From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Tahiti
Date: 26 Jan 93 06:52:51 GMT
Article-I.D.: CompuSer.930126182814_76702.1202_CHN95-1
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

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
Newsgroups: rec.travel