Asia and Oceania
Tonga
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Still current at: 17 March 2009
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Updated: 16 March 2009
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with minor amendments to the Summary, Crime and General sections. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Travel Summary
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Tropical cyclones are common in Tonga from the beginning of November until the end of April. See the Natural Disasters section of this advice and Tropical cyclones for more details.
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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 strongly 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 continue 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.
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 continue 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.
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.
Gay and lesbian travellers should note that Tongan attitudes towards homosexuality are complex. There can be aggressive reactions to homosexuality.
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 Travel Advice Relevant to You.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
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.
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 platetectonics and the movement of collisions of crustal plates.
Earthquakes
The most recent earthquake to affect Tonga was in May 2006, when an earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale was recorded 95 miles off the coast of Tonga. 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/.
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 strongly 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.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
Consular 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
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 strongly 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.
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 strongly 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
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Change country
contacts
Tonga, British High Commission, Suva
Address:
Non-resident British High Commissioner
(resides in Suva, Fiji)
British High Commission
Victoria House
47 Gladstone Road
PO Box 1355
Suva
Fiji
Telephone:
(679) 3229100 (switchboard)
Fax:
(679) 322 9132
Email: ukpassportsuva@fco.gov.uk
Email: publicdiplomacysuva@fco.gov.uk
Email: projectssuva@fco.gov.uk
Email: consularsuva@fco.gov.uk
Email: pbcc@fco.gov.uk
Email: educationsuva@fco.gov.uk
Email: visasuva@fco.gov.uk
Email: managementsuva@fco.gov.uk
Email: regionalsuva@fco.gov.uk
Office hours:
GMT:
Sun-Wed: 2000-0040 / 0100-0400
Thurs: 2000-0100
Local Time:
Mon-Thurs: 0800-1240 / 1300-1600
Fri: 0800-1300
Website: http://ukinfiji.fco.gov.uk/en/
