French Polynesia · Safety report last updated
As of September 2026, Bora-Bora scores 88/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. Yes — Bora Bora is one of the safest destinations in the world for visitors, with violent crime virtually unheard of and only minor risks from petty theft and scams. The main risks for visitors are tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
French Polynesia · Assessed 14 September 2026
88
/ 100
Safer than ~94% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Exercise Normal Precautions
“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.”
Updated Mon, 02 Dec 2024
Full advisory →No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2025-12-10T13:36:20Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for French Polynesia: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-09-09T09:13:42.7881936-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowArmed robbery and mugging are extremely rare; no recent incidents targeting visitors reported in the dossier
Pickpocketing
LowPickpocketing and bag-snatching are uncommon but occasionally reported in busy areas like Vaitape town, ferry terminals, and public beaches such as Matira Beach
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
92/100
Traveler accounts consistently report feeling very safe in Bora Bora, often safer than in their home countries, citing the island’s low crime, welcoming locals, and secure resort environments
Yes — Bora Bora is one of the safest destinations in the world for visitors, with violent crime virtually unheard of and only minor risks from petty theft and scams.
Bora Bora benefits from extremely low crime rates, a strong police presence via French Gendarmerie, and a remote, tourism-dependent economy that prioritizes visitor safety. While the island is exceptionally safe, petty theft can occur in crowded areas like the ferry drop-off point and public beaches, and visitors should remain alert to common travel scams targeting accommodation bookings and tours.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Bora Bora remains an exceptionally safe destination for travelers, with violent crime against visitors virtually nonexistent. The island’s safety is supported by its remote location, small population of around 10,000, strong community values, and a visible French Gendarmerie presence. While the overall environment is secure, travelers should remain aware of low-level risks, particularly petty theft in crowded zones such as the Vaitape ferry terminal, public beaches like Matira, and village shops. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are infrequent but do occur, especially when valuables are left unattended.
The most tangible risks for visitors today are financial scams rather than physical danger. Fraudulent accommodation listings continue to appear on informal platforms like Craigslist, Facebook groups, and VRBO-clone sites, often using stolen photos from legitimate resorts and demanding payment via wire transfer or cryptocurrency. Additionally, travelers have reported issues with resort boat transfer operators inflating prices upon arrival and lagoon tour guides implementing bait-and-switch pricing tactics. To stay safe, book accommodations only through verified platforms or directly with resorts, confirm all prices for tours and transfers in writing before departure, and use secure payment methods.
Traveler sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors reporting they feel safer in Bora Bora than at home. Recent dossier items confirm this perception: IsMyTripSafe.com (July 2026) gave the island a safety score of 81/100, noting very low violent crime and uncommon petty theft, while IsItSafeToVisit.com (March 2026) highlighted Bora Bora’s exceptionally low crime rates and Level 1 U.S. advisory. The only notable non-criminal incident in the dossier is a October 2023 Le Monde.fr report on dog overpopulation in French Polynesia causing bites and disturbances — a localized issue not specific to Bora Bora’s tourist zones but worth noting for those venturing into residential areas. Overall, with standard precautions, Bora Bora offers a secure and tranquil experience ideal for relaxation and exploration.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 6 Bora-Bora districts for visitors: 5 safer, 1 needing caution. See them plotted on the Bora-Bora safety map.
VaitapecautionMain town; generally safe but petty theft reported at ferry drop-off and crowded areas
Matira Beach areasaferPopular public beach with resorts; safe overall but avoid leaving valuables unattended
Luxury resort zone (Four Seasons, St. Regis, etc.)saferPrivate security and controlled access make this exceptionally safe
Anau (west coast village)saferTraditional village with friendly residents; very safe but fewer tourist amenities
Faanui (east coast)saferSmall village; low crime and minimal tourist traffic
Motu private isletssaferExclusive resort islets with tight security; virtually no crime reported
07 · After Dark
Armed robbery and mugging are extremely rare; no recent incidents targeting visitors reported in the dossier
After dark, be most careful around Vaitape. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Yes — Bora Bora is one of the safest destinations in the world for visitors, with violent crime virtually unheard of and only minor risks from petty theft and scams. Bora Bora benefits from extremely low crime rates, a strong police presence via French Gendarmerie, and a remote, tourism-dependent economy that prioritizes visitor safety. While the island is exceptionally safe, petty theft can occur in crowded areas like the ferry drop-off point and public beaches, and visitors should remain alert to common travel scams targeting accommodation bookings and tours. (Assessed 14 September 2026.)
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
Bora-Bora ranks #1 of 3 French Polynesia destinations we've assessed, scoring 88/100. See the French Polynesia safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 8+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the French Polynesia safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: bora-bora.json (CC BY 4.0).
