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Kiss the tourist hype goodbye – and say a warm Malo e lelei (hello!) to the Kingdom of Tonga. Resolutely sidestepping flashy resorts and packaged cruise-ship schtick, Tonga is unpolished, gritty and unfailingly authentic. Life here ticks along at its own informal pace: church-life is all pervasive, chickens and pigs have right-of-way, and there's nothing that can't wait until tomorrow. You don’t have to seek out a cultural experience in Tonga – it’s all around you!

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes

On an especially good day at Mapu’a ‘a Vaea (Chief’s Whistles), hundreds of blowholes spurt skywards at once. Time your visit for a windy day with a…

Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon

The South Pacific’s equivalent of Stonehenge, the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui (Maui’s Burden) trilithon near Niutoua, is one of ancient Polynesia’s most intriguing…

Talamahu Market

Want to see the real of Nuku’alofa? Wander through the aisles at Talamahu, Tonga's main fresh-produce hub. You’ll find produce piled into handmade woven…

Ha’atafu Beach

On the sunset side of the island, Ha’atafu Beach is a sandy slice protected by a reef, where some of Tonga's best surf peels in (experienced surfers only…

Hufangalupe Archway

Near nowhere in particular is this impressive arch, aka ‘the pigeon’s doorway’ – a natural land bridge over the pounding Pacific waves, formed when the…

The Mu’a area contains Tonga's richest concentration of archaeological remnants. In AD 1200, Tu’itatui, the 11th of the Tu’i Tonga kings, moved the royal…

Hihifo’s Archaeological Sites

Hihifo, the contiguous suburban area south of Pangai, hides some archaeological relics seemingly of more interest to rooting pigs than anyone else. Hidden…

Honeymooners, start your engines! Fronting onto a magnificent beach, Fafá Island Resort is the most elegant on Tongatapu’s offshore islands, but it makes…

Latest stories from Tonga

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Jan 20, 2022 • 2 min read

Humanitarian aid has arrived in Tonga, but the pandemic is complicating the road to recovery. Here's what's happening and how you can help.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Tonga travel advice

Latest updates: Health – editorial update

Last updated: September 24, 2024 12:42 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, tonga - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Tonga.

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Petty crime, including theft and house break-ins, occurs. Always lock doors and secure your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents. Be particularly cautious after dark.

Women’s safety

Sexual assaults occur and foreigners have been targeted in the past. Women should avoid walking or jogging alone at night or in the early morning.

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)

Tourist facilities

Basic tourist facilities and services are available in Nuku’alofa but limited elsewhere.

Adventure travel

Tour operators may not adhere to international standards.   Regardless of the type of activity, ensure that you are using a reputable and well-established company.

Make sure your travel insurer covers your planned activity.

Water activities

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.

Water safety abroad

Road safety

Driving can be hazardous due to poor road conditions and lack of adequate lighting for night-time driving. Streets in Nuku’alofa and main roads on Tongatapu are paved, but most other roads are not.

Maritime transportation

Ferry accidents can occur due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels. Don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Tongan authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Tonga.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required for stays of up to 30 days Business visa: required for stays of up to 30 days Student visa: required

Tourist visas are issued upon arrival. All other visas must be obtained before arrival.

Other entry requirements

An onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required to visit Tonga.

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by:

The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.

Learn more:

Insect bite and pest prevention Chikungunya

• In this country,   dengue is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication available in Canada to prevent dengue. 

Learn more: Dengue Insect bite and pest prevention

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are limited. Nuku’alofa and Neiafu have hospitals with emergency facilities.

Medical evacuation, usually to New Zealand or Australia, can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

If travelling with prescription drugs, carry a letter from your doctor explaining what the medication is for and how much you need to take. You must also carry a copy of the prescription.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Offences such as theft and sexual or physical assault may result in corporal punishment.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences, community work or heavy fines.

Tonga has very strict rules regarding impaired driving. Local authorities conduct random breath testing for alcohol.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dress and behaviour

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Tonga strictly observes the Sabbath. On Sundays, any recreational activities undertaken outside of island resorts may be seen as provocative. Use maximum discretion on Sundays.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

The laws of Tonga prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Tonga.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Tonga.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Tonga, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Tonga.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Tonga by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Tonga to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Traffic drives on the left.

You must have a valid visitor’s driver’s licence to drive in Tonga. You can obtain one from the Ministry of Transport in Nuku’alofa.

You should carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency of Tonga is the Tongan dollar or pa'anga (TOP).

ATMs are available on Tongatapu, especially in Nuku’alofa. Foreign exchange service may be limited on other islands. You can exchange traveller’s cheques and foreign currency at major banks. Most major hotels, as well as some restaurants and stores, accept credit cards.

Monsoons and cyclones

Cyclones and monsoons are more likely to occur between June and December, but major storms have occurred outside this period. Severe storms can cause flooding and landslides, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. They can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. During a cyclone or monsoon, hotel guests may be required to leave accommodations near the shore and move to safety centres inland. Travel to and from outer islands may be disrupted for days.

If you decide to travel to Tonga during cyclone season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Weather reports  – Fiji Meteorological Service
• Tonga Meteorological & Coast Radio Services

Seismic activity

Tonga is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences regular seismic activity.

The underwater volcano Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha'apai erupted on January 15, 2022 resulting in tsunami waves, ash fall, major disruptions to basic services and caused significant damage.

Tonga is prone to tsunamis. A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor.

If you're staying on the coast, in the event of a tsunami warning:

• familiarize yourself with the region's evacuation plans
• avoid any affected areas
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• Tsunami Advisories/Warning – Tonga Meteorological Services
• Tsunami alerts – U.S. Tsunami Warning System
• Earthquakes – What to Do?

Local services

In case of emergency dial:

• police: 922
• medical assistance: 933
• firefighters: 999

Consular assistance

There is no resident Canadian government office in Tonga. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the High Commission of Australia to Tonga, in Nuku’alofa, under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement.

Sign up to receive email updates from the Australian government on situations and events that could affect your safety while in Tonga.

Smartraveller   - Australian travel advice

American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Australia to Tonga, in Nuku’alofa, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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The Ultimate Tonga Travel Guide: What’s it Like to Travel in Tonga?

Tonga is one of my favourite countries in the world.

I can’t stop talking about how incredible it is. It’s full of some of the loveliest people on the planet, has some of the best beaches I’ve ever stepped foot on, offers up dozens of islands to explore, and can even be experienced at an affordable price. It’s even one of only two places in the world where you can jump in the water and swim with humpback whales.

I’m on a mission to convince everybody to go to Tonga and that includes you, so let’s get started with a post about what it’s like to travel in this South Pacific country.

Where is Tonga?

Tonga is a small island country located in the South Pacific, roughly a third of the way between New Zealand and Hawaii. The country itself is made up of 172 islands of which 36 are inhabited. And if you know your Pacific islands, I can tell you that Tonga is found south of Samoa, east of Fiji, and west of the Cook Islands.

For a country that doesn’t see much international tourism, getting to Tonga is surprisingly simple if you find yourself in Oceania. There are flights up for grabs from Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, and you can usually score some pretty sweet deals on return tickets. I flew from Auckland to Tongatapu on a return fare of 350 USD.

If you’re coming from further afield, you can expect to spend more money to get there — of course — but it shouldn’t be all that difficult to find a flight. There are three flights a week operating from Los Angeles to Tongatapu (via a layover in Fiji). And if you’re based in Europe, Air New Zealand operates daily flights from London to both Los Angeles and Auckland — from either destination, you can then easily get over to Tonga.

Which are the Main Islands of Tonga?

One of my favourite aspects of travelling to a country that doesn’t have extensive coverage online is getting to do tons of research. However, I know not everybody enjoys this part of travel planning, and that’s why I’m writing up this enormous guide!

So I knew I wanted to visit Tonga — I love travelling to South Pacific islands , even if I know nothing about them — but I wasn’t sure where in Tonga I wanted to visit. After all, in the previous section I mentioned that this country is home to 36 inhabited islands. I had two weeks to travel in Tonga: which three or four islands would be best for me to visit?

It was time to start reading. Well, attempt to start reading, because let’s just say that information on the vast majority of these islands is scarce.

We’ll start with the easy one, which is the Tongatapu Group , in the southern reaches of the country. Tongatapu is the name of the main island of Tonga and home to the nation’s capital: Nukuʻalofa. It’s on this island that you’ll find the country’s largest airport, so it’s most likely that your flight will arrive here. The vast majority of tourists who do touch down in said airport, however, promptly leave. Tongatapu is seen merely as a stopover destination by many: somewhere you have to visit before you set off in search of paradise. Personally, I spent a day on the island , exploring all of its highlights, and found it interesting and worth exploring.

Within the Tongatapu Group , you have several other islands that are worth spending time on. The main one is called ‘Eua , and that was the one that I chose to visit. ‘Eua is accessible via one of the shortest flights in the world — such a cool experience! — and is home to some incredible hikes and vistas. In terms of other island options, there are a couple of specks of paradise off the coast of Tongatapu that are each home to a resort:  Pangaimotu ,  Atata , and  Fafa . If you’re in Tonga to have a typical beach vacation full of relaxation and rest, these three are the islands to check out.

