Asia and Oceania

Tonga
Still current at: 08 November 2009 Updated: 29 September 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Natural disaster Section (Areas affected by the Tsunami) The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Travel Summary

A Tsunami hit the South Pacific region on 30 September 2009 (local time). The Tongan Island of Niuatoputapu has been affected and aftershocks are possible. There are reports of deaths and injuries in addition to property damage as a result of the tsunami. We advise against all but essential travel to the affected area. Please see the Natural Disasters section for further details.
There are confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Tonga. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any further developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu is available on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.
Since politically motivated rioting took place in Nuku'alofa in November 2006 emergency regulations have prevented public meetings within prescribed areas of Nuku’alofa. The potential for violence remains. You should avoid large crowds, political gatherings and demonstrations. See the Political Situation of this advice for more details.
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 the General (Consular Representation) section of this advice for more details. Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.
There is a low threat from terrorism in Tonga. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Tropical cyclones are common in Tonga from the beginning of November until the end of April. On 5 April 2009 Tropical Cyclone Lin passed over Tonga, causing widespread flooding and damage to power lines and buildings. See the Natural Disasters section of this advice and Tropical cyclones for more details.
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.
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism in Tonga. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

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.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Tonga Country Profile

Politically motivated rioting took place in Nuku’alofa in November 2006 and around 80% of the central business district was destroyed. Law and order in Nuku'alofa was quickly restored, but the security situation could deteriorate again at short notice. You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety; avoid large crowds, political gatherings and demonstrations, as there is the potential for these to turn violent.

The Tongan Government continues to maintain emergency powers, which prevent the public meetings within prescribed areas of Nuku’alofa. You should be aware that there might be searches at security checkpoints.

Local Travel

The tropical cyclone season from November to April can seriously affect local travel. If you are contemplating sea journeys in particular during this period, you should obtain a weather report from the Tongan Meteorological Office; (Tel: 23401) or on the Tongan Met website: http://www.met.gov.to/.

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. Care should be taken when driving after dark and there is sometimes a risk of rock falls particularly after heavy rain.

For more general information see Driving Abroad

Air Travel

Internal flights are not always on schedule and can be subject to adverse weather conditions.

Local laws and customs

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 your Island resort 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.

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.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

As a British passport holder visiting Tonga as a tourist or on business you are normally given permission to enter the country for a period not exceeding 30 days, provided that you are in possession of 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.

Passport validity

Passports should be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into Tonga.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.

For further information on exactly what is required please contact the Immigration Division:

Head of Immigration Division

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

PO ox 821

Nuku'alofa

TONGA

Tel: +676 26 969; Fax: +676 26 971

Health

Health facilities are basic in Tonga. 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. You should therefore ensure that your policy covers you for medical evacuation by air ambulance.

There are confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Tonga. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any further developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu is available on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.

Dengue occurs in Tonga, with an increase in cases reported in 2008; dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccination against dengue but there are preventative measures that you can take, as advised on the National Travel Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website.

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. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should 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.

For more general health information see Travel Health and for food/drink hygiene see Eat and Drink Safely.

Natural disasters

Tonga is part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire"; earthquakes, tidal waves and volcanic activity can occur at any time.

The 'ring-of-fire' is a horse-shoe-shaped zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that surrounds the basin of the Pacific Ocean. It is 40,000kms long and is associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, island arcs, and volcanic mountain ranges and/or plate movements.

It is understood that 90% of the world's earthquakes and 81% of the world's largest earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire, which is a direct consequence of plate tectonics and the movement of collisions of crustal plates.

Earthquakes

An earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale occurred to the west of the Tonga group of Islands on 20 March 2009.

These events can be disorientating and disturbing, and they can trigger tsunami alerts. For more information on earthquakes and their effects, please visit: http://www.earthquake.usgs.gov/.

A major earthquake (8.3 on the Richter scale) struck 130 km SE of Samoa at 0648 am on 30 September 2009 (local time) generating a tsunami. There are reports of deaths and injuries in addition to property damage as a result of the tsunami on the island of Niuatoputapu. We advise against all but essential travel to this island.

An underwater volcano erupted near the Tongan island of Hunga Ha'apai on 17 March. The island is about 60 kilometres north east of Tonga’s capital, Nuku'alofa.

Tropical cyclones

The tropical cyclone season in Tonga normally runs from November to April. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). You can also access http://www.met.gov.to/ for updates. See Tropical cyclones for more information.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before leaving UK. You should 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 therefore ensure that your policy covers you for medical evacuation by air ambulance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

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.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Replacing your passport

If you require a new passport, application forms can be downloaded from the Internet at: http://ukinfiji.fco.gov.uk/en/passports/passport-forms. The British High Commission in Suva does not issue passports, but applications for new passports should be submitted to the High Commission for processing. Where possible, you are advised to apply at least two months before your passport is due to expire. Please note that you can apply up to nine months before your current passport expires. Any remaining period of validity will be credited to your replacement passport. You will be allowed to retain your old passport while waiting for the replacement to be processed and returned.

We advise you to keep a photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport, to avoid any complications.

Where necessary the New Zealand High Commission can issue an Emergency Passport. Emergency Passports are not machine readable, and are valid only for a single journey back to the UK using agreed transit points, or to Commonwealth countries, provided a prior arrangement exists with the authorities of the Commonwealth country concerned.

Money

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

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 Facsimile _676 23487

Email nzhcnuk@kalianet.to

Office Hours Mon – Fri 0800–1230, 1300-1600