COVID-19: French Polynesia islands temporarily shuts for tourism again

COVID-19 has been hard on tourism; but, after the announcement of the vaccine, restrictions are gradually easing everywhere. However, things are not working quite well in the South Pacific archipelago of French Polynesia. The island destination, after reopening on 15 July, 2020, has once again shut down for tourists to curb the impact of COVID-19.

An update on the official tourism website reads, “Faced with the resurgence of COVID-19 cases around the world and in order to preserve French Polynesia which has for its part, shown significant improvement for several consecutive weeks, the authorities have decided to temporarily suspend travel to The Islands of Tahiti including for tourists from all origins until further notice.”
In March 2020, French Polynesia (a country comprising 100 islands in the South Pacific) shut down its borders to visitors after recording 62 virus cases. Three months later, the country reopened in July and started welcoming tourists with any quarantine requirements. This resulted in a quick hike and the numbers of COVID-19 positive cases rose to 18000.

According to the new regulations, people who are currently vacationing on the islands can leave when their trip is over but inbound travellers can’t get it until there’s an absolute emergency like deaths, medical crisis, administrative or judicial summons.
More about French Polynesia

Bora Bora and Tahiti are among the most celebrated islands in French Polynesia visited by a large number of tourists every year. The island country is home to the most amazing mammoth moss-green peaks, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs.

One can see dolphins, rays, turtles and more marine life, clearly given the crystal clear waters. There are coral gardens that are excellent for snorkelling, diving and swimming. The beaches here are pristine and calm with long stretches of pink and white sands. With the current ban in place, it looks like this piece of heaven will stay out of reach for a bit longer.