Emergency Help Abroad – Bora Bora

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Bora Bora — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Drug laws are strict — possession, use or trafficking leads to arrest and possible imprisonment.

• Carrying weapons, including knives or sprays, without lawful reason is illegal.

• Drink-driving is a criminal offence, with strong penalties.

• Importing illegal substances into French Polynesia results in immediate detention.

• Alcohol restrictions may apply during religious or public holidays.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Respect is expected when visiting churches, villages and cultural sites.

• Littering, especially near beaches and marine areas, is punishable by fines.

• Public nudity is prohibited except in private resort spaces.

• Damaging coral or protected marine areas is a criminal offence.

• Local communities value modest behaviour and respect for nature.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification — carry your passport or a copy.

• Petty theft occurs occasionally around ports and busy areas.

• Avoid walking alone at night in quiet or unlit areas.

• Avoid involvement in local disputes or disturbances.

• Attempting to bribe officials is illegal.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Use licensed taxis, resorts’ shuttle boats or authorised transport.

• Road travel is limited, but speeding or unsafe scooter riding results in fines.

• Inter-island flights and ferries must be booked through authorised operators.

• Overstaying your visa or entry allowance can result in fines.

• Snorkelling or diving in protected zones without a guide is prohibited.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use requires official permission — many areas are restricted.

• Avoid photographing police stations, military facilities or airports.

• Ask permission before photographing local residents.

• Some cultural or religious ceremonies prohibit photos — obey signage.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing coral, sand, shells or marine life is strictly illegal.

• Swimming outside marked safe zones can be dangerous due to currents.

• Feeding sharks, rays or turtles is controlled and often requires licensed guides.

• Lighting fires on beaches or public areas may require permission.

• Hiking off marked trails may be unsafe due to terrain and heat.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging ancient marae (sacred sites) is a criminal offence.

• Removing cultural artefacts or natural materials is illegal.

• Entering restricted sacred areas without permission is prohibited.

• Buying items made from endangered species is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels relaxed or routine in the UK may not align with local customs or regulations in Bora Bora.

• Don’t touch or stand on coral reefs, even in shallow water, as this permanently damages living coral.

• Don’t feed reef fish, rays or sharks, which alters their behaviour and harms the ecosystem.

• Don’t remove shells, coral or sand, as collecting these can be restricted or illegal.

• Don’t snorkel or swim too close to boats, especially in busy lagoon channels.

• Don’t ignore current and depth changes in the lagoon, which can drop off steeply beyond reef edges.

• Don’t trespass on private motus (islets) without permission, as many are privately owned.

• Don’t fly drones without checking local and resort rules, as privacy and wildlife protections apply.

• Don’t wear very revealing clothing when visiting villages or churches, and cover up away from resorts.

• Don’t disrespect marae (sacred sites) by climbing on stones or being noisy.

• Don’t litter on beaches or in the lagoon, where waste can quickly harm marine life.

• Don’t underestimate strong tropical sun, especially with reflection from white sand and water.

• Don’t handle stingrays or turtles roughly during tours, and avoid operators who allow this.

• Don’t assume all islands have 24/7 medical care, and avoid unnecessary risk on remote motus.

• Don’t walk barefoot on coral rubble or sharp rocks, which can cause serious cuts.

• Don’t drink heavily then swim, particularly at night or off overwater bungalows.

• Don’t ignore cyclone or storm warnings, especially during the wet season.

• Don’t rely solely on cards, as some small family-run businesses still prefer cash.

• Don’t treat local dances and ceremonies as a joke, as they carry cultural significance.

• Don’t bring non-reef-safe sunscreen, which can damage coral; choose reef-safe options where possible.

• Don’t assume every patch of shallow water is safe, and always check for coral heads, urchins and sudden drops.