Tonga

Tonga has a rate of violent crime similar to Australia, but petty crime is common. Crime that might affect you in Tonga includes:

• violent assault
• sexual assault
• robbery

House break-ins and property theft also happen.

Security risks increase at night. Thieves target electronic equipment, especially:

• tablets
• mobile phones
• other portable electronic devices

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• always lock doors, windows, gates and vehicles
• don't go out alone at night
• don't visit isolated locations alone, including beaches

Civil unrest is rare in Tonga, but any public protest or event that draws a large group of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid protests, demonstrations and other large public gatherings
• monitor local media for possible unrest
• don't visit affected areas

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Swimming safety

Take care when swimming at beaches, especially those with outlying coral reefs.

Strong rips can occur where there's a break in the reef. This makes it dangerous for swimmers and surfers. People have drowned.

Ask locals about danger spots before swimming.

Tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This applies to:

• dive companies
• adventure tour companies
• fishing charters
• offshore surfing charters

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• don't travel on an overloaded vessel
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Severe weather

Tonga can experience natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• cyclones
• earthquakes
• tsunamis

During an emergency, the Tongan National Emergency Management Office provides updates on Radio 1 at frequency 1017AM.

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family

If you're due to arrive after a natural disaster or during cyclone season, ask your tour operator or airline if it affects your travel plans.

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Tropical storms and cyclones

Tropical Cyclone Tino is expected to pass Tonga as a category 2 system on 18 January. 

The cyclone season is November to April. However, tropical storms and cyclones can happen throughout the year, bringing:

• flooding
• gale-force winds
• disruptions to services

The direction and strength of cyclones can change suddenly.

If there's a cyclone or tropical storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• port access may be affected
• there may not be enough shelter available

If a cyclone or tropical storm is approaching:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter

Monitor alerts and advice from:

• Tonga Meteorological Service
• Joint Typhoon Warning Centre
• Fiji Meteorological Service
• World Meteorological Organisation

Earthquakes

Tonga experiences earthquakes. 

Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you stay and visit. Ask your hotel or host for advice. 

If there's an earthquake:

• consider tsunami risks
• expect aftershocks and travel delays
• reconfirm travel plans with agents and tour operators

More information:

• National Earthquake Information Centre of the United States Geological Survey

Tsunamis

Tsunamis can happen in Tonga. A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a nearby tremor or earthquake.

Being close to the Tonga Trench, strong earthquakes in the region could cause a destructive tsunami to hit within 20 minutes.

To receive tsunami alerts, register with the:

• Pacific Tsunami Warning Center 
• Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System

If you're near the coast, move to high ground straight away. Do this if local authorities advise so, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens.

Once on high ground, monitor local media and the Tonga Meteorological Service.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Tonga. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medications

Measles

There's an outbreak of measles in Tonga. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you go.

More information:

• 2019 Measles Health Advisory (Tonga Ministry of Health)
• Measles outbreaks and recommendations for Australian travellers (Department of Health)
• Measles immunisation service (Department of Health)

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne disease outbreaks occur in Tonga, especially during the wet season. Diseases include:

• dengue
• chikungunya
• Zika virus

Mosquitos that carry these diseases are active during the day.

The Australian Department of Health's bulletin explains how to minimise the risk of Zika virus. There's no vaccination for it.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• defer non-essential travel to affected areas

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• filariasis

Serious

outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical advice if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Fish poisoning

Eating reef fish can result in ciguatera poisoning. Ciguatera is a naturally occurring seafood toxin.

Other risks include:

• scombroid (histamine fish poisoning)
• toxins in shellfish

Get urgent medical help if you suspect poisoning.

Medical facilities

Hospital and medical facilities are limited, especially in remote island groups.

If you become ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to Australia or New Zealand, even for minor medical issues. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Evacuations on a Sunday are difficult to arrange because airports don't operate.

There are no decompression chambers in Tonga. People with serious cases of decompression sickness are evacuated to the nearest treatment centre in New Zealand.

Registered dive companies carry basic treatment equipment to meet Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) standards.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Sunday activities

Sabbath laws strictly limit Sunday activities. Business activities are not allowed.

