The paradise islands of French Polynesia are opening up to visitors again

Those who dream of visiting the paradise islands of French Polynesia will be glad to learn that the South Pacific archipelago will be reopening to international visitors from 15 July. Quarantine measures will be completely lifted at that point, but there are conditions attached that visitors must take on board.

French Polynesia is comprised of 118 islands, including the showstoppers, Tahiti and Bora Bora. Sculpted by sky-piercing, moss-green peaks and lined with vivid turquoise lagoons, visitors go there to experience warm, laid-back island culture. When international travel resumes in July, travellers must have a COVID-19 test 72 hours before the departure to French Polynesia, and international travel insurance is compulsory for every non-resident visitor. Only visitors from Europe and the US will be admitted initially.

Among the conditions is that travellers will have to provide mandatory information sheet on their stay, including their itinerary, inter-island transport and accommodation contact details. They must also agree to follow health and safety rules, and mask-wearing is encouraged during their stay. Once they fulfil those conditions, they will get to enjoy the slim stretches of white-, pink- and black-sand beaches that are pretty springboards into the real draw: the lagoons.

Most high islands are surrounded by fringing reef that creates a protected swimming pool of the most intense aqua imaginable. Fish, dolphins, rays, sharks, turtles and more inhabit the clear-water coral gardens that are as excellent for snorkelling as they are for diving and swimming.