Question 1

How long can I stay in French Polynesia on this visa?

Accepted Answer

The short-stay visa is issued for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period and bears the 'Polynesie francaise' territorial validity mention.

Question 2

Can I travel to mainland France with this visa?

Accepted Answer

No. A visa bearing the 'Polynesie francaise' mention is valid for French Polynesia only and does not allow entry into the Schengen area or mainland France.

Question 3

Do EU citizens need this visa?

Accepted Answer

No. Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland may enter and stay in French Polynesia for up to 3 months without a visa; visa-exempt third-country nationals listed in Annex II of the Arrete du 29 decembre 2011 are likewise exempt for stays of up to 3 months per 6-month period.

Question 4

Can I take up salaried work in French Polynesia on this visa?

Accepted Answer

No. Salaried employment requires a work authorisation from the SEFI and, in some cases, a work visa; contact the SEFI before arrival. Short remunerated activities not exceeding 90 days may be covered by the short-stay visa — confirm with the consulate.

Question 5

Can I travel to other French territories with this visa?

Accepted Answer

No. The visa is valid for French Polynesia only.

Question 6

Can I extend my stay beyond 3 months?

Accepted Answer

No. A stay beyond 3 months requires a long-stay visa obtained before travel; the Haut-commissariat distinguishes court sejour (3 months or less) from long sejour (more than 3 months).

Question 7

Do I need a transit visa if I stay in the international zone?

Accepted Answer

A transit visa is generally required only if you leave the international zone or change airports; confirm with the consulate for your nationality.

Question 8

What is a VLS-TS?

Accepted Answer

A long-stay visa valid as a residence permit, which exempts the holder from applying for a residence permit during its validity, provided it is validated within 3 months of arrival.

Question 9

Can I work in French Polynesia on this visa?

Accepted Answer

No. The visitor visa does not authorise professional activity.

Question 10

I already hold a French residence permit issued elsewhere. Can I settle in French Polynesia?

Accepted Answer

No. The Haut-commissariat states that residence permits issued outside French Polynesia do not confer the right to enter and stay in French Polynesia (holders of a carte de resident enter under the same conditions as locally issued card holders). Apply for the appropriate long-stay visa before travel.

Question 11

Can I work part-time while studying?

Accepted Answer

Student residence permits generally allow limited part-time work; confirm the conditions with the Haut-commissariat, noting that local employment-protection rules apply in French Polynesia.

Question 12

Is a work authorisation required before the visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under local employment-protection rules, any foreigner taking up paid salaried activity in French Polynesia may be subject to a work authorisation issued via the SEFI, and in some cases a work visa — including EU nationals and foreign spouses of French nationals.

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