French Polynesia Long Stay Visa Procedure
French Polynesia Long Stay Visa Application:
It's a Process not Rocket Science
By Maurisa Descheemaeker on SV WHIRLWIND
The best place to start getting familiar with the procedure is on the French governments visa wizard landing page: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/visa-wizard On the visa-wizard page you enter in your nationality, your destination, and plans in said destination. In short you will find that with the exception of:
- Citizens of the European Union, Monaco and Andorra, for all territories.
- Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, except French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis-et-Futuna and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF)
all citizens wishing to stay in French Polynesia for more than 90 days must apply for a long-stay visa BEFORE arriving in French Polynesia. Anywhere there is a French Embassy one may apply for a long-stay visa for French Polynesia. We were planning to set sail from Panama so we had our application appointment in Panama City and said as much on the application. As a US citizen with plans to cruise in French Polynesia for more than 90 days the wizard determined that I needed to apply for a long-stay visa and then directed me to the online application link. In this link you create an account with a username and password. You may then access, fill out, and submit your application. Once the application is submitted you can book an appointment to go in person to the embassy to present yourself, your application and all required supporting documents.
Honestly, with all the information from well intentioned cruisers on the internet about the process and all the changes over the years I felt mixed waves of uncertainty before I started the application. I quickly realized that .he path to the Long-stay visa is a process not rocket science. My waves of uncertainty were more of a mental block than an actual challenge because once I got started with the application I found the process very straightforward albeit a bit tedious. Furthermore, any time I had a question I wrote directly to the embassy in the country I was applying from. The response was very quick and very clear. Asking the embassy directly was very helpful because the rules were one way before COVID, another way during COVID, and another way still since COVID. The process and requirements have and may still be changing so the best source of information is the government agency directly.
That said, there were a few questions that felt like wild cards that actually were not because upon asking I was given black and white responses:
- There is a question of when to apply: Each embassy has different processing times so ask directly. Panama told me 4-6 weeks and they were. It is important to note that you cannot apply more than 90 day before your expected arrival date.
- There is a question of when you will arrive: Our best guess was provided. We arrived a month later and this was fine. You basically have the duration of your visa to arrive.
- There is a question of providing your passport for review: Different embassies have different requirement regarding passports. Some require looking at it and scanning it immediately, some hold it overnight or more. Ask ahead so you know what to expect. We provided a letter stating that we needed to hold on to ours and this was acceptable.
- There is a question of who is applying: I was applying for myself, my husband, and our two kids. This is very easily done in the online application by stating that I was 'travelling in a group' so I just added people to my one application instead of making four applications.
- There is a question of an address: I am a citizen of the United States and provided my address in the US. Regarding an address in French Polynesia I stated that I planned to be cruising. I would be living about my vessel everywhere I went. This was true and fine. I stated the Island groups I planned to visit.
- There is a question of health coverage: I asked the embassy exact what the minimum requirements were and found a plan that met or exceeded them.
- There is a question of socio-economic status: I asked the embassy exactly what this meant she replied that: Socio-economic status would be for example retired/employed/company owner etc, which you need to show proof of.
- There is a question of funds: I asked the embassy what the minimum requirement was. In January 2023, when we applied the requirement regarding the funds was that you had to prove that you had or have coming in an annual amount equal to 12 times the amount of the monthly minimum wage in France (currently 16,784.32€) per adult. This would certainly be something to ask specifically about as minimum wage changes. They ask that proof of the funds is by presenting the last 3 months of bank statements preceding your application appointment. These can show monthly income equal to monthly minimum wage or a balance holding the annual income stated above.
After I made my way through the online application successfully, I was then able to make an appointment to present everything in person at the embassy. The in person appointment is when we provided our passports, extra passport photos, printed and signed applications, all supporting documents, and the processing fee in cash. The supporting documents I provided included two separate letters in English and French (using Google Translate): one stating that I had no plans of seeking employment in French Polynesia (this does not exclude me from working remotely for a US company as revealed in the question of funds on the application) and one stating that I homeschool my children. I also provided a document from my school superintendent my kids status as enrolled homeschoolers, our marriage license and birth certificate copies for each of our kids.
In Panama, the French Embassy is located on a lovely point in Casco Viejo. After the Visa appointment we took the afternoon to enjoy Casco Viejo which was a lovely treat! Then we waited the 4-6 weeks to hear back via email that our visas were approved. We then made yet another appointment to return to the French Embassy with our passports to get our visas, and enjoy another afternoon in Casco Viejo.
Again, every French Embassy in each country may have slightly different protocols. Check with the Embassy directly to know exactly what they require so that your efforts to secure a long-stay visa in French Polynesia are smooth and easy.
