Tonga Travel Risk

Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise normal precautions in Tonga.

Read the Country Information page for additional information on travel to Tonga.

If you decide to travel to Tonga:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Tonga.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Obey all instructions from local authorities.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Notice related to your travel.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

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.

UK 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.

Terrorism in Tonga

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Tonga, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

The level of serious crime is low, but petty theft is fairly common. To protect yourself and your property:

• do not leave bags unattended
• use hotel safes or deposit boxes for passports and valuables
• stay in well-lit and populated areas after dark
• keep villas and hotel rooms locked and secure

Laws and cultural differences

Customs and dress code

Tongan 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.

Topless 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.

Swimwear is acceptable on the beach or by streams and waterfalls, but in other areas it is likely to receive negative attention.

Mobile phone coverage

You 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.

Alcohol laws and bans

It’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.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Drug 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.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-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.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Risk level

Tonga - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in Tonga.

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

Advice for women travellers

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)

汤加风险等级为蓝色（低风险）