Here are some practical hints about applying for a long stay visa in French Polynesia. Follow these three steps so you can leisurely enjoy the islands. Note – this information is current as of July 2025.
Summary
If you’re an American who wants to stay longer in French Polynesia than the standard 90-day visa allows, you must apply for a long-stay visa. However, unlike in some Caribbean nations, such as the Bahamas, you cannot simply extend your visa when it nears expiration. If you don’t have a long-stay visa, you must leave ‘ll. So, if you worry about completing boat tasks on time or if you want to explore this beautiful country longer, apply for a long-stay visa from Panama.
The basics: You need to request an appointment at the French Embassy online. It takes time to complete the request. And you’ll need to have documents handy. You will ultimately need to visit the Embassy three times to complete all the steps. Your request requires approval from both Panama and Papeete in Tahiti. That means it could take weeks for your visa to arrive. Finally, you’ll find helpful resources in the links below. To get complete details of the process, listen to the full podcast or check out Applying for a Long Stay Visa for French Polynesia.
Links:
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Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig
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