North of the Tongatapu Group, you have the Ha’apai Group . This region of Tonga comprises 51 islands, of which only 17 are inhabited. Most visitors choose to visit one of three islands: the main island of Ha’apai, which is called Lifuka; Foa Island, which is home to the incredible resort of Matafonua (one of my favourite places in the world); and Uoleva Island, which offers up Serenity Beaches Resort . There are other islands with accommodation in Ha’apai, but they often can’t be booked online, so can be tricky to find and get to.

The most popular group of islands for travellers is the Vava’u Group , which is located north of Ha’apai. Unfortunately, I encountered a tropical storm while I was in Vava’u, so I didn’t get to see it at its best, but this part of the country is just as spectacular as the rest. In terms of where to visit, first of all, you have the large island of ‘Utu Vava’u. This is where the main town of Neiafu is found. I stayed on this island, in the excellently-reviewed Mystic Sands Resort . The second-largest island in the Vava’u Group is Pangaimotu, and Hunga Island is famous for being the spot where humpback whales gather.

And finally, you have the Niuas Group . And let me tell you, I want to go there so badly! However, there’s so little information about these isolated islands online that it left me hesitant to visit.

While getting there is relatively easy — the Tongan airline, Real Tonga, operates weekly flights from Vava’u — what do you do when you get there? There’s no accommodation on the islands, for starters, because why would there be when no tourists ever visit? Some people recommend bringing a tent and camping on the island; others urge you to phone the tourism bureau in the Niuas to ask them how to find somewhere to stay.

But what an incredible experience it would be, to visit a place that’s been entirely untouched by international tourism. To speak to people who are so isolated from the rest of the world, who only gained access to a high-speed internet connection three years ago. Maybe one day I’ll get there!

With your knowledge of the Tongan islands, you can now start to put together a travel itinerary. While I recommend attempting to see an island in each of the Tongatapu, Ha’apai, and Vava’u groups, you’d likely be just as impressed by the country if you choose just one island to explore in depth.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Tonga

I came to Tonga in January because that was my only option.

I spend Christmases in Oceania, where I always aspire to explore a South Pacific country while I’m in town. January, then, is when you’ll catch me on the islands. Even though — yes —  it’s cyclone season.

Despite only being able to travel in the wet season, I’ve been fortunate with the weather. When I spent three weeks in the Cook Islands , French Polynesia , and Fiji, I encountered just one day of rain. Over my two weeks in Tonga, I experienced only three wet days. So while there’s an inherent risk in travelling when cyclones are lurking, I anecdotally have had close to entirely blue sky on my trips.

Unlike other places I’ve visited in the South Pacific, in Tonga, low season means low, low, low  season. I was the only person staying at my hostel in Tongatapu, one of two people in my guesthouse in ‘Eua, and spent most of my time in Vava’u alone. Ha’apai was the only spot that had several other people staying in the guesthouse, but it was far from full.

There are pros and cons to visiting at this time of year. The advantages are lower prices, never struggling to get into your dream accommodation (when I visited in 2018, some guesthouses were already fully-booked for high-season 2020), and the islands are peaceful and calm. The odds of sunny days are probably higher than you’d expect, too.

The cons outweigh the pros for me, unfortunately. Most people come to Tonga to swim with humpback whales as the coastline is swarming with these gigantic mammals between July and October. You’re practically guaranteed to get up close and personal with newborn whale babies if you take a trip out on the water. If you stay on dry land, you’ll likely end up watching whales swimming past your guesthouses from all over the country. Not being able to see the whales on this trip made me feel as though I was missing out on one of the main highlights of Tonga.

On top of that, I found the lack of other guests a little frustrating at times, and the fact that many of my guesthouses weren’t running tours in the low season meant I missed out on a couple of activities I had originally hoped to do.

If you can visit Tonga at any time of year, choose the high season unless you’re tight on cash or love the idea of being alone in paradise.

Connectivity Isn’t Great

Tonga is a developing country in the middle of a vast ocean, and with that comes a whole bunch of connectivity problems.

My guesthouses in Tongatapu and ‘Eua both advertised Wi-Fi online, but when I turned up, both owners informed me they didn’t actually have it. Fortunately, I’d had the foresight to pick up a local SIM card from the airport in Tongatapu, along with 3GB of data, in case I needed to tether my laptop at some point during the trip. I did, often.

Despite this, I was barely online. The highest download speed I found was a mere 0.5 mbps in Tongatapu, and it was worse on every other island. I opted for a SIM card from U-Call, which has the best coverage but slowest speeds across the islands, and while I usually had an Edge signal, it was close to unusable for much of the time.

This is a destination in which to disconnect and to relish the opportunity to do so.

Pigs Are Everywhere

In love with piglets? Come to Tonga. I’ve never seen so many pigs.

Introduced by Captain Cook in the 1770s, you’ll now find them roaming the streets, sunbathing on the beaches, fishing in the ocean, lazing in gardens, attempting to get into stores, and generally running around your feet whenever you leave the house. I must have seen hundreds of pigs while I was exploring the islands, never going more than a few minutes without hearing a telltale grunt.

You Can Take One of the Shortest Flights in the World

The flight from Tongatapu to Eua is just six minutes long and let me tell you, it was the longest six minutes of my life.

The plane was more like a canoe than an aircraft, thanks to the lack of aisle, and there were only four seats. Our calm pilot rested his arm out of the window! It was a tiny vessel and a bumpy ride, but a terrifying  cool journey nonetheless.

I highly recommend splurging $70 on the flight to experience what it’s like to soar in such a tiny object, but if money is tight or nerves are high, you can get the ferry for much less.

This Is a Deeply Religious Country

Tonga is a very, very Christian country, although the locals will never try to convert you or judge you for not adhering to the same beliefs. There are, however, some rules you should abide by while you’re in the country in order to show respect.

It’s illegal in Tonga for men or women to go topless, and women should aim to keep their knees and shoulders covered unless staying at a resort. In practice, though, it’s fine for men to be topless at the beach, and I spotted plenty of local women wearing vests and strap tops. Wearing black in Tonga means that you are in mourning, so it’s wise to avoid wearing this colour if you’re not grieving.

The greatest impact the religion will have on your trip is keeping you inside on Sundays. On Sunday, it’s against the law to exercise in Tonga, and no business transactions can take place either. That means no swimming, so running, no snorkelling, no kayaking, no doing laundry, no working… this is a day to go to church, to feast, and to spend time with family. Plan for this in advance so that you don’t slip up and discover you don’t have anything to eat while there are no stores open.

At one particular church, I discovered that at every Sunday service, somebody will stand up and announce the sums of money each member has donated to the church that week. There’s so much pressure on the locals that they’ll often take out large loans to ensure they contribute the highest amount of money. The interest rates, unsurprisingly, are extremely high.

Real Tonga is a Pain in the Ass

If you want to get from island chain to island chain, the easiest way to do so is with Real Tonga. They’re the only airline to operate in the country, and they’re, quite frankly, atrocious.

For starters, they operate an MA60, which is otherwise known as the Death Plane. It’s one of the most dangerous planes to have ever taken to the sky and regularly crashes. When Real Tonga added the MA60 to its fleet, New Zealand suspended $10 million of aid and issued a travel warning for the country. While Tonga withdrew the MA60 shortly afterwards, they’ve since snuck it back into their lineup, and I was unfortunate enough to fly on it.

It is my belief that although the MA60 is controversial and dangerous relative to other aircraft, it is likely safer than travelling by car. Or at least that’s what I told myself when the plane started juddering mid-flight.

Aside from that, flying Real Tonga can be a real frustration. I wasn’t issued any kind of receipt or boarding pass for my flight to ‘Eua, so had no idea if I was even on the flight until I got to the airport. They cancel flights regularly and often alter departure times without informing passengers. Once, when a pilot fell ill for a week, they cancelled all flights over that time because they had nobody else to cover for him.

My biggest recommendation would be to spend the night in Tongatapu before leaving the country because flights are regularly cancelled.

I ignored this advice and booked my flight from Vava’u to Tongatapu, then had an onward flight to Auckland two hours later. My flight out of Vava’u was cancelled and there was no way off the island for several days. I had to contact a friend in a panic and get him to log onto the Air New Zealand website and change my flight for me. My internet, unsurprisingly, was too bad to do so.

Let Me Tell You About the Fakaleiti

Fakaleiti roughly translates to “like a girl”, and is one of the more interesting aspects of life in Tonga.

Traditionally in Tonga, if a woman were to give birth to only boys, she could then go on to choose one of them to be her daughter. The designated daughter, the “fakaleiti”, would then be raised as a woman, taught to cook, clean, raise siblings, and take care of her parents. She would wear dresses, if she wanted, and learn to apply makeup. In more modern times, being a fakaleiti can be a lifestyle choice, and there is little stigma attached to it, although there are occasional reports of physical abuse.

Fakaleiti don’t label themselves as gay or transgender, and reject being referred to by Western terms that can’t fully explain this type of — I guess — third gender. They generally consider themselves to be women and as such, have sex with straight men. Some, however, will marry women and go on to have children.

The Eldest Sister Ranks Highest

If you thought that was fascinating, wait until I delve into social status within the country.

Men are ranked higher than women in Tonga, but within the family, the sisters are ranked higher than the brothers. The eldest sister in every family holds the highest status within the home, and in Tongan culture, if this sister asks any of her younger brothers or sisters for anything, they must give it to her and always obey her orders.

