Wayzata World Factbook 1994/World Factbook - 1994 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1994).iso/pc/text/txtfiles/french_p.tvl

Text File | 1994-04-11 | 4KB | 68 lines

#CARD:French Polynesia:Travel\Consular Information
French Polynesia (Tahiti) - Consular Information Sheet
July 9, 1993

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 may 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 [phone].

Information on Crime:  Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse
snatching, occurs.  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be
reported immediately to the local police, and the nearest U.S. embassy.
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:  Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of
the country in which they travel.  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.

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.

No. 93-173

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated November 13, 1992 to
include information on reporting the loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport.

#ENDCARD