying 30 days or less. U.S. citizens contemplating longer
- stays or planning to work or study in French Polynesia require both
- passports and visas. For more information about entry requirements,
- travelers can contact the French Embassy at 4101 Reservoir Road
- N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone (202) 944-6000.
-
- Medical facilities: Medical treatment is generally good on the
- major islands but is limited in areas that are more remote or less
- populated. Emergency patients and those with serious illnesses are
- often referred for treatment to facilities on Tahiti. In Papeete,
- the capital of Tahiti, there are two major hospitals as well as
- several private clinics that provide 24-hour medical service.
- Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health
- services provided to patients who are not local residents. U.S.
- medical insurance is not always valid overseas and health care, like
- most goods and services available in French Polynesia, is costly.
- Supplemental medical insurance which specifically covers overseas
- treatment has proved useful. Further information on health matters
- can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's International
- Travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.
-
- Information on Crime: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse
- snatching, occurs. Useful information on safeguarding valuables and
- protecting personal security is available in the Department of State
- pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It can be obtained from the
- Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
- Washington, D.C. 20402.
-
- Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and sale of illegal
- drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and
- fines.
-
- Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in
- Suva, Fiji, can obtain updated information on travel and security in
- Tahiti and the other islands of French Polynesia.
-
- No. 93-033
-