Unless you're at a resort, activities such as playing sport, dancing, listening to loud music, and fishing are illegal on Sundays.

Driving laws

The blood alcohol limit for driving in Tonga is 0.015%.

There are 2 breath tests for blood alcohol readings. The first is a roadside test to see if you have alcohol in your system.

If you test positive for alcohol, you'll be taken to a police station for a second test.

• If your reading is between 0.015% and 0.025%, police will give you an on-the-spot fine.
• If your reading is above 0.025%, police will charge you and you'll have to appear in court.

If police catch you outside business hours, they'll likely hold you in a police cell until they can charge you.

Other laws

Sodomy is a criminal offence. Punishment is a maximum of 10 years in jail.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Tonga recognises dual nationals.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Tonga is a mostly Christian country with a high level of religious observance.

Tonga is a conservative country. Take care not to offend.

Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. You can wear a bikini at a resort, but wear more modest swimwear at public beaches away from resorts. Topless bathing is not accepted.

If you're a man, you're not allowed to go shirtless in public areas unless you're at a resort.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Tourist visas

You can get a tourist visa when you arrive for stays of up to 31 days. However, you must have an onward ticket.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact a High Commission of Tonga for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

If you want to stay longer or work, you'll need to apply for a visa.

If you arrive in Tonga with less than 6 months remaining on your passport you may:

• be fined on the spot
• have your passport taken until the fine is paid

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you’re overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Tongan Pa'anga (TOP).

Change Australian dollars for TOP at local banks. These include ANZ and Bank South Pacific.

Remote island groups have limited banking services.

The main island of Tongatapu has ATMs, but they don't accept all Australian cards. Ask your bank if your card will work in Tonga.

Credit card fraud and card skimming occurs. Don't expose your PIN when using ATMs. Check your bank statements often.

Boat travel

Local boats can be dangerous because they:

• can be overloaded
• are poorly maintained
• lack life-saving equipment

Operators may not provide life jackets on boats, rafts or kayaks.

Some cruise ships stop in Tonga.

More information:

• Travelling by boat
• Going on a cruise

Driving permit

Australian driver's licences and international driving permits aren't recognised. To get a licence, contact the Ministry of Infrastructure.

You must have a temporary Tongan licence to hire a motor scooter or car.

Road travel

Driving in Tonga can be dangerous, especially at night due to:

• poor street lighting
• low-quality roads
• pedestrians and free-roaming animals on roads

Speeding, alcohol and drug-driving cause many road deaths.

Some road rules differ from those in Australia. Be aware that:

• you must give way to vehicles that are turning right
• the speed limit in most locations is 50km/h
• the blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.015%
• if you're caught with alcohol on your breath when driving, you'll be taken for further testing
• if you have an accident while not wearing a seatbelt, you may not be covered by travel insurance

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Always wear a helmet. This applies to a motorbike or motor scooter. Hire companies don't always provide helmets.

If you plan to hire a motorcycle, check your travel insurance covers you.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and authorised limousines. Arrange these through your hotel.

Public transport

Limited bus services operate on Tongatapu.

Bus services finish at 5pm. Buses don't run on Sundays.

Petty crime happens on buses. Take care of your belongings.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

Domestic aircraft safety and maintenance practices in Tonga may not meet international standards. Take this into account when booking your air travel.

Tonga's domestic airline, Real Tonga, operates scheduled flights to all island groups.

Limited domestic services can result in:

• overbooking
• overloading
• late changes to scheduling

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Tonga's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• friends and family
• travel agent
• employer
• airline
• insurance provider

Fire and rescue services

Call 911.

Medical emergencies

Call 911 or go to a hospital.

Police

Call 911, or go to a local police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Check the Consular Services Charter to find out what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian High Commission in Nuku'alofa.

Australian High Commission, Nuku'alofa

Salote Road 
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Phone: (+676) 23 244
Fax: (+676) 23 243
Email: ahctonga@dfat.gov.au
Website: tonga.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Tonga
Twitter: @AustHCTonga

Check the Australian High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia