Pet entry requirements: Dog → French Polynesia
These are the requirements for entering French Polynesia with a dog, based on a departure from Germany/the EU. Requirements can change — always confirm with the relevant authority before you travel.
🔴 Required
Import permit Required
Prior import permit (permis d'import) from the Direction de la Biosécurité (DBS) for each animal; application online via mes-démarches.gov.pf, processing fee 5500 XPF per animal; filing recommended about 7 months before departure.
Microchip Required
Identification by microchip (or tattoo) required; identification must precede the rabies vaccination. Application document: identification certificate stating the chip implantation date (for animals not from France: chip number, signature and stamp of the vet). Source: protocol for origin France.
Rabies vaccination Required
Rabies vaccination required: for a primary vaccination, vaccinated more than 6 months and 21 days ago; a booster only counts if given before the previous vaccine expired and with the same vaccine; vaccination from 3 months of age. With an EU pet passport a copy of the vaccination page suffices. If the vaccination is not valid, import only after 6 months in an approved quarantine station before loading (protocol).
Minimum age / young animals Required
Minimum age on arrival: more than 9 months and 21 days (protocol for origin France). The main page generally bans animals under 3 months and derives 9 months 21 days for non-rabies-free countries (France, USA, Japan) from vaccination at 3 months + 6 months + 21 days. Number only in text (no second independent source).
Rabies titer test Required
Positive rabies antibody titre (at least 0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory required; web page: advised at least 1 month after vaccination, result valid only 3 months after blood sampling and then for 1 year; protocol: 3 to 12 months before loading. Labs per the EU Commission list. Numbers in text only.
Other tests Required
Dogs only: negative leishmaniasis test (ELISA or IFAT only) within 30 days before departure; the import permit is issued only after the result is received. For females additionally proof of non-pregnancy (ultrasound within 30 days, not pregnant for more than 42 days) or a sterilisation certificate.
Parasite treatment Required
Two treatments against internal parasites (nematodes, cestodes/Echinococcus) and two against external parasites (fleas, ticks): first within 30 days before departure, second at least 14 days later and within 4 days before loading; given by a vet. Thorough coat inspection for parasites shortly before departure.
Health certificate Required
Official health certificate signed by an official veterinarian of the exporting country, on the country-specific model negotiated between the authorities. The protocol (origin France) requires issue within 4 days before departure by the DDecPP. For Germany the source names no certificate model (see grey_zone).
Breed restrictions Prohibited
Category 1 dogs may not be imported; suspected cases are reported by the DBS to the High Commission, which decides independently. Per the protocol (2021, origin France) Boul'AM and Bully count as category 1; for several breeds (incl. Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, mastiff types, Bulldog, Cane Corso, Tosa) proof of an FCI-recognised pedigree is needed. Protocol text and annex contradict each other on the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (see grey_zone).
⚠️ Notes & grey zone
Grey zone
Origin Germany is not expressly regulated: the web page lists certificates only for France, New Caledonia, USA, New Zealand and Australia and says a negotiated certificate exists only for countries with a direct flight; without one the trip must be split into stages with a separate application each. The detailed protocol covers only dogs from France (Roissy CDG, DDecPP); PDF from 2021, the 2026 web page differs (e.g. application 7 vs 8 months, Staffy). No quarantine requirement evidenced; quarantine only as a way out for an invalid vaccination. Whether German dogs may travel via France is not evidenced by the source.
Notes
Dogs and cats must travel to French Polynesia as manifested cargo (hold, IATA crate, officially sealed); exception only for certified assistance dogs (cabin). Arrival inspection only in Tahiti. Per the protocol (2021) only Air France and Air Tahiti Nui may carry dogs. Fees: 5500 XPF application per animal, inspection/laissez-passer from 6500 XPF per owner. The source applies territorial law (Loi du Pays 2013-12, Arrêté 738 CM of 15 May 2013), not EU law, and does not refer to the EU pet regulation; EU laboratories and the EU pet passport are accepted. Cats: the page names the cargo rule for cats too, the leishmaniasis test applies 'Pour les chiens uniquement'; further cat rules are not captured here.
Related destinations in Africa & Oceania
Australia · Egypt · Kenya · Morocco · New Caledonia
Authority: Direction de la Biosécurité de Polynésie française (DBS)
Read at the responsible authority on 30/09/2026.
Check your specific route & airlines →For informational purposes only. Regulations change frequently — verify with the relevant authorities before travel.