Tonga - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: Visitors should note that Sunday is sacred in Tonga and it is unlawful to work or trade on this day; almost everything (except bakeries, a few restaurants and resorts) is closed. Drug taking is illegal and trafficking drugs attracts heavy penalties. Anyone appearing in public without a shirt will be fined.

Tonga is a conservative and religious society. Visitors should dress modestly; and beachwear should be for beach only. Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting.

English and French are the most common languages used in business circles. Contracts signed on a Sunday are void. Office hours are Mon–Fri 0830–1630.

Immigration and customs: Passports must be valid for six months, and visas are issued at the airport and are valid for one month. Visitors must also hold a return ticket and have sufficient funds for their stay.

The import of firearms, ammunition and pornography is prohibited, and the export of valuable artefacts and certain flora and fauna is restricted.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by those arriving from an infected area.

Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the left. Visitors will need a local driving permit, which is obtained on presentation of a national driving licence and a small fee from the Police Traffic Department in Nuku’alofa. Car hire is only available in Nuku’alofa and Neiafu. Speed limits are low, but are strictly enforced.

There are regular ferry services between the islands, though timetables are subject to change, depending on the weather or demand.

Minibus services are available throughout Tongatapu. Taxis can be recognised by their ‘T’ licence plates. Visitors can also hire a chauffeur-driven car.

Travel health: Visitors should have comprehensive health insurance which includes air evacuation, as serious medical cases are flown to Australia or New Zealand.

Dengue fever is prevalent in Tonga, and visitors should ensure they take insect repellent and suitable clothing to protect against being bitten by dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Tap water is chlorinated and is safe to drink in the main towns, and bottled water is widely available. Elsewhere, sterilisation of drinking water is sometimes advisable.

Money: The local currency is the pa’anga. Foreign currency exchange is available at banks and major hotels. There is limited use of credit cards but ATMs are available in Nuku’alofa and Neiafu. Banking hours are Mon–Fri 0900–1600, Sat 0830–1130.

There were 41,862 tourist arrivals in 2005.