FLEET UPDATE 2024-11-03
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LATEST RESOLUTION FOR MEXICAN FOREIGN BOAT TIPS FROM PRE-2005
LATEST RESOLUTION FOR
MEXICAN FOREIGN BOAT TIPS FROM PRE-2005
The Ocean Posse is pleased to share information directly from a recent success story. As reported in our October 20, 2024 newsletter there is hope yet for foreign flagged vessels that were issued TIP's (Temporary Import Permits) and are now attempting to enter Mexican waters. Last year all vessels with open TIPs from before 2005 were flat out turned back and refused entry because the office that had issued the TIPs had been dissolved and therefore any TIPS issued by this office that had not been properly closed were not able to be resolved. This year Sally & Michael Aldridge on SV SWEETHEEART took this matter into their own hands with conviction and seem to have found a solution. Sally shares below what worked for them so that others may have similar success.
Oct 17 2024 by Sally and Michael Aldridge on S/V Sweetheart
Canceling pre 2005 Aduana TIPs in Ensenada
We had two pre 2005 TIPs to cancel, one in 2001, and the other in 2004
On Oct 16, we walked across the border at PedEast at San Ysidro in the morning and caught the ABC bus down to Ensenada from Tijuana because we didn’t want to mess with driving a vehicle across the border and dealing with a motor vehicle TIP and insurance (too many TIPs already !) Walking over the border turned out to be super easy, with no lines and the bus is nearby and is comfortable and inexpensive.
When in Ensenada (we got there at around 10:30am) we started with the
Banjercito Ensenada
On Ave Teniente Jose Azueta
(Building marked with a thin red line on attached image)
We spoke to Elia Beatriz Urquidi Cobos, who is a manager there
She speaks great English
We showed her relevant boat documentation as per the attached form from the Mexican consulate in Sacramento.
Elia made 3 copies of each, and also verified and checked the report in her system.
Elia explained we needed to go to the Aduana office down the street to start the process.
At this point Elia stepped outside to direct us and she and the manager of the Aduana, Jorge Badille spoke in person on the street. Not sure if they just “ran into each other” or whether this was planned, but it turned out to be a very fruitful conversation. Jorge reviewed our documents right there, and confirmed that everything was in order, and told Elia what else we needed to do
Which was the following:
Write a letter to the Aduana asking for the TIPs to be cancelled
Including the tip number, previous owner names etc.
State that we are the new owners
Print it
Sign it
Make 3 copies
We went to the tourist information office around the corner to do this and they were very helpful and made print outs and copies for us for free.
Then we went to the Aduana de Ensenada with all the paperwork. The office is marked with thick red line on the image and address is here. Blvd, P.º Olas Altas 110, Recinto Portuario, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
This office is behind a heavy layer of security and they told us that only one person can go through, so Michael, my husband, did this for us as he is the appointed “manager” of our LLC. He spoke to the woman at the desk and she asked for the letter to be in Spanish, so she translated it for Michael and he wrote it out by hand and she stamped it. She told him it would take one week to get the TIP cancellations done.
We then showed the stamped letter to Elia back at the Banjercito, but she said she actually needs a printed and stamped image of a “cancellation screen” from Aduana to get the process going on the Banjercito side. She said once she has that, she can send it to the Mexico City Banjercito and it could be canceled out of the system intraday, depending on time differences.
So we went back to Jorge at the Aduana to ask for that and he committed to doing just that the next day. Jorge promised to email it to Elia it at 10am the next morning, so we stayed overnight just to make sure that happened.
We stayed at the Hotel Coral, as it was a good chance to speak with Fito Espinoza, the dock master, who is very experienced with TIPs and immigration. He suggested we stay on it till it is done. He was very interested to hear about the results of our efforts as it will allow him to help many other boats.
Michael went back to the Aduana office the next day at 10am on 10/17 and he stayed there until he had the right docs in hand.
At this point we have now cancelled the two old TIPs !
We then took those pages to Elia who scanned them and sent them to her superiors. The old tips were cleared out of the Banjercito system within a few hours and we were able to successfully apply for a new TIP that day. Again we sat in the office until this was all done (about 30 mins) and we now have the TIP in hand.
Summary: The Sacramento consulate was correct: It is now possible to cancel pre 2005 TIPs with the Aduana in Ensenada, and the Banjercito in Ensenada can get it cleared from their system with the right documentation from Aduana (see attached process from the Mexican consulate in Sacramento). Fito confirmed this is exactly how the process worked in the past, but he did not know it was working again at this time, and neither did BC Connections.
Jorge (Aduana Ensenada manager) and Elia (Banjercito Ensenada manager) are competent people who seem to have a good working relationship and they are collaborating together to make it happen. It helps that these offices are down the street from each other. Not sure if it’s dumb luck and they have started canceling old TIPs again at just the right time for us, or we are geniuses. Either way, we will take it !
