Here are some pratical hints about applying for a long stay visa in French Polynesia: the three steps to follow so you can leisurely enjoy the islands. Note - this information is current as of July 2025.
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 is nearing expiration. If you don't have a long-stay visa, you'll be required to leave. 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 (https://www.fit2sail.com/countdown-to-cruising/2025/5/9/applying-for-a-long-stay-visa-for-french-polynesia).
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Links (Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning that The Boat Galley Podcast earns from qualifying purchases; some other links may be affiliate links):
SV Sabado post - https://www.svsabado.com/2024/03/28/applying-for-a-french-polynesia-long-stay-visa-from-panama/
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