Tonga

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 922 for police.
• Dial 933 for fire services.
• Dial 933 for ambulance services.
• Dial +0800444 for toll-free domestic violence hotline. 

Crime

Tonga has a low crime rate. However, petty crime, such as theft, burglary, and opportunistic crimes can occur, particularly in urban areas and locations frequented by tourists.

• Exercise standard personal security precautions. Avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night, secure valuables, and maintain awareness of your surroundings.
• Police resources and response capabilities may be limited outside major population centers.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Internet romance scams are common in Tonga. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• Taxi Overcharging
• Souvenir & Vendor Markups
• Romance and online dating
• Investment & Ponzi Schemes
• ATM Skimming
• Free trip or luggage
• Phishing & Prize Scams
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Tonga: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 922.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. 

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable VPNs or secure communication applications where appropriate.
• Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Certain technologies, such as drones and satellite communication devices, may be restricted in Tonga. Travelers should verify local laws and regulations before traveling with such items.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities may be infrequent.
• Hazardous areas and activities are not always identified with appropriate signage.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you are injured, you may need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care. First responders may have difficulty reaching remote areas in a timely manner.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged obtain medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

Adventure tourism activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, and whale watching, are available in Tonga.

• Ask about safety standards and oversight. Emergency response capabilities may be limited, particularly in remote areas.
• Ocean conditions, including strong currents and coral reefs, can pose risks to inexperienced swimmers and divers. Use trusted operators and follow all safety guidance.
• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even unknowingly,  you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. 
• Individuals who violate local laws, even by mistake, may face detention, criminal charges, and possible conviction.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• If you plan to establish a business or practice a profession in Tonga, you should seek information from local authorities regarding required permits or licenses.

Illegal weapons

Guns, ammunition, shells and spent shell casings are illegal in Tonga.  Penalties for possession of any of these typically include imprisonment or deportation.

Illegal drugs

Marijuana, cannabis, CBD based products, and cannabinoids are illegal in Tonga.  There is no exception for medical products containing THC.  Penalties for possession of any of these typically include imprisonment or deportation.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy immediately.

Detention conditions

Detention conditions in Tonga may be basic and may not meet U.S. standards.

• The U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji provides consular services to U.S. citizens in Tonga.
• Access to medical care, including medications, may be limited.
• Detainees should ensure that any medical needs are clearly communicated to local authorities.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They are illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

There are legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations in Tonga.

• Under Tongan law, “sodomy with another person” is a crime, with a maximum penalty of up to ten years’ imprisonment.
• Social attitudes in Tonga are generally conservative, and travelers should exercise discretion.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Tonga does not prohibit discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, disabilities. 

• The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, public transportation, and information services are not widely available.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in infrastructure, including sidewalks, buildings, and transportation systems, may present challenges for travelers with mobility or other accessibility needs.
• Accessibility may be somewhat better in the capital, Nuku’alofa, than in more remote or outer island areas. Some lodging in the capital area and communication/information have accessible features while rural areas are unlikely to have any accessibility support.
• Cultural attitudes toward people with disabilities are generally respectful; however, services and accommodations may be limited.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Tonga Traveler Information provides destination specific information on vaccinations and health guidance for Tonga.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 911 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

Ambulances are more reliable in the capital, Nuku’alofa, but may be limited or unavailable in remote or outer island areas.

• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment. 
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest  hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. health insurance plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Tonga. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Hospital and medical providers require payment at the time of service or proof of adequate insurance before treatment.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation, as medical facilities and services are limited, particularly outside the capital.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available in Nuku’alofa, and the islands of Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua. However, medical care may be limited in rural or remote areas.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. 
• Hospitals and doctors always require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 
• Medical staff may have limited English proficiency in some areas.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight [in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to the hospital.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Serious medical conditions that cannot be treated locally may require medical evacuation to another country, such as New Zealand. For additional information on medical visas for New Zealand, contact the Embassy of New Zealand.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Check with the Ministry of Health Tonga to ensure the medication is legal in Tonga.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with limited controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• Consult with local authorities or a medical professional to confirm whether their medications are permitted in Tonga.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

Traditional healing practices are available in Tonga and may be used by some members of the local community. These practices may include herbal remedies and consultation with traditional healers.

• Use caution when seeking care from non-licensed practitioners.
• Training, certification, and standards may vary. These services are not subject to the same regulation as licensed medical care.
• If you choose to seek non-traditional treatments, make you also have access to licensed medical facilities in case of complications or emergencies.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Tonga to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• Assisted reproductive technology services are limited in Tonga.
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated, and there are no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents.
  • Surrogacy agreements may not be enforceable in Tongan courts.

If you decide to pursue parenthood in Tonga via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s birth with local authorities or citizenship status. People who try to avoid local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

• In many areas of Tonga tap water is not safe to drink.
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating raw or undercooked foods including fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled, may increase the risk of illness. Travelers can reduce risk by filtering, boiling, or otherwise treating water before consumption.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution is generally not a significant concern in Tonga; however, localized conditions may vary.

• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For additional health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Road conditions vary throughout Tonga.  Primary roads in Nuku’alofa are paved. However, many secondary roads are unpaved and may be poorly maintained.

• Drivers should remain alert to changing road, traffic, and weather conditions.
• Roadside assistance is not widely available.
• Animals and pedestrians are often present on roadways. Limited street lighting can make night driving dangerous.
• There are no traffic lights in Tonga. You must stop at roundabouts and allow vehicles on the right side to proceed.

Please contact the Consulate General of Tonga in San Francisco for specific information concerning Tonga driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance;  or if you want to verify requirements before you arrive in Tonga.

Traffic laws 

You must have a local driver’s permit. It  may be issued upon presentation of a valid U.S driver’s license. An international driving permit is not required but may be accepted as supporting documentation.

• If you are involved in a traffic accident, contact local authorities immediately.
• Bicycles must be registered with the Tonga Police before using them on public roads.

Taxis and ride-shares

Taxis are available in urban areas, including Nuku’alofa, and are metered.

• Ride- sharing services are not widely available in Tonga.  
• Only use trusted taxi operators when possible. Exercise normal safety precautions when using public transportation.

Public and commercial transportation

Public transportation options in Tonga are limited. Bus services operate in some areas, including Nuku’alofa, but schedules may be irregular and service may be infrequent.

• Exercise caution when using public transportation. Safety standards and maintenance may vary.
• Visit the website of Tonga’s national tourism authority for additional travel information and visitor resources.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed [Tonga’s]’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international safety standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Air service within Tonga is limited. Inter-island flights may be subject to delays or cancellations due to weather conditions or operational constraints. Airport facilities outside the main international airport may be basic.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Tonga should check the following resources for the most current information:

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Inter-island ferry services may be limited. Schedules may change with little notice. Safety standards may vary.

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Tonga has a tropical climate with a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October.

Tropical cyclones and flooding

During the wet season, Tonga is vulnerable to tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, flooding, and storm surges. These conditions can disrupt transportation, infrastructure, and essential services.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Earthquakes and volcanic activity are also possible in Tonga due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. These events may result in tsunamis or ashfall.

Monitor local weather reports and follow the guidance of local authorities. Additional information is available from local disaster management agencies.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates