Asia and Oceania

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• There is no British consular representation in Tonga. Routine consular matters are covered by the British High Commission in Suva, but in an emergency the New Zealand High Commission in Nuku'alofa can be contacted. See General - Consular Representation.
  

• The tropical cyclone season in Tonga normally runs from November to April.  Throughout this period there is a high risk of strong winds and heavy rains with associated flooding, landslides and road closures.  Travellers are advised to monitor the latest weather bulletins on the Tonga Meteorological website, in local newspapers and on Radio Tonga 1 and 2 on 1017 AM and 90 FM.  See Natural Disasters.
  

• There is a low threat from terrorism. Attacks which can be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• Most visits to Tonga are trouble free. The crime rate is relatively low. However, petty crime and theft do take place. Crimes against persons, although rare, can occur. You should remain vigilant, especially at night.

Safety and Security - Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism in Tonga. Attacks can be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime
Most visits to Tonga are trouble free. The crime rate is relatively low. However, petty crime and theft do take place. Crimes against persons, although rare, can occur. You should remain vigilant, especially at night.

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel
You can obtain a local visitor’s driving licence on the production of a full UK driving licence. Roads are generally in good condition but can be narrow and are sometimes potholed. The low speed limits are strictly applied with on the spot fines. Particular care should be taken when driving after dark and in poor weather.

See our Driving Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel 
Internal flights are not always on schedule and can be subject to adverse weather conditions.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Tonga Country Profile

The political situation is currently stable following democratic elections in November 2010 and the lifting of emergency powers in February 2011 (which had been in place since 2006). These elections followed an extensive and transparent constitutional and political reform process – spearheaded by His Majesty King George V – who abdicated much of his power in the process. The current Prime Minster, Lord Tu’ivakano, is committed to driving forward further socio-economic improvements.  Further information can be found on the Tonga country profile.

Tongan society is very conservative and highly religious. You will be expected to dress modestly and respect local customs and culture. Please be aware that Tonga strictly observes the Sabbath. On Sundays any recreational activities undertaken outside of Island resorts may be seen as provocative. Homosexuality is technically illegal in many Pacific countries and the law is occasionally enforced. Open displays of affection between same-sex partners may cause offence.

Drug taking in all forms is illegal. Importing or exporting illegal drugs attracts a maximum penalty of 30 years hard labour and/or a fine of several hundred thousand US dollars.  Those found guilty of cultivating or distributing illegal drugs are likely to receive similarly severe punishment.

See our Your Trip page.

Entry Requirements - Passports and Visas
British passport holders visiting Tonga as a tourist or on business are normally given permission to enter the country for up to 30 days, provided that you have a passport valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry, an onward air or sea ticket, adequate funds and relevant health certificates.  If you wish to extend your stay you must obtain permission from the Principal Immigration Officer.

For information on exactly what is required please contact the Immigration Division: Head of Immigration Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PO Box 821Nuku'alofa, TONGA; Tel: +676 26 969; Fax: +676 26 971

Health facilities in Tonga are basic. The range of drugs available is limited and modern equipment is in short supply. Medical evacuation from Tonga is required for most non-basic medical problems. Ensure your insurance policy covers you for medical evacuation by air ambulance.

Dengue Fever occurs in Tonga. There is no vaccination against Dengue Fever but there are preventative measures that you can take.

A valid Yellow Fever certificate is required by all travellers over one year old who have been in an infected area prior to arrival in Tonga. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

Seek medical advice before travelling to Tonga and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  

For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. 

See our Travel Health and Eat and Drink Safely pages.

Tonga is part of the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, a zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that surrounds the basin of the Pacific Ocean. Earthquakes and volcanic activity can occur at any time, and can trigger tsunami alerts.

You should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake, and take note of earthquake and tsunami related instructions e.g. in hotel rooms.  For more information on earthquakes and their effects, please visit: www.earthquake.usgs.gov.

Natural Disasters - Tropical Cyclones
The tropical cyclone season in Tonga normally runs from November to April. Throughout this period there is a high risk of strong winds and heavy rains with associated flooding, landslides and road closures.
 

You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), from the Tonga Meteorological Service, in local newspapers and on Radio Tonga 1 and 2 on 1017 AM and 90 FM.  See Tropical cyclones for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a storm.

General - Insurance
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake, particularly if you plan to engage in adventure sports. Medical evacuation from Tonga is required for most non-basic medical problems. You should ensure that your policy covers you for medical evacuation by air ambulance. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Representation
There is no resident British diplomatic mission in Tonga. Routine consular matters are covered by the British High Commission in Suva, but in an emergency the New Zealand High Commission in Nuku'alofa can be contacted. See below for contact details.

General - Replacing your passport
There are no facilities for issuing full validity UK passports or Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) in Tonga. Full validity passports are all issued at our Regional Passport Production Centre at the British High Commission in Wellington. Details on how to complete the application process can be seen on the UK in New Zealand website.

If your need to travel falls within the minimum full validity passport processing time of 3 - 4 weeks, you should contact the British High Commission in Suva . You may be eligible for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD).  If so  the New Zealand High Commission in Nuku’alofa can issue an Emergency Passport for a single journey to Fiji. Once in Fiji, the British High Commission will be able to issue an Emergency Travel Document.

General - Money 
ATMs are available in the capital cities of Tongatapu, Ha’apai and ‘Eua. 

General - Contact Details
New Zealand High Commission, Nuku`alofa
Address: Corner Taufa`ahau and Salote Roads, Nuku`alofa; Tonga Postal Address: PO Box 830, Nuku`alofa, Tonga; Telephone: +676 23122;  Fax: +676 23487; Email: nzhcnuk@kalianet.to; Office Hours: Mon – Fri 0800–1230, 1300-1600