Most surprisingly of all, if the oldest sister decides she quite likes the look of her younger sister’s newborn baby, SHE CAN TAKE IT. Yep, she can take that baby and raise it as her own, and there’s nothing the younger sister can do about it. It happened to one of the staff members at a guesthouse I stayed at — and she was devastated — so it didn’t appear to be that rare of an occurrence.

While it’s pretty bewildering to those of us who haven’t been raised in a similar culture, it’s important not to judge. Many Tongans are happy and accepting of these social rules, and indeed, many younger siblings are more than happy to give their children away to their sister; to share everything within the family unit. It’s a complex issue and you’ll hear differing opinions on it as you travel across the country.

You Can Go Budget or Full-On Luxury Travel Here

I found Tonga fairly easy to visit as a budget backpacker, as there were plenty of hostels and cheap guesthouses on the islands, inexpensive ferries if you didn’t want to take a flight, and the food was cheap.

In Tongatapu, my hostel charged just over 8 USD for a dorm bed, and there are backpacker islands in Vava’u that charge $30 for a private room on your own little beach.

That’s not to say that this is a destination for roughing it. There are plenty of gorgeous resorts and luxury experiences to indulge in if you’re willing to splash the cash. I planned to stay at the incredible  Mounu Resort  while I was in Vava’u, at a ridiculous $300 a night, but cancelled at the last minute when it was pouring with rain. It looks like one of the most spectacular islands on the planet.

There Are No Traffic Lights in the Country

Fun fact! It really doesn’t affect your trip either way, but I found it fascinating. I’m not sure I’ve ever been to a country that doesn’t have traffic lights before.

Island time is king on Tonga and most cars drive so slowly that it’s never a problem. Outside of Tongatapu, traffic is very, very rare.

There are so Many Islands to Explore

Despite Tongatapu and ‘Eua being less than a 10 minute flight away, they couldn’t have been more different.

You should go to Tongatapu to learn about the country. Its geography is flat, with a huge lagoon and a coastline lined with blowholes. There are royal tombs and palaces to take photos of, ruins to explore, and landing sites of famous explorers to check out. The island is blanketed in palm trees and looks beautiful when you come into land.

On the other hand, ‘Eua is a eco-friendly destination that’s all about hiking. It’s got rainforests and mountains, along with beautiful beaches in the west and rugged cliffs in the east. There are wild ponies to wander alongside, and myths and legends to learn about as you trek through the jungle.

Ha’apai is simply gorgeous. Every single beach photo in this post was taken in Ha’apai, and after seven years of travel, I count them as some of the best I’ve ever stepped foot on. You come here to relax, unwind, and skip along some of the most incredible beaches ever. There are around 50 islands making up the entire island chain, so you could spend months working your way around all of them.

In Vava’u, you come to swim with humpback whales, to charter a yacht, and to dive in clear waters. Vava’u has more tourists, nightlife, and accommodation options than Ha’apai, although the islands are still calm and sleepy. There are 50 islands in the Vava’u island chain.

There Are Some Seriously Isolated Parts of the Country

If you’re more adventurous than I am, you might consider checking out the Niuas. Despite finding flights that could take me there and back while I was in the country, I wasn’t quite brave enough to venture over there. There’s simply no information about them online.

Any (extremely dated) articles about the islands mention there being one guesthouse you can stay on, but then I discovered an article saying it had closed down after a tsunami in 2009 and hadn’t yet been rebuilt. On the Tongan tourism board website, they encourage you to phone the tourism bureau in the Niuas to ask them how to find somewhere to stay. Other websites advise you to turn up with a tent and camp, or arrive and hope a local invites you into their home to stay.

It sounds like such a fascinating part of the world, as there are very few places that have been influenced by close to zero tourists these days.

Obesity is a Big Problem

On my flight from Tongatapu to Auckland, I couldn’t believe how many people requested a seatbelt extender.

Tonga has the highest levels of obesity in the world, and a big part of that is due to the type of food they import from New Zealand. Mutton flaps are popular in the country and they’re full of calories — 420 per 100 grams. An incredible 40% of the population has type 2 diabetes and more than 90% of the population is overweight or obese. Life expectancy has dropped from 75 to 64 in recent years.

In Tonga, big is seen as beautiful. At feasts, Tongans will say, “ Kai ke mate ,” which means, “ eat until you die .” One of their kings — Tupou IV — holds the Guinness world record for being the heaviest monarch, weighing in at 220kg/33 stone/440 lbs.

The Locals are Lovely

In Tonga, every single local I encountered was friendly, welcoming, and helpful. I could sit and list the dozens of positive interactions I had, but I’ll narrow it down to just a few.

In Vava’u, every time I left my room, a local would pull over in their car and ask if they could drive me to where I was going.

When I told a local in ‘Eua that I was hoping to try a traditional Tongan pig while I was in the country, he rang around the island and 30 minutes later, presented me with a bag of crispy pork that his friend had brought around from his family’s feast.

When I got sick in ‘Eua, the airport staff told me they’d hold the plane for me[!] while my guesthouse owner took time out of her day to take me to the hospital, where the doctor left her home on her lunch break to prescribe me some medication.

Is Tonga Safe? Absolutely!

I’ve visited a hundred countries over my past decade of travel and I can tell you that, in terms of the safest countries in the world, Tonga would rank in my top 10. Crime levels are close to non-existent in this country and scams are rare. I listed all of the ways that I felt welcomed in this country in the previous section, and I at no times felt as though I was in any kind of danger while I was island-hopping around.

I felt safe on Tonga as a solo woman and didn’t feel as though I attracted any unwanted attention while I was on the islands — and I met other solo travellers exploring the country, too.

As with everywhere in the world, you’ll want to take basic safety precautions, as you would similarly do at home. So, not drawing attention to expensive drones and cameras, dressing conservatively, taking care not to drink too much alcohol, keeping a close eye on your possessions in public places, and all of that common sense-type stuff.

But if you’re worried about visiting Tonga due to safety reasons, let me reassure you: this is a wonderful country that will welcome you with open arms.

There Still Isn’t Much Information About the Country Online

It isn’t too difficult to gain a general idea of where you should go in Tonga. You have the main island of Tongatapu and tiny ‘Eua, which is just off the coast of Tongatapu. North of these are the island chains of Ha’apai and Vava’u, and then even further north you have the remote Niuas.

When it comes to deciding which islands to visit in Ha’apai and Vava’u, though, I struggled. There isn’t much accommodation listed online and many of the guesthouses require you to call to book, listing their phone number on a website that hasn’t been updated in a decade. Because some islands don’t have power, it’s tough to get in contact with anybody.

I didn’t bother grabbing a Lonely Planet Tonga for this trip because I’m travelling for six months and didn’t want to lug it around the world with me, but I think it would have helped a lot to have a breakdown on which islands are best for which type of person. I did a lot of guesswork; most of it paid off.

I learned that Tongatapu is worth visiting for one or two days, ‘Eua is underrated and worth spending three or four days in, Ha’apai is paradise and you should spend as long as you can in Matafonua Lodge, and Vava’u should take up as much space in your itinerary as Ha’apai.

And that’s Tonga! I absolutely fell in love with this gorgeous country and can’t wait to start writing about it in more depth. Have I convinced you to visit yet?

Related Articles on Tonga 💰 The Cost of Travel in Tonga: A Detailed Budget Breakdown 🤫 Lying to Locals in Tongatapu 🐴 Exploring ‘Eua: Tonga’s Forgotten Island 🏖 Ha’apai: My South Pacific Island Paradise 🏥 Hospitalised in Tonga

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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55 comments.

Interesting information about the oldest sister. If she likes the husband of the younger sister, can she forcibly get him too? :)

Nice read, btw. I will check more of this country.

I don’t think so — I’ve only heard of it happening to the younger sister’s child.

Well FYI is wrong. 1. You only heard the story. 2. Whoever you had this conversation with i am pretty sure you did come across languages barrier.

I ‘m a older sister who only have 2 kids, i gave my second child to my younger sister and her husband to raised because they can’t have children.

In our culture and CUSTOMS we strongly stick together as a family. Our late King George V raised his younger’s brother only Daughter. The King passed away and younger brother become King and now she is the only princess in our little Nation.

Hope this helps you understand of our culture. Just get your facts right and next time you visit come mingle with us locals COCOCOCOCONUUUTTTSSS ?.

Sad you didn’t tried HORSE MEAT whaaatt??

I’m not sure what facts I got wrong? I simply shared a story of an older sister raising her younger sister’s child as her own — that wasn’t incorrect. Although it’s not something I can fully understand, I try to keep an open mind about cultures that are different to my own. I found Tonga to be fascinating and can’t wait to return to learn more! And, I guess, to eat horse meat! :-)

Exactly it wasn’t incorrect but the way you phrase it “Beware older sister” . We don’t demand, as family we discussed and listen with empathy to our sisters and brothers in need. I respect you from another Culture trying to understand mine and if you really that open mind you could had asked more input from different locals to expand your horizon and understanding. Not from just one story. What enrich us Tonga to the world? Our Culture,Customs and Values, Families,Religions and ofcourse ? hehe. Well Glad you enjoyed our lil nation. Ofa atu

I actually did speak to more one person in the country about it, but regardless, I understand how it could be interpreted as problematic or offensive. The heading was my attempt at humour :-) Thank you for your comments!

Hello, that’s really nice to know more about your culture, i definitely want to visit and learn about your island, families and culture. If you have any recommendation for a solo girl travelling in Tonga let us know :)

Thank you !

There’s no way to subscribe to comment notifications on my site, so unless Teimumu randomly decides to head back to this blog post six months later, I doubt you’ll get a response.

For what it’s worth, Tonga is incredibly safe for a solo female traveller, so there’s no real precautions you’ll need to take. As long as you cover up to show respect, you’ll have a wonderful time.

If i visit Tonga for 2 weeks, and i wanna stay at the low rate hotels, then how much will cost me?

Around $70 a day, I’d esitmate

Well, I’m convinced!!

Great article; I really feel like I know what makes Tonga tick! The culture sounds absolutely fascinating (I never knew about the fakaleiti or the oldest sister rights), and the people sound wonderful. I don’t think I’m brave enough yet for the MA60 though! That must’ve been nerve-wracking to say the least!

The Tongans are so lovely! And the country wonderful. The fact that the culture is so different to ours just made travelling there all the more interesting.

Love Tonga! Great photos and write-up, Lauren. I visited Tonga in 2015 and it was one of the best holidays we’ve ever had – the people are lovely and the whales are amazing. You have to go back to swim with the humpbacks! If you already love Tonga without seeing them, you’re going to fall even more in love when you get to see the whales.

I know! I’m definitely planning on returning later this year, but probably not during whale season *again*. It’s so tough when you need to book so far in advance and I never know where I’ll be in 2020! It’s definitely something I know I have to experience in the future, though.

As beautiful as it is, I’m not convinced I want to visit. Crazy, I know, since I looooooove a good beach. Some of those practices, like being able to take the child of the younger sister are more than bewildering to me, it’s downright awful. I understand that I don’t understand the culture, however, as a mom, I am incredibly sad/heartbroken for the younger sisters who lose their children.

And then I think about seeing the whales… that is a dream! As always, excellent post!

Yeah, it’s tough. Many of the sisters are happy to do it, some of them are upset about it. It’s so hard to know the ins and outs when it’s someone else’s culture. It’s so definitely different to the way we live our lives.

Wow, amazing! I had a friend who did her Peace Corps stay in Tonga and adored it. I am horrified about the premise of the plane though! Yikes!

Ha! Don’t Google it — all you see are terrifying reports of how unsafe it is! As I said, I like to think it’s safer than being in a car, but it was definitely nerve-wracking flying in one.

Oh goodness, you’ve DEFINITELY convinced me to add Tonga to my bucket list!

Sadly, I’ll have to save it for some time in the future, as I’m currently not able to pay a flight all the way across the world – but I’ll definitely get there. And I’ll send you an email when I do ;-)

Yeah, there’s definitely a reason why I only go to the South Pacific when I’m having a New Zealand Christmas! Such a shame it’s so expensive, because I know so many of my European/North American readers would adore Tonga.

Another stellar post! I really want to go and swim with the whales, having swum with whale sharks off of Holbox Island in Mexico.

Thank you! The humpback whales look incredible in Tonga — there’s a lot of babies around at that time of year, too, that you can swim with.

Incredible photos, especially of that crystal clear blue water. I’ve been to many places but never to Tonga. Maybe it’s time to change that.

Yes! You won’t regret it :-)

Was very interested to read about Tonga, especially as I am very keen on finding beautiful beaches with clear water and few people! I have been more than 10 times to the Cook Islands and love it there. Aitutaka is the most spectacular lagoon and motu islands. Tonga is certainly on my ”bucket list”. Off to Solomons , to sail around the best snorkelling and diving spots out from Gizo in June. Should be beautiful. Have you been to the Solomons? Samoa is also on the “list”.

Both the Solomon Islands and Samoa are on my wish list! I hope to make it to both soon. Hope you have an incredible time on your upcoming trip, although I’m sure you will :-) And yes, I highly recommend Tonga for some of the best beaches ever! They were just as beautiful as the ones I saw in Aitutaki.

I am staying in NZ for a year on WHV so looking to do some Pacific Islands. My interest in Tonga was already piqued when I happened to attend Rugby League World Cup semi final here in Auckland between them and England the atmosphere, flags and everything was crazy. This article helps me out a lot.

If you could only visit say Tongatapu and ‘Eua would it still be worth visiting. Also did you book inter country flights while there or beforehand?

You’d miss out on the best parts of the country, but it’d still be worth going. I’d recommend ‘Eua and Ha’apai if at all possible. I booked in advance.

Great post there. I hadn’t heard about Tonga before reading this. Sure looks like you had a ball there and from the images I can tell its awesome. Be more interesting to read more about their traditions. Fascinating!

This is the most useful resource for Tonga I’ve found on the internet! Thank you for writing it. My question: if you were to return to Tonga, where would you go on your second visit?

Fun question! I’d definitely return to Matafonua, and I’d want to check out some different islands that are part of Vava’u, as I definitely didn’t get to see it at its best on this adventure. I’d also try to visit during high season to get to experience the whales :-)

I was born in Tonga, but left as a child. I would really like to return and see the island. Thank you for the information :).

Thanks for reading! I hope you make it back to Tonga :-)

Hi Lauren! Wow, this has been so helpful! My partner and I are trying to decide whether to spend our six day vacation in Fiji or Tonga. From what it looks like, you didn’t spend much time exploring Fiji?? If so, can you offer any insight into which you would recommend?

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your experience! It has really helped us. :)

Awesome post, I’m heading to Tonga next week and trying to do a little research but as you said, there’s not much available on the internet! The charming little hut you stayed at in Ha’apai looked awesome – can you give me the name of the guest house? If you don’t want to overshare it online I get that, but I’d appreciate an e-mail if that’s the case :)

Yep, it’s in the post! Matafonua Lodge: https://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Matafonua_Lodge.htm?a_aid=173252

wow, thank you for writing such an incredibly detailed post on Tonga! it’s really interesting that you included plenty of facts that don’t depict only the good parts of Tonga, such as the obesity trend. I really want to go to Tonga in 2019, I’ve heard that diving spots such as Swallows Cave are incredible, and your article makes me want to visit Tonga even more!!!

Hi Lauren, thank you so much for all of these informations. I think about going to Tonga for New year eve and I don’t really know where to go, if i have to book all my trip at the same place, or if i’m just going there and try to find an accomodation with the locals.. Where to go first, and what to do.. Do you know if there is a website to book the ferry or flight or if it’s better to do it there. Thank you :)

You can book the flights from the Real Tonga website, and I’d recommend doing that in advance: https://realtonga.to/ and I think you buy tickets for the ferries on board, so you can do that when you get there. New Years is low season in Tonga, so you shouldn’t have any problem with availability.

Don’t be sad about the oldest sister thing! It’s not a big deal to give your children to other family members. My dad is Tongan and my mother is white. I am a twin and when we were born one of my aunties had trouble having children so she asked if my mom could give one of us to her (“you have two!”) my mom was appalled but it’s just a normal part of their customs. Family is family and we all love each other.

Thank you so much for sharing, Shy.

Thank you so much for this Lauren, so informative. Given you were there in January do you know would it be as quiet over Christmas. Think this might be out spot for 2019!

This line is particularly worrying

“It’s a worrying trend that I hope will start to reverse soon. It’ll be tough to do when beauty is associated with a larger size.”

While I agree diabetes is a big problem, I however don’t think associating beauty with a larger size is. The difference lies in educating the locals about health vs vanity. i don’t think they’re purposely fattening themselves up to be more beautiful. it’s just systematically what’s available happens to be of poorer quality. You’ll see this in the Native American Reservations in the States as well.

But please, let cultures celebrate beauty as they’ve always celebrated it. God knows we have enough skinny blue-eyed blondes in the world.

Have you been to Tonga?

Perhaps I could have worded it better, but when the life expectancy is plummeting, 40% of the population has diabetes, and 90% of the population is overweight, something needs to change. And when a larger size *is* seen as being most beautiful and aspirational, there isn’t a huge incentive to change. In Tonga, being obese reflects a higher social status , so the locals actually are purposely fattening themselves up to be more beautiful. Being large is revered here. It’s not just that the food is full of saturated fat, but that everyone overeats at enormous feasts and they do so regularly. Weekly. To prove they’re of a higher social status.

From a BBC article about Tonga’s obesity problem:

“But there’s no question the role that society plays here.

“The bigger you are, that’s beauty,” says Drew Havea, chair of the civil Society Forum of Tonga.

Size and status in Tonga have often gone together. The Tongan King Tupou IV, who died in 2006, holds the Guinness record for being the heaviest-ever monarch – 200kg (33 stone, or 440lbs). Being thin would traditionally have indicated a position lower in the social pecking order.”

This is a great article! I am considering travelling to Tonga for 2 – 3 weeks over the end of May and start of June this year. Have I left it do late to book accommodation and travel between islands?

I am a vegetarian, do you think it would be difficult for me to eat there? I’m also struggling to narrow down an itinerary. I would like to do a couple of days of hiking, a couple of days on the beach, snorkelling/scuba diving and seeing the wild horses on ‘Eua. Where would you prioritise for these activities?

Apologies for all of these questions!

Best wishes,

Travelled to Tonga back in 1993 and had a wonderful time. Was saddened to hear that there was actually political unrest and death a few years ago, so I hope things have stabilized now (2019). My highlight? Mariner’s Cave. Google it! :)

Thanks a lot for such an interesting article! It’s so well-timed for me, coz I’m going to visit Tonga in 2-3 weeks. But the internet speed info got me disappointed :(( I’ve read recently that they got an optic wire on the ocean bottom… So they didn’t?

