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Before you travelÌý

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:Ìý

• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read aboutÌýsafety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insuranceÌý

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.Ìý

About FCDO travel adviceÌý

ÌýThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.Ìý

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Tonga’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Tonga set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Tongan High Commission in London.Ìý

Telephone: 020 7724 5828Ìý

Email: [email protected]

Passport validity requirementsÌý

To enter Tonga, your passport must have an ‘expiry date� at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.ÌýÌý

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.Ìý

Visa requirementsÌý

You can visit Tonga without a pre-arranged visa for up to 30 days. Border officials will issue a free visa on when you arrive. You may need to show:Ìý

• an onward or return ticketÌý
• sufficient funds â€� a bank statement is acceptable evidence
• confirmed accommodation such as a hotel booking or letter of invitationÌý

Extending your visaÌý

To extend your stay, contact the . Make sure you do not overstay your visa.Ìý

Vaccine requirementsÌý

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .ÌýÌý

Customs rulesÌý

There are strict rules about . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty, including all plant, animal and food products.Ìý

You must also declare any personal valuables worth 500 Tongan pa’angas (about £160) or more.Ìý

Taking money into TongaÌý

Declare cash or travellers cheques on the customs declaration form if the value is more than 10,000 pa’angas. You may need to pay duty.ÌýÌý

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There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   ÌýÌýÌ�

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.Ìý

Terrorism in TongaÌý

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Tonga, attacks cannot be ruled out.Ìý

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Protecting yourself and your belongingsÌý

The level of serious crime is low, but petty theft is fairly common. To protect yourself and your property:Ìý

• do not leave bags unattendedÌý
• use hotel safes or deposit boxes for passports and valuablesÌý
• stay in well-lit and populated areas after darkÌý
• keep villas and hotel rooms locked and secureÌý

Laws and cultural differencesÌýÌý

Customs and dress codeÌý

Tongan society is very conservative and highly religious. People strictly observe the Sabbath. On Sundays, local people may consider recreational activities to be disrespectful. This does not apply to island resorts.ÌýÌý

Topless sunbathing and nudity in public is illegal. You could be fined up to 100 pa’angas or get a prison sentence of up to 4 months if you refuse to pay.ÌýÌý

Swimwear is acceptable on the beach or by streams and waterfalls, but in other areas it is likely to receive negative attention.Ìý

Mobile phone coverageÌý

You can buy a local SIM card at the airport. You register it by giving your personal ID. Network coverage is usually reliable in towns, but can be patchy in rural locations.ÌýÌýÌý

Alcohol laws and bansÌý

It’s illegal to drink alcohol in public except at bars or restaurants. The legal drinking age is 21. It is illegal for anyone aged 20 or under to buy alcohol. Drunken behaviour is likely to receive negative attention from locals.Ìý

Illegal drugs and prison sentencesÌý

Drug taking in all forms is illegal. The maximum penalty for importing or exporting illegal drugs is 30 yearsâ€� hard labour and fines of several hundred thousand US dollars. If you are found guilty of cultivating or distributing illegal drugs, you are likely to receive a severe punishment.Ìý

LGBT+ travellersÌý

Same-sex sexual activity between men is illegal in Tonga and the law is occasionally enforced. Same-sex partners showing affection in public may receive negative attention. Ìý

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.Ìý

Outdoor activities and adventure tourismÌýÌý

Swimming and surfing safetyÌý

Take local advice before swimming or surfing. Tonga’s tides can produce powerful currents in ocean lagoons. There have been fatal accidents on popular beaches.ÌýÌý

Many waves break directly on to reefs. The sea and beaches may have loose rocks and other debris resulting from the underwater eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano. Take extra care when swimming.Ìý

For more advice, see from the Royal Life Saving Society.Ìý

Scuba divingÌý

Before scuba diving, check you are covered by your insurance. You should also:Ìý

• ask for the dive operator’s credentialsÌý
• make sure safety equipment and oxygen is available on the boatÌý
• check for damage before using any equipmentÌý
• insist on training and ask operators to explain safe practicesÌý
• check what to do if something goes wrong, including how to call for help while at seaÌý

There is currently no hyperbaric chamber on Tonga, so get advice from your dive instructor or dive team.ÌýÌý

Whale boatsÌý

Thousands of whales frequent the waters of Tonga every year between June and November. There are strict regulations on whale watching. It is illegal to swim or kayak with whales unless you are on a licensed boat with a certified guide. If convicted, you could get a fine of up to 5,000 pa’angas or an 18-month prison sentence â€� or both. The authorities can apply these penalties to a first-time offence.ÌýÌý

Transport risksÌýÌý

Road travelÌýÌý

If you are planning to drive in Tonga, see information on driving abroad. You can drive using your UK driving licence. ÌýÌý

Roads are generally in good condition, but inland they can be narrow and potholed. Speed limits are low and traffic police can issue on-the-spot fines if you exceed them. All drivers and front seat passengers must wear seatbelts. It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.ÌýÌý

When driving near villages watch for children and animals on the roads. Avoid driving at night as roads are poorly lit and hazards such as livestock and pedestrians make driving very dangerous.Ìý

Sea travelÌý

Safety at sea, particularly on board older vessels, is a concern in Tonga. Ferries do not follow normal safety regulations and are often overloaded. Consider carrying your own lifejacket.ÌýÌý

Air travelÌý

Severe weather can cause flight delays and cancellations. Stay in touch with your travel provider.Ìý

Extreme weather and natural disastersÌý

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.Ìý

Tropical cyclonesÌý

The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to May, but cyclones can happen throughout the year. During the cyclone season there is a greater risk of severe weather including strong winds and heavy rain. Severe weather may cause floods, landslides, road closures and disrupt essential services and infrastructure. You should follow local advice and monitor local and international weather updates from or . Ìý

Earthquakes and tsunamisÌý

Tonga is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Earthquakes and volcanic activity can happen at any time and trigger tsunamis. Check .Ìý

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about or .ÌýÌý

Before you travel check that:Ìý

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may needÌý
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuationÌýÌý

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.Ìý

Emergency medical numberÌý

Call 933 and ask for an ambulance.Ìý

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.Ìý

Vaccine recommendations and health risksÌý

At least 8 weeks before your trip:ÌýÌý

• check the latest Ìý
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the ÌýÌý

See , including:ÌýÌý

• Zika virusÌý
• dengueÌý(Tongatapu, Vava’u and ‘Eua)

MedicationÌý

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.Ìý

Read .Ìý

Healthcare in TongaÌý

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.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.Ìý

Travel and mental healthÌý

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .Ìý

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.Ìý

Emergency services in TongaÌý

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)Ìý

Fire: 999Ìý

Police: 922ÌýÌý

Ambulance: 933Ìý

Contact your travel provider and insurerÌý

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.Ìý

Refunds and changes to travelÌý

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.Ìý

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:Ìý

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a providerÌý
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claimÌý

Support from FCDOÌý

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:Ìý

• getting help if you’re a victim of crimeÌýÌý
• what to do if you’re in hospitalÌýÌý
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attackÌý

ContactingÌýFCDOÌý

Help abroad �

SeeÌýhow to get help from the UK government abroadÌýincluding in an emergency.Ìý

Help in the UKÌýÌý

You can call�FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. �

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) �

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates �

Sign up to�get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. �

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