French Polynesia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for French Polynesia
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated December 2, 2024
French Polynesia recorded 0.4 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2009, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places French Polynesia #186 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Oceania average of 5.9 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.1 per 100,000 in 2006, 0.4 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates French Polynesia at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
0.4 /100k
Safety Rank
#10 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2009
Homicide Rate Trend (2006-2009)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.1 per 100,000 in 2006, 0.4 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How French Polynesia Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for French Polynesia:
Reissued after periodic review without changes Exercise normal precautions in French Polynesia. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to French Polynesia. If you decide to travel to French Polynesia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter . Review the Country Security Report for French Polynesia. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for French Polynesia
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated April 17, 2025).
Public Safety
Protests and strikes periodically occur and can sometimes be violent. Messages regarding possible social unrest, and natural disasters are posted on the embassy’s website .
Crime
Although French Polynesia has a low crime rate, petty crime, such as pick pocketing and purse snatching, does occur. You should secure your valuables at all times and remain particularly vigilant at night. Make sure you lock your doors and secure your windows. See our website and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should contact the U.S. Embassy. Report crimes to the local police at 17 (emergencies) and contact the U.S. Consular Agency at +689 4042-6535. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: help you find appropriate medical care assist you in reporting a crime to the police contact relatives or friends with your written consent explain the local criminal justice process in general terms provide a list of local attorneys (do they have a list of attorneys registered in the bar association in French provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
French Polynesia Population & Demographics
Population of 281,807, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is French Polynesia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates French Polynesia at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 0.4 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in French Polynesia?
French Polynesia has an intentional homicide rate of 0.4 per 100,000 people (2009, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #186 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for French Polynesia?
French Polynesia is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in French Polynesia compare to other countries?
French Polynesia's homicide rate of 0.4 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Oceania average of 5.9.