There is no filming permit covering the whole of The Islands of Tahiti. Specific authorisation is required for each filming location.
The regulations in force may change and it is important to double-check the information with the official sources detailed below. You are strongly advised to check with local productions to find out what arrangements need to be made.
- Observation of protected marine species
Marine mammals, turtles, sharks, etc. are protected species in The Islands of Tahiti.
To observe them while respecting their tranquillity, make sure you follow a few rules:- Rules for observing marine mammals
- Authorisation form for photography of protected marine species (for commercial and marketing use)
- List of authorised service providers for humpback whale watching
For underwater filming, the people filming 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 owner of a drone equipped with a camera/microphone must register on the Alpha Tango online portal. The drone pilot must be trained and comply with the conditions of use (restrictions relating to the place of flight and maximum authorised flight height, proximity of people, etc.).
- To use a recreational drone (open category drone) :
- Occupation and photography on a tourist site
- Prior authorisation may be required to occupy a tourist site in The Islands of Tahiti for professional purposes (filming, events, etc.). Consult the Tourism Department website. To film on or near certain cultural sites with official authorisation, it is customary to organise an information session with local residents out of respect for tradition.
- For private sites, asking the neighbours and getting in touch with the owner with the help of a local contact is often the best way to proceed.
- If you would like to take photographs on a tourist site (beaches, marae, etc.) for professional use, please send your request by e-mail to sdt@tourisme.gov.pf.
- Shooting an event
If you would like to take photos and/or videos of a cultural or sporting event in The Islands of Tahiti, please contact the organisers beforehand.
- Heiva I Tahiti and Hura Tapairu: contact the Maison de la Culture by e-mail at communication@maisondelaculture.pf
- Hawaiki Nui Va’a: contact the Tahitian Va’a Federation by e-mail at ftvtutu@gmail.com or by telephone on (+689) 40450544
To ensure that your filming goes smoothly, send an e-mail to direction@environnement.gov.pf detailing the name and company of the applicant, the period, location and conditions of filming, the names of the species filmed and the use to which the images will be put. Add the name and registration of the boat for underwater filming.
