Passport renewal in French Polynesia
Renewing a French passport issued in French Polynesia typically involves submitting an application at a local town hall (mairie) or the High Commission of the Republic, providing necessary documents, and having fingerprints taken. The new passport is then issued and collected.
It is generally advisable to initiate the passport renewal process several months before the current passport's expiration date. This allows ample time to gather all required documents, schedule an appointment if necessary, and account for processing times, which can vary. Planning ahead helps avoid potential issues with travel plans.
Start 60 days ahead
Processing times can vary depending on the period and location. It is recommended to allow at least 2 months from application to receipt of the new passport, especially considering potential delays or the need for an appointment.
The process
- 1Verify the specific requirements for renewal, as these can vary slightly based on the applicant's age and previous passport's status (lost, stolen, expired for a long time).
- 2Gather all necessary documents, including the expiring passport, proof of French nationality (if required), proof of residence, a recent photo, and potentially civil status documents.
- 3Complete the passport application form (Cerfa n°12100*05 or pre-application online).
- 4Submit the application in person at a mairie equipped for biometric passports or at the Haut-Commissariat in Papeete. Fingerprints will be taken at this time.
- 5Pay the required stamp duty (timbre fiscal). This can often be purchased online.
- 6Await notification that the new passport is ready for collection.
- 7Collect the new passport in person at the same location where the application was submitted, presenting the receipt and the old passport (if applicable).
What to bring
- Current passport (even if expired)
- Proof of French nationality (e.g., birth certificate with filiation, declaration of French nationality), if the previous passport is very old, lost, or does not sufficiently prove nationality.
- Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill, tax notice)
- A recent passport-standard photograph (less than 6 months old, compliant with ISO/IEC 19794-5:2005 standard)
- Stamped envelope for notification (if required by the local authority)
- Parental authorization and identity document of the parent for minors
Who handles it
Haut-Commissariat de la République en Polynésie française (High Commission of the Republic in French Polynesia) or local mairies (municipalities)
The cost for a French passport renewal is generally paid via a 'timbre fiscal' (fiscal stamp), which is a government duty. The current fee for an adult passport is typically around 86 euros. Specific fees can be confirmed on the official government websites or at the application point.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure your photograph meets the strict official standards; non-compliant photos are a common reason for application rejection.
- Plan for potential waiting times for appointments at town halls, especially in busy periods.
- For minors, both parents generally need to provide consent, and in some cases, both parents or legal guardians may need to be present or provide specific documentation.
- If your current passport is lost or stolen, additional documentation (like a police report) and specific declarations will be required.
Sources
- Passeport : première demande, renouvellement ou perte ou vol polynesie-francaise.pref.gouv.fr
- Demande de passeport service-public.fr
Other documents in French Polynesia
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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