There is no filming permit that covers the entire territory of The Islands of Tahiti. Each filming location must have a specific permit.
The regulations in force may change, and it is important to double-check the information with the official sources listed below. It is strongly recommended that you check with local production companies about the necessary arrangements.
- Observation of protected marine species
Marine mammals as well as turtles, sharks, etc. are protected species in Tahiti And Its Islands.
To observe them while respecting their peace, please follow a few rules:- Marine mammal observation rules
- Authorization form for filming protected marine species (for commercial and marketing purposes)
- List of authorized operators for humpback whale watching
For underwater filming, individuals who record must hold a professional diving diploma (DPP1, 2 or 3 depending on the depth).
- Flying a drone in The Islands of Tahiti
- For professional use: any drone owner equipped with a camera/microphone must register on the online platform Alpha Tango. The drone remote pilot must be trained and comply with usage conditions (restrictions related to the flight location, maximum authorized flight altitude, proximity to people, etc.).
- For recreational drone use (open category drone):
- Occupation and filming at a tourist site
- To use a tourist site in Tahiti And Its Islands for professional purposes (filming, event, etc.), prior authorization may be required. Please consult the Tourism Department website. To film on or near certain cultural sites with official permission, it is customary to organize an information session with local residents out of respect for tradition.
- For private sites, asking neighbors and obtaining the property owner’s contact through a local representative is often the best approach.
- If you wish to film or take photos on a tourist site (beaches, marae, etc.) for professional use, please send your request by email to sdt@tourisme.gov.pf
- Filming or photographing an event
If you wish to take photos and/or videos of a cultural or sporting event in Tahiti And Its Islands, you must first request permission from the event organizers.
- Heiva I Tahiti and Hura Tapairu: contact the Maison de la Culture by email at communication@maisondelaculture.pf
- Hawaiki Nui Va’a: contact the Tahitian Va’a Federation by email at ftvtutu@gmail.com or by phone at (+689) 40 45 05 44
To ensure your filming goes smoothly, send an email to direction@environnement.gov.pf including the name and company of the applicant, the filming period, locations and conditions, the names of the species being filmed, and the intended use of the footage. For underwater shots, also include the name and registration number of the boat used.
