Tonga travel advice
Latest updates: Health – updated information on chikungunya
Last updated: ET
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- Risk level
- Safety and security
- Entry and exit requirements
- Health
- Laws and culture
- Natural disasters and climate
- Need help?
Risk level
Tonga - Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in Tonga.
Safety and security
Crime
Petty crime, including theft, robberies, assaults and house break-ins, occurs. Thieves often target electronics.
During your trip:
- keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
- keep doors and windows locked at all times
- avoid walking alone after dark
- avoid isolated areas
Women’s safety
Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment or verbal abuse.
Sexual assaults occur and foreign women have been targeted, including on public beaches.
- Always remain vigilant
- Avoid walking alone after dark
- Avoid unattended beaches
Demonstrations
Demonstrations are rare but may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Tourist facilities
Basic tourist facilities and services are available in Nuku’alofa but limited elsewhere.
Adventure travel
Outdoor activities can be dangerous. Tour operators may not meet Canadian safety standards.
If you intend to participate in adventure tourism activities:
- share your itinerary with a friend or family member if you’re alone
- stay on marked trails and consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company
- obtain detailed information on your activity and the environment in which you will be setting out
- buy travel insurance that covers incidents related to these types of recreational activities
- ensure that you have proper equipment and bring sufficient water
- monitor weather conditions and other possible hazards
Water activities
Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.
Swimming
Coastal waters can be dangerous.
Rescue services may not meet Canadian safety standards.
Between June and November, whales are present in Tonga waters. Tongan law requires you to use a licenced boat and be accompanied by a certified guide to whale watch. Swimming or kayaking near whales can result in heavy fines and imprisonment.
Always follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.
Roads
Driving can be hazardous due to poor road conditions and inadequate lighting after dark. Streets in Nuku’alofa and main roads on Tongatapu are paved, but most others are not.
Public transportation
Ferry accidents can occur due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels.
Do not board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
Entry and exit requirements
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Tongan authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Tonga.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
Tourist visa: required for stays of up to 30 days
Business visa: required for stays of up to 30 days
Student visa: required
Tourist visas are issued upon arrival. All other visas must be obtained before arrival.
Other entry requirements
Customs officials will ask you to show them:
- a return or onward ticket
- proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
Children and travel
Learn more about travelling with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Health
Relevant Travel Health Notices
- Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
- COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
This section has information and advice about health risks you might face when travelling. Following this advice can help reduce your risk of getting sick. Not all risks are listed here.
It's best to talk to a healthcare provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before your trip to get personalized health advice. Even if your travel date is coming up soon, it's still worthwhile to make an appointment.
Routine vaccines
Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going.
These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.
Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information
Pre-travel vaccines and medications
When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.
The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting.
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.
Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.
Rabies
In this destination, rabies may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional.
Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.
Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.
Influenza
The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.
The flu occurs worldwide.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
- In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
- In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.
The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.
The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.
Safe food and water precautions
Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:
- Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
- Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding - the water might look clean but can still be contaminated
- Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs
Travellers' diarrhea
Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Tick and insect bite prevention
Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.
To protect yourself from bites:
- use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
- wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
- wear socks and closed-toe shoes
- sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
- do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities
Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents
Chikungunya
There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by:
- season
- year
- region
- elevation
The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.
Insect bite and pest prevention
A vaccine for the prevention of chikungunya (IXCHIQ) is approved in Canada. Talk to your healthcare provider about how best to prevent chikungunya, including the benefits and risks of vaccination based on factors such as your age, itinerary and personal preferences.
Learn more:
Dengue
- In this country, dengue is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
- Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
- The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
- Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication available in Canada to prevent dengue.
Learn more:
Dengue
Insect bite and pest prevention
Zika virus
Zika virus is a risk in this country.
Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.
During your trip:
- Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
- Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel.
For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Animal precautions
Some infections, like rabies and bird flu (avian influenza), can be spread from animals to humans. Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, like:
- travelling in rural or forested areas
- camping, hiking, or visiting caves
- visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets
To reduce your risk of getting sick, avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Avoid eating undercooked meat.
Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals.
