# French Polynesia Packing List URL: https://emptvl.vercel.app/packing-lists/french-polynesia Publisher: Empyrean Travel (https://emptvl.vercel.app/) Last reviewed: 2026-10-19 What to pack for Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea: resort-casual clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, reef shoes, a dry bag and tips for Air Tahiti inter-island luggage. **Quick answer:** Pack light and resort-casual for French Polynesia: swimwear, breathable linen and cotton, a light rain jacket, reef shoes, reef-safe mineral sunscreen, insect repellent, a dry bag and a snorkel mask that fits you. Check Air Tahiti’s inter-island baggage allowance, bring an adapter for French-style outlets, and leave formalwear at home. - Bag: One medium suitcase; check Air Tahiti limits - Climate: Warm year-round; wetter Nov–Apr - Dress code: Resort casual; no jacket or tie - Don't forget: Reef-safe sunscreen and reef shoes ## Checklist **Documents & money:** Passport valid for your whole stay (confirm the current rule); Return or onward ticket; International and Air Tahiti flight confirmations; Resort and boat-transfer vouchers; Travel insurance details; Credit card plus a backup card; Some Pacific francs (XPF) for markets and small shops; Copies of your passport; Dive certification card and logbook; Driver’s license if renting a car or scooter **Clothing:** 3–4 swimsuits; Long-sleeve rash guard; Swim cover-up or pareo; Linen or cotton shirts and dresses; Shorts; Light trousers or maxi dress for dinner; Light sweater for flights and air-conditioning; Packable rain jacket; Sun hat; Sandals or flip-flops; Reef or water shoes; Walking shoes for hikes on Moorea or Tahiti; Sleepwear **Lagoon & beach:** Reef-safe mineral sunscreen (SPF 30+); Snorkel mask that fits you; Anti-fog spray for your mask; Dry bag for boat trips; Waterproof phone pouch; Polarized sunglasses; Underwater camera or action camera; Reusable water bottle; Small daypack **Tech:** Universal plug adapter (French Type E outlets); Phone and charger; Power bank (carry-on only); eSIM or international phone plan; E-reader or downloaded books; Camera with spare batteries; Offline maps of each island; Headphones for the long flight **Health & toiletries:** Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin); After-sun gel or aloe; Lip balm with SPF; Prescription medication in original containers; Motion-sickness remedy for boats and small planes; Antiseptic for coral scrapes; Basic first-aid kit; Antihistamine; Hand sanitizer; Contact lens supplies **Carry-on essentials:** Swimsuit and a change of clothes; All medication; Valuables and documents; Warm layer for the overnight flight; Eye mask and earplugs; Compression socks; Snacks; Pen for arrival forms ## What should you wear in French Polynesia? Resort casual covers almost everything. Days are swimsuits, cover-ups, shorts and sandals; evenings are linen shirts, light trousers and sundresses. No resort we know of expects a jacket or tie, and many guests buy a pareo (sarong) on the islands and wear it all week. Bring one light sweater for air-conditioned restaurants and the overnight flight, plus a packable rain jacket. Showers are most frequent in the wetter months from November to April; our guide to the best time to visit French Polynesia breaks down the seasons. ## Why pack reef-safe sunscreen and reef shoes? The lagoons of Bora Bora, Moorea and the Tuamotu atolls are living coral ecosystems. Choose mineral sunscreen based on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and avoid formulas with oxybenzone and octinoxate. A long-sleeve rash guard cuts the amount of sunscreen you need and protects your back while snorkeling. Reef shoes protect your feet from coral, shells and the occasional stonefish in shallow water. Never stand on coral, even when it looks like rock. ## How much luggage can you take between the islands? Inter-island flights on Air Tahiti use smaller turboprop aircraft, and the baggage allowance on your ticket may be lower than on your international flight. Check your fare before you pack, and plan on one medium suitcase per person plus a small carry-on. Island-hopping itineraries often mean several flights and boat transfers in a week, so lighter bags make every connection easier. Our island-hopping guide suggests routes that keep travel time down. ## Frequently asked questions **Q: What plug adapter do I need for French Polynesia?** A: Most outlets in French Polynesia are French-style Type E sockets at 220 volts, though some resorts also provide U.S.-style outlets. Bring a universal adapter to be safe. Phone and laptop chargers are usually dual-voltage and work with just an adapter; check the label on hair dryers and other appliances, which often need a converter. **Q: Do I need a visa to visit French Polynesia from the U.S.?** A: U.S. citizens generally don’t need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days, but you do need a valid passport and proof of onward or return travel. French Polynesia sets its own entry rules separately from mainland France, so confirm the current requirements before you travel. Our entry requirements guide explains the details. **Q: Why does reef-safe sunscreen matter in French Polynesia?** A: You’ll spend much of your trip in coral lagoons, and certain sunscreen chemicals, especially oxybenzone and octinoxate, are linked to coral damage. Mineral sunscreens based on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the responsible choice. Covering up with a rash guard and hat also means applying less product. Buy before you go, since island prices are high and choice is limited. **Q: Should I bring my own snorkel gear to Tahiti?** A: Bring your own mask if you can. Resorts and tour boats usually provide basic snorkel gear, but a mask that seals properly on your face makes a big difference to comfort and visibility. Fins and snorkels are easier to borrow. If you plan to snorkel in drift passes like those at Rangiroa, a well-fitting mask matters even more. **Q: What should I wear on the flight from Los Angeles to Tahiti?** A: Dress in comfortable layers. The nonstop flight from LAX to Papeete takes about eight hours and usually runs overnight, and cabins can be cool. Wear compression socks, keep a swimsuit and change of clothes in your carry-on, and bring an eye mask. Our guide on getting to Tahiti from the U.S. compares routes. ## Sources - [Tahiti Tourisme](https://www.tahititourisme.com/) - [Air Tahiti](https://www.airtahiti.com/) - [CDC: French Polynesia Traveler View](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/french-polynesia)