Oh dear, did you end up taking the MA60 in 2019? We have a trip to Vavau coming up and I’m pretty nervous to hear that the MA60 has made its way back into the fleet…

It was in 2018, but yeah, they definitely have brought it back. I just tried to convince myself that it’s still got to be safer than driving a car, right? Surely even the most riskiest plane is safer than driving? And it’s not like people are dying in plane crashes in Tonga every week. Nobody ever has, so you’ll likely be totally fine :-)

Great article. I visited Tonga in January 2011 and had a similar experience (i.e felt like I was one of the few visitors.) I met quite a few people who were working as volunteers but not other tourists which was nice! I would say one drawback about vising in January would be the rain. It rained very heavily for two days during my 10 day visit and every afternoon as well. While this didn’t totally ruin my trip it meant I had to be prepared to get wet as I enjoy being outdoors

Great picture of the rocky coastline on Eua, brought back some memories.

Thank you for sharing Lauren. Just read this start to finish as I am considering going to Tonga in a few months on my own. Really great advice and I feel pretty confident it’s a cool place to travel solo. How long would you recommend?

I’d say 10 days as a minimum, and if you could push for three weeks, you’d have an amazing time and see so many different parts of the country :-)

1. If a family has all sons, they choose one to be a ‘fakaleiti’ simply isn’t true. The third gender has always existed in Polynesia and isn’t something that is forced, they don’t simply go genie meenie minie mo and choose a son to be the fakaleiti lol

2. The eldest sister having absolute power isn’t true either, the younger sister can still say no if she doesn’t wish to give up her child. Tongans are very family-oriented and so if a couple can’t conceive, they may ask a sibling to adopt/raise their child as their own. This kindness also goes both ways, its pretty hard to explain the dynamics of respect between siblings in Tonga as I can’t think of anything in “Western culture” that compares but its not as bad as you’ve described

Nice blog about Tonga nevertheless and I hope you get to go back to Vava’u as that is my favourite island!

As I said in the post: “Traditionally in Tonga, if a woman were to give birth to only boys, she could then go on to choose one of them to be her daughter.” Could! Not will. You misread my point.

Also, there was a couple working at one of the places I stayed who were forced to give one of their children to the woman’s older sister. They were devastated and suffering from depression because of it. So that maybe skewed my opinion, but yeah, she, at least, certainly didn’t want to give up one of her kids. I fact check all of my information and reconfirmed that was the case with several books.

From the book Social Structure, Space and Possession in Tongan Culture and Language:

“The superior status of a sister and mehekitanga also becomes apparent in the most frequent kind of adoption in Tonga in which a woman adopts her brother’s child. In a wider sense, this can even be regarded as a case of claiming his property. In several situations I have observed that children leave the house when their mehekitanga is present to avoid her commands which they would have to obey.”

And a guidebook to Tonga: https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=RDCvD34FOoQC&pg=PT29&lpg=PT29&dq=tonga+%22older+sister%22&source=bl&ots=sPvzu7wJoC&sig=ACfU3U3wHPsZfeJS0GtEhEGYg6Rz1ktUNQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjY-9-ywszqAhWdaRUIHa2PB0IQ6AEwAnoECAYQAQ#v=onepage&q=tonga%20%22older%20sister%22&f=false

“Tongan society is structured along matriarchal lines, with women holding a higher social status than in most other Polynesian countries. The oldest sister in each family, or the mehikitanga, holds the highest status within her family. According to long-standing tradition, if the mehikitanga asks anything of her brothers or younger sisters, her siblings have no choice but to obey her orders. For instance, the oldest sister might ask her siblings for sought-after items, such as a TV or a computer. More dramatically, when the oldest sister cannot bear a child, it is not uncommon for her to ask a younger sister for her baby. When this happens, the younger sister must give up the baby and allow the older sister to raise it as her own.”

Hi Laureen (sorry this is a long and complex set of issues one can discuss for pages!)

Delighted you enjoyed Tonga, yes we have many attractions in a rustic less organized way.

What may be considered tradition is not necessarily practiced by all families. Such texts should never say must, and never say never! Mehikitanga do have status and are recognized at social functions and family settings. But there is a degree of fluidity; there is also reciprocity and responsible asking. And there are layers within layers! No source should be quoted as absolute authority.

You did not mention the strong brother – sister taboo. Siblings tend to avoid showing even mild romantic behaviour, even towards their partners in front of their opposite-sex siblings (or cousins). That is one of the reasons you seldom see males/females holding hands in public, and definitely not kissing. Important for visitors to appreciate.

But again things are changing and some of these customs are fading….makes it even more interesting trying to understand what is and is not now ‘acceptable’. As you noted, dress codes are (like in so many places) becoming more fluid.

And a small warning about stories you are told in your travels – they may or may not fully reflect the factual accuracy (one might expect in a non-fake news world). There are always those who like to tell stories just for the fun of telling stories; for entertainment; for a laugh; to influence others….. And visitors are always fun to tell stories to! Just more of the layers within layers….

Noted a post about not knowing what would be doing in 2020! Little did any of us expect how different things would be.

Tonga will still be here when we again have tourists, currently, we remain tourist and covid free along with a small number of Pacific island countries.

Hope whatever it is you are safe and well.

PS take anything I say as just one set of comments/observations to be triangulated and tested against other comments/observations – though I do strive for accuracy within what I understand things to be….

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FAQ FOR TRAVEL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO TONGA

Visa/permit.

Click here to view a list of countries and visa requiements.

Visitors that arrive in Tonga with a passport validity of less than 6 months will have to pay $230.00TOP to the Tongan immigration office. 

All passport is to be valid more than 6 months.

Yes, Visitors should contact Tongan Immigration office regarding visa extension a month prior to their visa expiration date.

https://tongapocketguide.com/the-passenger-arrival-card-for-tonga/

Click here to view the Visa entry checklist.

Driver’s License And Transportation In Tonga

Any Driver’s License 

You can apply for a Tongan Driver’s License after driving in Tonga for a period of 12 months

You will only need your National Driver’s License for conversion to Tongan Driver’s License

It depends on your driver’s license and what vehicle you’re registered to drive

Ministry of Infrastructure

Health Services And Safety

Click here to view list of health care services available.

Hospital or Clinic/Pharmacy

Weather And Seasons

Tonga is a tropical island archipelago with two seasons 

Wet/Summer Season: Dec-April 24°(75°F) 

Dry/Winter Season: May-Nov 29°C (84°F)

July to November- Tourist Season

Tonga Development Bank TDB

Bank of South Pacific BSP

Australia New Zealand Bank ANZ 

Yes, using ANZ & BSP ATMs

Telecommunications

Yes, Tonga Communication Corporation & Digicel

Yes, some are at their destinated accommodations

Modest Casual

Electricity

240 V 50HZ type 1 plug

Clearing customs

On our passenger arrival card, it displays items allowed and not allowed to be brought into Tonga

Passenger Arrival Card

• Experiences
• Places To Stay
• Things To Do
• Getting Here

Search Smartraveller

Latest update

Exercise normal safety precautions in Tonga.

Tonga (PDF 721.73 KB)

Pacific (PDF 1.27 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 911 or go to a hospital.

Call 911, or go to a local police station.

Advice levels

• Crime in Tonga is at the same level as expected in Australia and includes robbery, assault, theft and break-ins. Keep doors, windows and gates locked and don't go out alone at night.
• Civil unrest is rare, but protests could turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings.
• Communications in the outer islands, including the Vava'u and Ha'apai groups, can be limited at times, particularly after earthquakes. 
• Tongan beaches can have strong rips and submerged debris from recent disasters that can make swimming dangerous. Ask locals about safe swimming areas.
• Between November and April, Tonga is prone to cyclones, but severe storms and flash flooding can happen year-round. Ensure you know your hotel or cruise ship's evacuation plan and locations of shelters in the event of a storm or cyclone.
• Tonga also experiences earthquakes which can cause tsunamis if severe enough. Ask your host or hotel about what to do if there's an earthquake. Know the warning signs for tsunamis and immediately move to designated tsunami evacuation sites. Don't wait for official alerts.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Insect-borne diseases include dengue and chikungunya. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof and use insect repellent when outdoors. Tonga has had outbreaks of Zika virus. If you're pregnant, discuss this with your doctor.
• Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases include tuberculosis, typhoid and filariasis. Only drink boiled or bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked food. Eating reef fish and shellfish can lead to poisoning from naturally occurring toxins. Get urgent medical help if you suspect poisoning.
• Hospital and medical facilities are limited. You may need medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand for even minor issues. Ensure your travel insurance covers this. Medical evacuation can be expensive and hard to organise.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Sabbath laws limit Sunday activities and most activities are prohibited unless you're at a resort. Activities such as exercising in public, swimming, playing sport, dancing, listening to loud music, and fishing are illegal on Sundays.
• The blood alcohol limit for driving in Tonga is 0.015%. Don't drink and drive.
• Sodomy is a criminal offence, punishable with a prison term.
• Tonga is a conservative country. Dress modestly and avoid public affection to avoid unwanted attention. Take care not to offend.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the  High Commission of Tonga  for details about visas, currency and customs rules.
• International flight services are available to Australia, Fiji and New Zealand. Some domestic flight services may be impacted by aircraft availability. Contact your travel provider for more information. 
• You can drive on your Australian driver's licence for up to 12 months after arriving in Tonga. After that, you'll need to get a local licence.
• The local currency is the Tongan Pa'anga. Exchange Australian dollars at local banks. You can access ATMs on the main island of Tongatapu. Be careful not to expose your PIN and monitor your surroundings when using ATMs.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular assistance, contact the  Australian High Commission in Nuku'alofa .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Tonga has similar rates of violent crime to Australia. Petty crime is common. Crime that might affect security could increase at night.