There are no charges for the process of TIP cancellation and it can be done by the boat owner through the official channels without an agent in one or two days. Be prepared for multiple visits to each office.
Hopefully this bodes well for other boats in this situation.
Feel free to send any questions to sally.aldridge@mac.com
THANK YOU SV SWEETHEART FOR SHARING YOUR SUCCESS!
EVERY SEASON STARTS WITH THE ROAR OF THE HOWLER MONKEY
EVERY SEASON STARTS WITH
THE ROAR OF THE HOWLER MONKEY
Like the sound of the conch sounding as the sun meets the horizon pronouncing the beginning of sunset,
the Ocean Posse likes to start every season with the roar of the Howler Monkey.
Watch this video to hear the loudest mammal above ground roar at it - you can hear them 3 nm through then densest of jungles. Howlers are stoutly built bearded monkeys with a hunched appearance and thickly furred tails that are naked on the underside of the tip to afford a better grip. The hair is long and dense and, depending on species, is typically black, brown, or red.
Endemic to the southern tip of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia - the howler monkey is an endangered species but shall not go quietly into the night!
AZORES CREATES LARGEST MARINE PROTECTED AREA IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC
AZORES 
CREATES LARGEST
MARINE PROTECTED AREA
Cruising the Azores Just Got Better
The Azores, an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, is a sailor’s paradise. Comprised of nine volcanic islands, underwater mountain ranges, and rich biodiversity on land and in the surrounding sea this autonomous region of Portuguese territory offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and ideal sailing conditions. For yachts and sailboats, cruising the Azores provides an opportunity to explore unspoiled nature, vibrant communities, and a wide array of maritime experiences. The islands are about 900 nautical miles west of mainland Portugal, making them accessible from both Europe and North America. Navigation in the Azores is generally straightforward, thanks to well-marked channels and reliable nautical charts. However, sailors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and the occasional challenge posed by the archipelago’s volcanic topography. The nine islands are divided into three groups: the Eastern Group (São Miguel and Santa Maria), the Central Group (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial), and the Western Group (Flores and Corvo). Each group offers distinct attractions and cruising experiences.
Last year a global pact was adopted by the United Nations to protect 30% of the Earth's land and sea by 2030. This month, the a regional assembly of Portugal's Azures Islands took the leading step towards this goal by designating expansive marine protection which now represents the largest Marine Protected Area in the North Atlantic. The protection creates two areas: a fully protected area of sea marking it as a safe haven for biodiversity and natural resources, and a highly protected area of sea surrounding the islands. The distinction being that in the latter selective and light fishing is permitted.
World leaders are gathered this week in Columbia for the UN Biodiversity Conference COP16 and this recent announcement by the Azures will hopefully be an inspiration to other nations to make strides to protect their 30% of the earth's land and sea that they can to preserve the world's biodiversity. According to Oceanographic Magazine, "Marine Protected Areas are widely recognized as the most effective tool in the global effort to reverse biodiversity loss and build ocean resilience against climate change. The Azores leadership has been earmarked by commentators as ‘particularly inspiring’ given that only 2.8% of the world’s oceans are currently fully or highly protected.
A report issued by Greenpeace International earlier this week warns that at the current rate of development in ocean protection, the United Nations stands to miss its critical 2030 target by a full eight decades. This means the ambitions of the 30×30 target – at the current pace of success – won’t be realized until 2107."
José Manuel Bolieiro, president of the Regional Government of the Azores said, “The Azores has long been known for its unique ocean nature, and with this decision, we are driving the way forward to a productive, vibrant ocean. The sea is an integral part of our collective identity, being vital socially, culturally, and economically. We are committed to protect and recover our ocean to support a healthy blue economy. Our decision through a science-based and participatory process leading to the protection of 30% of our seas serves as an example that other regions must follow now to ensure the future health of the planet.”
The process by which the Regional Government of Azores achieved this protection may also be an example to other nations. This decision was not made by an authoritarian ruler at the expense of livelihoods and local sustainability. Rather the decision to create the largest marine protection area in North America was reached through "an extensive participatory process". This process included over 40 meetings with representatives from various sectors, including those within fishing, maritime transport, maritime tourism, and environmental non-governmental organizations.
“The result was the collaborative design of a network of marine protected areas that benefits people, nature, and the economy, based on the best available science in the region,” said representatives of the Azores.
