Tonga
Summary
COVID-19 entry restrictions for Tonga
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Tonga’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
Tonga’s borders reopened on 1 August 2022, although the country remains subject to two States of Emergencies and National COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions. See the Coronavirus page.
ItIf you’re planning travel to Tonga, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance on foreign travel insurance.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.
The effects of the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami on 15 January continues to impact a number of Tongan islands. The outer islands’ telecommunications infrastructure was damaged and will take some time to restore. You should continue to follow the advice of the Tongan authorities.
There has been an increase in volcanic activity at Home Reef. For further information, see the Natural disasters page.
The tropical cyclone season in Tonga normally runs from November to April but cyclones can occur throughout the year. Severe weather may result in flooding, landslides, road closures and disruption to essential services and infrastructure. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), from the Tonga Meteorological Service, in local newspapers and on Radio Tonga 1 and 2 on 1017 AM and 90 FM, and follow the advice of the local authorities including any evacuation orders. See our Tropical cyclones page for further advice about what to do if you are caught up in a storm. See Natural disasters
Consular support is limited in Tonga. However, the British High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand can provide consular support to British nationals.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Tonga, attacks cannot be ruled out. See Terrorism
Most visits to Tonga are trouble free. The crime rate is relatively low. However, petty crime and theft do take place. You should remain vigilant, especially at night. See Crime.
UK health authorities have classified Tonga as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.
Update history
2025-03-31 12:36
Updated information following an earthquake in the region (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2025-03-30 15:15
Updated information about Extreme weather and natural disasters following earthquake in region (“Warnings and insurance page”).
2025-02-25 09:45
Updated information about dengue (‘Health’ page).
2025-02-21 14:14
Updated information about tropical cyclones (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-02-15 14:19
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-12-22 09:42
Updates to ‘Safety and security’, ‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages.
2023-06-22 10:19
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages
2022-11-11 13:58
Removed information on the earthquake registered at 11:48AM (GMT) on 11 November 2022 (‘Summary’ page).
2022-11-11 13:03
Addition of information that an earthquake was registered in the Tonga region over 200km from the mainland at 11:48AM (GMT) on Friday 11 November. The threat of a tsunami has now passed.
2022-09-30 14:11
Updated information on borders fully re-opening and both States of Emergency being lifted (‘Summary’, ‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2022-09-21 10:21
Updated information on volcanic activity at Home Reef (‘Summary’ and ‘Natural Disasters’ pages).
2022-08-30 07:20
Update to information on borders and curfews. (See ‘Summary’ and ‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-07-28 13:37
Update to information on states of emergency and border openings (‘Summary’, ‘Coronavirus’,‘Safety and security’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-06-24 14:12
Update to information on contact numbers, states of emergency, and entry requirements (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-05-12 16:04
Update to information on states of emergency (‘coronavirus’ page)
2022-04-12 10:18
Updated information on renewal of the States of Emergency and National COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-04-05 16:59
Updated information on the National COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions and COVID-19 Vaccinations (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-03-25 17:57
Updated information on the National COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-03-18 15:45
Updated information on the States of Emergency and National COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions (‘Summary’, ‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages)
2022-03-15 16:12
Updated information on the States of Emergency and National COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-02-22 15:28
Updated information on Tonga’s States of Emergency and National Lockdown Restrictions (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)