Crimes may include:

• sexual assault
• theft 

Thieves target electronic equipment such as tablets, mobile phones and other portable electronic devices.

To protect yourself from violent crime always lock doors, windows, gates and vehicles. Don't go out alone at night and try to avoid visiting isolated locations alone, including beaches.

You should remain security aware and be vigilant of your surroundings at all times.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:   

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Civil unrest and political tension

Civil unrest is rare in Tonga, but any public protest or event that draws a large group of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid protests, demonstrations and other large public gatherings
• monitor local media for possible unrest
• don't visit affected areas

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

Adventure activities

Swimming safety.

Take care when swimming at beaches, especially those with outlying coral reefs. The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami has led to debris in the sand and water. This includes glass, wood, tiles and more. Take extra care when swimming.

Strong rips can occur where there's a break in the reef. This makes it dangerous for swimmers and surfers. People have drowned.

Ask locals about danger spots before swimming.

Tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This applies to:

• dive companies
• adventure tour companies
• fishing charters
• offshore surfing charters

If you plan to do an  adventure activity :

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• don't travel on an overloaded vessel
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Climate and natural disasters

Tonga has numerous volcanoes, and explosive eruptions can happen at any time. 

Home Reef Volcano began erupting on 3 July. The volcano activity poses low risk to residents of Vava’u and Ha’apai Island groups. Mariners are advised to stay at least 5kms from the volcano. 

Parts of Tonga are severely impacted by and recovering from the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption and tsunami which flooded parts of Tongatapu and other nearby islands in January 2022. 

Volcanoes and earthquakes can cause damage to communications in the outer islands at short notice, including the Vava'u and Ha'apai groups. 

Monitor media for the latest developments and follow the instructions of local authorities. See the  Government of Tonga website  and  Facebook page  and monitor local media.

Tsunamis can happen in Tonga. Being close to the Tonga Trench, a destructive tsunami can arrive within 20 minutes of a nearby tremor or earthquake.

To receive tsunami alerts, register with the:

• International Tsunami Information Center
• Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System

If you're near the coast, move to high ground straight away. Do this if local authorities advise so, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens.

Once on high ground, monitor local media and the  Tonga Meteorological Service .

Earthquakes

Tonga experiences earthquakes. 

Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you stay and visit. Ask your hotel or host for advice. 

If there's an earthquake:

• consider tsunami risks
• expect aftershocks and travel delays
• reconfirm travel plans with agents and tour operators
• National Earthquake Information Centre of the United States Geological Survey

Severe weather

Tonga can experience  natural disasters  and  severe weather , such as cyclones , earthquakes and tsunamis .

During an emergency, the  Tongan National Emergency Management Office  provides updates on Radio 1 at frequency 1017AM.

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family

If you're due to arrive after a natural disaster or during cyclone season, ask your tour operator or airline if it affects your travel plans.

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Tropical storms and cyclones

The cyclone season is November to April. However, tropical storms and cyclones can happen throughout the year. This weather can bring on flooding, gale-force winds and disruptions to services.

The direction and strength of cyclones can change suddenly. If there's a cyclone or tropical storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• port access may be affected
• there may not be enough shelter available

If a cyclone or tropical storm is approaching:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter

Monitor alerts and advice from:

• Tonga Meteorological Service
• Joint Typhoon Warning Centre
• Fiji Meteorological Service
• World Meteorological Organisation

Travel insurance

Tonga requires all non-Tongan passport holders to have comprehensive  travel insurance .

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)
• Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Tonga. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Insect-borne disease outbreaks occur in Tonga, especially during the wet season. Diseases include:

• chikungunya

Mosquitos that carry these diseases are active throughout the day and at night. Mosquito repellent is available at most convenience stores and pharmacies in Tonga.

The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care's bulletin explains how to  minimise the risk of Zika virus . There's no vaccination for it.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommends you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• defer non-essential travel to affected areas

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• only drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food

Get medical advice if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.

• Infectious diseases

Fish poisoning

Eating reef fish can result in  ciguatera poisoning . Ciguatera is a naturally occurring seafood toxin.

Other risks include:

• scombroid (histamine fish poisoning)
• toxins in shellfish

Get urgent medical help if you suspect poisoning.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Hospital and medical facilities are limited, especially in remote island groups.

If you become ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to Australia or New Zealand, even for minor medical issues. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Evacuations on a Sunday are difficult to arrange because the airports don't operate.

There are no decompression chambers in Tonga. People with serious cases of decompression sickness are evacuated to the nearest treatment centre in New Zealand.

Registered dive companies carry basic treatment equipment to meet Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) standards.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Sunday activities

Sabbath laws strictly limit Sunday activities including public exercise, swimming, playing sport, listening to loud music and fishing. Most businesses are closed except for some resorts and restaurants.

Driving laws

The blood alcohol limit for driving in Tonga is 0.015%.

There are 2 breath tests for blood alcohol readings. The first is a roadside test to see if you have alcohol in your system.

If you test positive for alcohol, you'll be taken to a police station for a second test. If your reading is between 0.025% and 0.04%, police will give you an on-the-spot fine. If your reading is above 0.04%, police will charge you and you'll have to appear in court.

If police catch you outside business hours, they'll likely hold you in a police cell until they can charge you.

Sodomy is a criminal offence. Punishment is a maximum of 10 years in jail. 

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Tonga recognises dual nationals.

• Dual nationals

Local customs

Tonga is a highly religious country (predominantly Christian) as well as an overall conservative country. Take care not to offend. This includes showing respect for the Royal Family. 

Dress modestly and avoid public affection to avoid unwanted attention. For example, women can wear bikinis at a resort and males can swim shirtless, but more modest swimwear is recommended at public beaches. Topless bathing is not accepted.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the  High Commission of Tonga  for details about visas, currency and customs rules. 

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over. If you arrive in Tonga with less than 6 months remaining on your passport you may end up stranded, receive an on the spot fine and have your passport taken until the fine is paid.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

If you want to stay longer or work, you'll need to apply for a visa.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you’re overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTQIA+ travellers  

The local currency is the Tongan Pa'anga (TOP).

Change Australian dollars for TOP at local banks. These include ANZ and Bank South Pacific.

Remote island groups have limited banking services.

The main island of Tongatapu has ATMs, but they don't accept all Australian cards. Ask your bank if your card will work in Tonga.

Credit card fraud and card skimming occurs. Don't expose your PIN when using ATMs. Check your bank statements often.

Local travel

Boat travel.

Local boats can be dangerous because they:

• can be overloaded
• are poorly maintained
• lack life-saving equipment

Operators may not provide life jackets on boats, rafts or kayaks.

Some cruise ships stop in Tonga.

• Travelling by boat
• Going on a cruise

Driving permit

You can drive on your Australian driver’s licence for up to 12 months after arriving in Tonga. After that, you'll need to get a local licence. To get a licence, contact the Ministry of Infrastructure.

Road travel

Driving in Tonga can be dangerous, especially at night due to:

• poor street lighting
• low-quality roads
• pedestrians and free-roaming animals on roads

Speeding, alcohol and drug-driving cause many road deaths.

Some road rules differ from those in Australia. Be aware that:

• if you are turning left, you must give way to vehicles that are turning right
• the speed limit in most locations is 50km/h
• the blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.015%
• if you're caught with alcohol on your breath when driving, you'll be taken for further testing
• if you have an accident while not wearing a seatbelt, you may not be covered by travel insurance
• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Always wear a helmet. This applies to a motorbike or motor scooter. Hire companies don't always provide helmets.

If you plan to hire a motorcycle, check your travel insurance covers you.

Only use registered taxis and authorised limousines. Arrange these through your hotel.

Public transport

Limited bus services operate on Tongatapu.

Bus services finish at 5pm and don't run on Sundays.

Petty crime happens on buses. Take care of your belongings.

• Transport and getting around safely

Air New Zealand operates daily flights to Tonga. Air Fiji and Qantas operate several flights a week. There are no flights on Sundays.

Domestic aircraft safety and maintenance practices in Tonga may not meet international standards. Some domestic flight services may be disrupted by aircraft availability and other issues. Take this into account when booking your air travel.

Tonga's domestic airline, Lulutai Airline, operates scheduled flights to all island groups.

Limited domestic services can result in:

• overbooking
• overloading
• late changes to scheduling

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Tonga's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• friends and family
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Call 933 or go to a hospital.

Call 922 or go to a local police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Check the  Consular Services Charter  to find out what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian High Commission in Nuku'alofa.

Australian High Commission, Nuku'alofa

82 Salote Road  Nuku'alofa, Tonga Phone: (+676) 20 400 Fax: (+676) 23 243 Email:  [email protected] Website:  tonga.highcommission.gov.au Facebook:  Australia in Tonga Twitter:  @AustHCTonga

Check the Australian High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Introducing Tonga

About tonga.

