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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7724 5828
\n\nEmail: office@tongahighcom.co.uk
\n\nTo enter Tonga, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou 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:
\n\nTo extend your stay, contact the Tonga Immigration Department. Make sure you do not overstay your visa.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Tonga guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Tonga. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty, including all plant, animal and food products.
\n\nYou must also declare any personal valuables worth 500 Tongan pa’angas (about £160) or more.
\n\nDeclare 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.
\n\n","safety_html":"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.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Tonga, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nThe level of serious crime is low, but petty theft is fairly common. To protect yourself and your property:
\n\nTongan 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.
\n\nTopless 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.
\n\nSwimwear is acceptable on the beach or by streams and waterfalls, but in other areas it is likely to receive negative attention.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nIt’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.
\n\nDrug taking in all forms is illegal. The maximum penalty for importing or exporting illegal drugs is 30 years’ 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.
\n\nSame-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.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nTake local advice before swimming or surfing. Tonga’s tides can produce powerful currents in ocean lagoons. There have been fatal accidents on popular beaches.
\n\nMany 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.
\n\nFor more advice, see water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nBefore scuba diving, check you are covered by your insurance. You should also:
\n\nThere is currently no hyperbaric chamber on Tonga, so get advice from your dive instructor or dive team.
\n\nThousands 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 – or both. The authorities can apply these penalties to a first-time offence.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Tonga, see information on driving abroad. You can drive using your UK driving licence.
\n\nRoads 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.
\n\nWhen 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.
\n\nSafety 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.
\n\nSevere weather can cause flight delays and cancellations. Stay in touch with your travel provider.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe 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 World Meteorological Organization or Tonga Meteorological Services.
\n\nTonga 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 advice from local Tongan authorities and tsunami alerts for the region.
\n\nThe US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake or tsunami.
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