Cruising the Azores with the new Marine Protected Area offers an unparalleled yachting and sailing adventure. The archipelago’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and excellent sailing conditions make it a premier destination for sailors. Whether exploring the historical streets of Angra do Heroísmo, hiking the volcanic trails of Pico, or enjoying the serene beauty of Graciosa, the Azores provide a wealth of experiences for every sailor. Navigating these enchanting islands requires preparation and respect for the natural environment, but the rewards are well worth the effort. The Azores’ unique blend of maritime tradition, natural beauty, and welcoming communities ensure that every cruise is a memorable journey.
POSSE PERK: FREE PRINTABLE REFERENCE CHARTS
POSSE PERK: 🗺️ FREE PRINTABLE REFERENCE CHARTS
*Emergency Backup To Your Electronics*
Paper charts are an excellent navigational aid ESPECIALLY if electronics fail. An Ocean Posse Perk gives members access to printable charts along the main routes of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Printable Charts are also available in the Atlantic and many European countries.
IN THE OCEAN POSSE YOU CAN SAIL YOUR OWN SCHEDULE
WITH HARD COPY CHARTS
AVAILABLE FOR PRINT TO ALL MEMBERS
PASSAGE REPORT: SAMOA TO WALLIS ISLAND
SV VIVA SHARES PASSAGE REPORT:
SAMOA TO WALLIS ISLAND
VESSELS ARE GETTING A JUMPSTART ON CRUISING SEASON ON THE PACIFIC COAST
VESSELS ARE GETTING A JUMPSTART
ON CRUISING SEASON IN MEXICO, COSTA RICA, & PANAMA
SY PERCEPTION 🇺🇸 Jim & Melinda & Grace - Lagoon 42'
SV ZORBA 
Tomer & Limor – Tayana 48’
FAIR WINDS
SOUTH PACIFIC TROPICAL CYCLONE SEASON OUTLOOK
SOUTH PACIFIC TROPICAL CYCLONE SEASON
NOVEMBER 1-APRIL 30
NEW OUTLOOK RELEASED
Tropical cyclones, like hurricanes, are known for their powerful winds, heavy rains, and potential to cause significant destruction. Tropical cyclones frequently affect the southern Pacific and can pose serious threats to both public health and infrastructure. All vessels are advised to have a plan of action for the cyclone season.
According to New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and Metservice, the South Pacific may see either fewer or a normal number of tropical cyclones this season. The cyclone season in the South Pacific starts November 1 and runs until the April 30, with the typical 'peak' of the season being January - March. The outlook that has recently been released, "Southwest Pacific Tropical Cyclone Outlook - October 2024" describes a slower start to the Cyclone season, potentially less cyclone risk overall in the eastern region while potentially elevated risk in the western region. According to the NIWA Outlook, "As of early October 2024, sea surface temperatures across the eastern and central equatorial Pacific Ocean are below average and close to La Niña thresholds." Forecasters are observing more La Niña-like characteristics that tend to reduce risk in the east and elevate risk in the west where warmer water may 'stack up' later in the season. As with many weather outlooks of late there continues to be caution that while there may be less risk in the frequency of tropical storms this season, there is still a risk that those that come may intensify more rapidly or simply be very intense.
For cruisers in French Polynesia South Pacific Posse member Scott on Tartaruga shares:
What is critical to following storms in FP is the location of the MJO. Madden Julien Oscillation. You can research that but when that is over French Poly that is when the highest probability of big storms occur. Per some local Tahiti sailors they almost never have any cyclonic storms outside of MJO events. This last season Fiji announced the MJO forecast and when it would be over FP and boom the storms came. Also note that Fiji is the official metrological organization for these storms. Another important data point is they name their storms very early, mean the wind scale starts at a much lower number....NOAA tracks (the MJO) closely as well. I would educate yourself on how to read the graph. It is a bit strange.
Fiji Meteorological Service Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre Nadi-Tropical Cyclone Centre also just released a forecast on the upcoming tropical Cyclone season. Their predictions are similar.
Stay alert on great weather sites including:
- https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=tcoutlook
- https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/southwest-pacific-tropical-cyclone-outlook/southwest-pacific-tropical-cyclone-outlook-october-2024
FLEET UPDATE 2024-10-15
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![Hurricane Beryl (/ˈbɛr.əl/) was a deadly and destructive Category 5 Atlantic hurricane that impacted parts of the Caribbean, the Yucatán Peninsula, and the Gulf Coast of the United States in late June and early July 2024. It was the earliest-forming Category 5 hurricane on record and the second such storm in the month of July, the other being 2005's Hurricane Emily. Beryl was also the strongest hurricane to develop within the Main Development Region (MDR) of the Atlantic before the month of July. The second named storm, first hurricane, and first major hurricane[nb 1] of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Beryl broke many meteorological records for the months of June and July, primarily for its unusual location, intensity, and longevity.](https://oceanposse.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/15/content_036.jpg)
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