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• Weather & geography
• Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

• Travel to Tonga
• Where to stay

While you’re there

• Things to see & do
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Book your flights

Tonga travel guide

From steep, active volcanoes, to low coral atolls, Tonga's 170 islands offer a truly diverse array of backdrops for those seeking a Pacific getaway.

Tonga enjoys a laidback pace of life which visitors find easy to adopt, whether relaxing on one of the magnificent white sand beaches, first-class diving amid the stunning coral reefs or watching the migratory whales return to their breeding grounds (June to November). Many of the islands are uninhabited, and have much emerald flora and secluded coves to explore.

Sightseeing highlights include the Royal Palace on the waterfront in Nuku'alofa, the Mala'ekula (Royal Tombs), and the Anahulu Cave: an underground cavern of stalactites and stalagmites. Tonga is ruled by the last remaining Kingdom of Polynesia. The ruling family of Tonga, the last remaining Polynesian Kingdom, can be traced back more than 1,000 years.

748 sq km (289 sq miles).

106,915 (UN estimate 2016).

142.4 per sq km.

Nuku'alofa.

Constitutional monarchy.

King George Tupou VI since 2012.

Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni since 2021.

Travel Advice

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. 

About FCDO travel advice 

 The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated. 

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.

The 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. 

Telephone: 020 7724 5828 

Email: [email protected]

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Tonga. 

Passport validity requirements 

To enter Tonga, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You 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. 

Visa requirements 

You 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: 

• an onward or return ticket 
• sufficient funds – a bank statement is acceptable evidence
• confirmed accommodation such as a hotel booking or letter of invitation 

Extending your visa 

To extend your stay, contact the Tonga Immigration Department . Make sure you do not overstay your visa. 

Vaccine requirements 

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Tonga guide .  

Customs rules 

There 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. 

You must also declare any personal valuables worth 500 Tongan pa’angas (about £160) or more. 

Taking money into Tonga 

Declare 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.  

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 abroad 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. 

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 . 

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism  

Swimming and surfing safety .

Take local advice before swimming or surfing. Tonga’s tides can produce powerful currents in ocean lagoons. There have been fatal accidents on popular beaches.  

Many 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. 

For more advice, see water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society. 

Scuba diving 

Before scuba diving, check you are covered by your insurance. You should also: 

• ask for the dive operator’s credentials 
• make sure safety equipment and oxygen is available on the boat 
• check for damage before using any equipment 
• insist on training and ask operators to explain safe practices 
• check what to do if something goes wrong, including how to call for help while at sea 

There is currently no hyperbaric chamber on Tonga, so get advice from your dive instructor or dive team.  

Whale boats 

Thousands 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.  

Transport risks  

Road travel  .

If you are planning to drive in Tonga, see information on driving abroad . You can drive using your UK driving licence.   

Roads 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.  

When 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. 

Sea travel 

Safety 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.  

Air travel 

Severe weather can cause flight delays and cancellations. Stay in touch with your travel provider. 

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards . 

Tropical cyclones 

The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to April, but cyclones can happen throughout the year. Severe weather may cause floods, landslides, road closures and disrupt essential services and infrastructure. Take local advice and monitor local and international weather updates from World Meteorological Organization or Tonga Meteorological Services .  

Earthquakes and tsunamis 

Tonga 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 tsunami alerts for the region . 

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake or tsunami .  

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation  

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Call 933 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Tonga  
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page   

See what health risks you’ll face in Tonga , including:  

• Zika virus 

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro . 

Healthcare in Tonga 

Health facilities in Tonga are basic. The range of drugs available is limited and modern equipment is in short supply. Medical evacuation from Tonga is required for most non-basic medical problems.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. 

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro . 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel. 

Emergency services in Tonga 

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police) 

Police: 922  

Ambulance: 933 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider 
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim 

Support from FCDO  

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• getting help if you’re a victim of crime   
• what to do if you’re in hospital   
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting FCDO  

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

You can also contact FCDO online . 

Help abroad in an emergency 

If you are in Tonga and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Wellington who provide consular assistance for Tonga.  

FCDO in London 

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. 

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) 

Find out about call charges  

Book a Hotel

© Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved 2024

The Ultimate Tonga Travel Guide

Adventure Travel

Tonga quickly made it to our travel bucket list when we learned about it when we visited the Cook Islands . We were surprised we had never heard of it before, but it has quickly won a top place in our hearts and a top slot in our travel destinations .

Tonga Travel Guide Index

Tonga Travel Tips  | Getting to Tonga |  Getting Around Tonga | Where to Stay in Tonga | What to Do in Tonga | Tonga Culture Tips |  Where to Eat in Tonga

Tonga Travel Tips

Language : Tongan is the official language and English is commonly spoken. 

Currency : Pa’anga (TOP)

Credit Cards : While credit cards are accepted in Tonga, you may have difficulty finding places that accept them. Tonga is essentially a cash society so come prepared with enough cash on hand to exchange some at the airpot money exchanges (Western Union tends to have the best rate) and then make your way to an ATM when you need.

ATMs : You can find ATMs on the larger islands within the Kingdom. On Tongatapu, there are ATMs located in Nuku’alofa and other larger villages, on Vavau’u in Neiafu, and on Lifuka in Pangai. Try to break larger bills to smaller bills if you plan to use a taxi, they often claim they don’t have the ability to break larger bills.

Internet : It’s expensive when you have to pay for it and in our limited experience with it, it’s slow. If you bring a pocket wi-fi, that might help. Some guesthouses, cafes, bars, and restaurants provide free wi-fi. We opted to be internet free for the majority of our 2 weeks there.

Island Time : Somewhat universal to tropical islands we have visited, Island Time forces you to slow down. The concept of time is open to interpretation. Don’t expect things to happen on time or anything that you feel needs immediate attention to occur with any expediency. Plan for things to take longer than you are used to.  Enjoy the slow pace for all it is worth.

Climate :  Tonga has a subtropical climate, during the warmer months (December – April) temperatures reach around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooler months (May – November) around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity hovers around 80% year-round.  The trade-winds bring cooling breeze in the afternoons. There are only two seasons in Tonga, Summer and Winter.

Tropical Cyclone Season (Summer) : Starts in November and lasts through April.  Though cyclones can still form outside the season. 

Humpback Whale Season (Winter) : Starts in July and ends sometime in October.

Back to Top

Getting to Tonga

International : If you are flying from the United States you can fly from Los Angeles  on Air New Zealand via Auckland to Tongatapu (TBU) or Fiji Airways via Nadi to Vava’u (VAV) and from Honolulu via Nadi to Vava’u. If you are coming from Australia you can fly Air New Zealand from Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne to Tongatapu or Virgin Australia from Sydney, and Fiji Airways from Brisbane and Sydney. From New Zealand you can fly from Auckland via Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia. Those in the UK/Europe will have the longest journeys with flights only available from Air New Zealand via Los Angeles or via Hong Kong to Auckland to Tonagatapu.

Quick Tip:  Be prepared to show proof of your exit ticket. It is required to receive a Tonga Visa.  

Getting Around Tonga

Vehicles drive on the left side of the road in Tonga. Getting from one island to another is possible via flight or ferry.

Scooters : You can rent/hire scooters on the main islands of Tongatapu and Vava’u , but not ideal for going down some of the rougher dirt roads or the rainfall. I’m glad we had a car due to road conditions and weather. Expect to pay around $50 TOP/day. You must obtain and Tongan Driver’s License from the Ministry of Infrastructure .

Cars : Cars offer protection from the elements and unnecessary injury. You can rent cars on the main islands of Tongatapu and Vava’u . Expect to pay around $50-$90 TOP/day. And don’t be surprised if  not everything in the car is working, jut make sure the air conditioner is in order. You must obtain and Tongan Driver’s License from the Ministry of Infrastructure .

Taxis : There are taxis.  Mainly on Tongatapu. Taxis are not marked, but you can tell by their license plate, which will start with a T.  You must negotiate your rate before your trip since the taxis are not metered. From Nuku’alofa to the airport will be around $30 TOP. You can hire taxis for a half day or full day to sightsee.

Lodging Transfer : Your lodging will likely offer discounted or free transfer. Best to check with them.

Public transportation : Yes, there is public transportation.  Busses can be flagged down, and locals are more than happy to help you figure out the system. Busses run between 8am-5pm. Best for those that are slow travelers (i.e. plan to spend for than a week or two).

Inter-Island:   Real Tonga provides intra island flights (Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Vava’u, Ha’apai, Niuas).  There are also ferries that offer a more affordable way to get around and are a great option for slow travelers. ‘Eua purchased a new ferry in 2017 . For those short on time flying is the most time-efficient option, but be forewarned that Real Tonga has a tendency to depart whenever they feel like it regardless of schedule, though I’ve heard that is improving in that regard.

Quick Tip: Things are pretty relaxed here, but it’s worth it to arrange car or scooter rental prior to your arrival to save time. Remember cash is likely required for payment. 

Where to Stay in Tonga

Tonga does not have any chain hotels, which is one of the lures of Tonga. Lodging is usually locally run. Expect basic/budget accomodation whereever you go. And for those that want to feel fully emmersed, you can arrange a homestay. There are some boutique and eco resorts, but keep expectations on the basic side. 

Tongatapu is the main Tonga island.   It’s more ‘congested’ on the island since this is where the majority of the Tongan population lives. Outside of the capital of Nuku’alofa, there are smaller villages.  We stayed at Robyanne’s Lodge and enjoyed our stay.

