Tonga Travel Guide

Tonga — Passport and Visa Information

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Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
USA	Yes	No	Yes
Other EU	Yes	No/1	Yes
Canadian	Yes	No	Yes
British	Yes	No	Yes
Australian	Yes	No	Yes

A valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, who can obtain a visitor's visa free of charge on arrival entitling the holder to stays of up to 31 days, providing they hold a return ticket, for tourist purposes.

Visa Note

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Important Addresses).

Validity

Visitors are allowed stays of up to 31 days. Those wishing to extend their visa should contact the Immigration Department in Nuku'alofa - Phone 26 970, Fax 26 971.

Travel Warnings

Tropical Cyclone Rene, a category 4 cyclone, hit Tonga in February 2010.

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.

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 Travel Advice.

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.

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 travelers.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

The government provides comprehensive medical and dental facilities for residents and visitors. There are hospitals in Vaiola (Tongatapu), Hihifo (Ha’apai) and Neiafu (Vava’u), which will treat minor ailments and dispense medicines. There are also clinics, dispensaries, chemists and pharmacies. However, serious medical problems should be taken to Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand or Pago Pago (American Samoa). Visitors only pay a token fee for medicines. There are also competent private medical practitioners. Health insurance is recommended. For emergency services, dial 911.