Person-to-person infections
When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:
- staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick
- wearing a well-fitting mask, especially:
- if you’re sick and need to be around others
- when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports
- cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
- covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands
Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures
To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can:
- get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible
- have fewer sexual partners
- use protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.
Mpox vaccines
Sexual health and travel
HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice
Medical services and facilities
Medical facilities in Tonga are limited. Nuku’alofa and Neiafu have hospitals with emergency facilities.
For most non-basic medical issues, medical evacuation is required, usually to New Zealand or Australia. It can be very expensive.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Health and safety outside Canada
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Corporal punishment
Offences such as theft and sexual or physical assault may result in corporal punishment.
Drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences, community work or heavy fines.
Dress and behaviour
Tonga strictly observes the Sabbath. On Sundays, any recreational activity undertaken outside of island resorts may be seen as provocative.
To avoid offending local sensitivities:
- dress conservatively
- behave discreetly
- respect religious and social traditions
2SLGBTQI+ persons
Tongan law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Convicted offenders could face up to 10 years of imprisonment.
2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Tonga.
Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Tonga.
If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Tonga, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.
International Child Abduction
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Tonga.
If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Tonga by an abducting parent:
- act as quickly as you can
- consult a lawyer in Canada and in Tonga to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
- report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.
Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
Useful links
- International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
- Children and travel
- Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
- Request emergency assistance
Driving
Traffic drives on the left.
You can drive using a Canadian driver’s licence for up to 12 months.
Tonga has very strict rules regarding impaired driving. Local authorities conduct random breath alcohol testing. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%.
Money
The currency of Tonga is the Tongan dollar or pa'anga (TOP).
ATMs are available on Tongatapu, especially in Nuku’alofa. Foreign currency exchange services may be limited on other islands. Most major hotels, as well as some restaurants and stores, accept credit cards.
Natural disasters and climate
Climate change
Climate change is affecting Tonga. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.
Tropical cyclones
Cyclones are more likely to occur between November and April, but major storms have occurred outside this period.
Severe storms can cause flooding and landslides, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. They can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.
During a tropical cyclone, hotel guests may be required to leave accommodations near the shore and move to safety centres inland. Travel to and from outer islands may be disrupted for days.
If you decide to travel to Tonga during cyclone season:
- know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
- be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
- stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
- carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
- follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
Useful links
Earthquakes
Tonga is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences regular seismic activity.
Volcanoes
On July 3, 2024, the Home Reef Volcano started erupting. You should stay at least 5 km away from the volcano.
Parts of Tonga are still recovering from the impacts of the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha'apai volcano that erupted on January 15, 2022, resulting in tsunami waves, ash fall, and significant damage to essential services and communications.
There are several volcanoes in Tonga. Debris from erupting volcanoes can clog rivers and cause them to overflow, resulting in flash floods and landslides. Ash clouds may also cause disruptions to domestic and international flights.
Eruptions may occur at any time. Series of tremors sometimes lead to evacuations of surrounding areas.
In the event of a volcanic eruption:
- monitor local media for the latest information
- follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
If you are travelling near active volcanoes:
- monitor levels of volcanic activity through the local media
- pay careful attention to all warnings issued
- follow the advice of local authorities
- be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice
Tsunamis
Tonga is prone to tsunamis. A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of a tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor.
If you're staying on the coast, in the event of a tsunami warning:
- familiarize yourself with the region's evacuation plans
- avoid affected areas
- follow the instructions of local authorities
Useful links
- Tsunami Advisories/Warning – Tonga Meteorological Services
- Tsunami alerts – U.S. Tsunami Warning System
Need help?
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 911 for emergency assistance.
Consular assistance
There is no resident Canadian government office in Tonga. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the High Commission of Australia to Tonga, in Nuku’alofa, under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement.
Sign up to receive email updates from the Australian government on situations and events that could affect your safety while in Tonga.
Smartraveller - Australian travel advice
Nuku'alofa - High Commission of Australia
Wellington - High Commission of Canada
American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna
For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Australia to Tonga, in Nuku’alofa, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
Disclaimer
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.
Risk Levels
Take normal security precautions
Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.
Exercise a high degree of caution
There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
IMPORTANT:The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.
Avoid non-essential travel
Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.
Avoid all travel
You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.
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