Nuku’alofa : situated on the Northern part of Tongatapu. This is the capital of Tonga, where you will find the Royal Palace, a number of restaurants/cafes, and the famous Talamahu Market.  It is convenient to the ferry terminals to other islands. 

Ha’atafu :  located on the Northwest of Tongatapu.  This area is on a long stretch of beach for those wanting close access to water activities in the lagoon.  

Vava’u is famed for it’s chain of islands and bays filled with sailboats.  Located in the Northern portion of the islands, Vava’u offers accomodations from staying in Tonga’s second largest town of Neiafu, on a private island accessed by boat, or if you happen to know someone that has a sailboat there. We stayed at Treasure Island on Eueiki Island.

‘Eua is the oldest of the Tongan Island s, and most rugged. Not many tourists venuture here. It’s not possible to rent a car so you must rely on biking, walking, hitchkiging, or arranging rides with your lodging. There are no restaurants, so be prepared to bring food you can prepare or arrange for meals to be prepped at yiour accomodation. There is one larger market, but options are limited. We stayed at ‘Ovava Tree Lodge .

Ha’apai is a group os islands in between Tongatapu and Vava’u.  It’s most well known for it’s stretches of white sand beaches and not much else. Much like ‘Eua it is well off the beaten path of Tonga.  Great for a vacation you’d like to be in the water or lounge around in the sand.

Quick tip:  Don’t be too shocked if you must send credit card details or wire payment over to your accomodation, but only do so if you feel comfortable with the situation.

What to Do in Tonga

Island Nights in Tonga : Similar to a luau, it’s a dinner buffet followed by a traditional Tongan dance show.  Dance in Tonga is different than other Pacific Islands in that they use their arms and hands to express the dance and do not move their hips in a similar manner as the Hula in Hawaii. 

Kava Ceremonies in Tonga :  This is one cultural activity we did try to arrange when we were on ‘Eua, but some miscommunication occured and we didn’t end up getting to go to a ceremony. But what did happen was even better. We ended up joining a Kava night at a church hall and got to be a part of a regular night of watching rugy and drinking Kava with locals. A story for another time. 

Sunday Church in Tonga : Get thee to the church on Sunday . Even if you are not religious.  The singing alone is very powerful and would be a shame to miss out.

Quick tip:  Book your most crucial activies well in advance, but for others you can play it by ear or go on your own. 

Tonga Culture Tips

Tonga is the only island in the South Pacific to never have been ruled by a foreign entity, and remains a monarchy to this day. This translates into many of the longstanding traditions and cultural observances are still tightly entwined in Tongan daily life.  

Sundays:  Sunday is a day of rest, to go to church, and to be with family. Everything shuts down on Sunday except for some critical services at hospitals and a few businesses are allowed to stay open to cater to tourists. For example, our lodging in ‘Eua still provided dinner for us that night, which consisted of amazing food from the Sunday Feast. In Tongatapu, you can book an excursion to a small island to hang out at the beach and snorkel all day if you’d rather pass on church. 

Swimming attire:  Tongans swim fully clothed. Unless you are on a private island, it is best to observe modesty and at least cover up with a rash guard rather than prance around in a bikini out of respect for their culture.

Saving Face: Tongans do no like to disappoint so when a misunderstanding or disagreement occurs things can get interesting. Tongans don’t like to say no and you may not get a straight answer if something is not possible. Please keep this in mind when asking about excursions or you have an unusual request. If the answer doesn’t seem clear, that might be an indicator that it’s not possible, but they won’t say no.

Where to Eat in Tonga

Tongan cuisine consists of proteins from pork, fish and chicken, starches from various root plants, fruits and vegetables from local gardens typically cooked in an underground oven called an Umu. Ota Ika is a signature dish, which is similar to Ceviche and Ika Mata.  Dining options are most abundant on Tongatapu and Vava’u, 

Tongatapu :

Friend’s Cafe and Tourist Center – ph: 22390:  An excellent option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We ate here multiple times due to the convenience to our loding .

‘Eua :

‘Eua does not have any restuarants on the island. Either bring supplies to cook your own meals, arrange for meals through your lodging, or hope someone invites you to a home cooked meal.

Vava’u :

We ate all but one meal on Treasure Island, and their food is amazing.  The morning we left we ened up having to hitch a ride to the main island from the whale snorkle boat and ate breakfast at Bellavista Cafe . The food was OK, the view is beautiful indeed.

Quick tip:  Tonga’s Tourism Board has a listing of most restuarants on their website . 

Have questions about tonga? Comment below and I’ll try my best to answer them!

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Tonga Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from New Zealand to Tonga

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces.

Ready to travel?

Find flights to tonga, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, cook islands, philippines, united kingdom, united states, know when to go.

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Can I travel to Tonga from New Zealand?

Most visitors from New Zealand, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tonga.

Can I travel to Tonga if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from New Zealand can enter Tonga without restrictions.

Can I travel to Tonga without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from New Zealand can enter Tonga without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Tonga?

Visitors from New Zealand are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Tonga.

Can I travel to Tonga without quarantine?

Travellers from New Zealand are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Tonga?

Mask usage in Tonga is not required in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Tonga?

Restaurants in Tonga are open. Bars in Tonga are .

$698 Find Cheap Flights to Tonga

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to tonga departing on 10/31. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to tonga.

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Best Tonga Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking tonga flights, are there any airports in the united states that offer direct flights to tonga.

Direct flights from the United States to Tonga are not offered. Instead, you can plan on having anywhere from one to three layovers before you reach your final destination. There are a few airlines that commonly service flights with just one layover, and these include Fiji Airways and Air New Zealand.

If I am planning on visiting the scenic island group of Vava'u, what is the easiest way to get there from the United States?

The island group known as Vava'u conveniently has its own international airport that travelers can arrive at, which is known as Lupepau’u International Airport. It can be found on the main island of Vavaʻu and is just a short drive from Neiafu, which is the capital of the island group.

What are the passport and visa requirements when traveling from the United States to Tonga?

To travel to Tonga from the United States, you are required to have a passport that will be valid for at least six additional months after the end of your trip. Your passport will also need to have at least one blank page in order to receive a stamp upon arrival. If you are staying for 31 days or less, you are not required to obtain a tourist visa.

If I plan on renting a car in Tonga, what are some of the child seat laws I need to know about?

If you plan on renting a car once your flight has landed in Tonga, keep in mind that the country does not have any official child seat laws, including for both the front and backseats, as well as when driving in taxis. Travelers are instead required to use their own judgment.

What is the best way to get to Tonga from the United States for the 'Eua Tourism Festival?

When travelling from the United States to Tonga for the ‘Eua Tourism Festival, it is most convenient to fly into 'Eua Kaufana Airport (EUA), which is located on the main island of 'Eua, around a 25 minute drive from the island group’s capital of 'Ohonua. Keep in mind that this airport only services domestic flights, so you will first need to fly into either Lupepau’u International Airport or Fuaʻamotu International Airport.

If I will be visiting Fafa Island, what is the best way for me to get there from the United States?

Travellers that will be visiting Fafa Island will first need to fly into Fuaʻamotu International Airport on the main island of Tongatapu. From there, they can then head to the nearby ferry terminal, where they can grab a ferry service that will bring them to Fafa island in approximately 30 minutes. 

How long is the flight to Tonga?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Tonga takes 33h 19m, covering a distance of 6393 miles. The most popular route is Los Angeles - Nuku‘alofa with an average flight time of 18h 45m.

What is the cheapest flight to Tonga?

The cheapest ticket to Tonga from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $1,072. The most popular route is from Los Angeles to Nuku‘alofa and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $1,079.

What are the most popular destinations in Tonga?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Nuku‘alofa (98% of total searches to Tonga). The next most popular destination is Vava'u (2%).

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Tonga

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Tonga flight deals.
• If you'd like to visit the main island of Tongatapu during your time in Tonga, you will want to fly into Fuaʻamotu International Airport (TBU). This airport can be conveniently found just a 30 to 35 minute drive from Nukuʻalofa, which is the country’s capital city.
• One destination airport that is particularly popular amongst those that are travelling from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) to Tonga is Lupepau’u International Airport (VAV). While direct flights are not offered for this specific route, you will find flights that have one layover in Nadi and are typically operated by Fiji Airways.
• Those that are departing from the west coast of the United States to go to Tonga will often fly out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). From this airport, you can find a selection of flights that only require one layover and are serviced by companies such as Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways.
• Travellers leaving from the east coast of the United States will often depart from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). From this travel hub, you can find a variety of flights that have only two layovers and are operated by airlines like Air Canada and Air New Zealand.
• If you plan on visiting any destination in the Niuatoputapu island group, you will want to fly into Niuatoputapu Airport (NTT). From here, you can take a taxi to other areas on the Niuatoputapu island, or grab a ferry to a different neighboring island, such as Niuafoʿou.
• Many flights that are offered from the United States to Tonga are operated by the airline known as Fiji Airways. This company commonly has layovers in Nadi International Airport (NAN), which has three different lounges for travellers to rest in while waiting for their connecting flight to begin boarding.
• Those that intend on visiting Lifuka Island, which is part of the Haʻapai Group of islands in the center of the country, should plan on flying into Lifuka Island Airport (HPA). It primarily services domestic flights, so you'll typically need to fly here from Lupepau’u International Airport or Fuaʻamotu International Airport.

Top airlines flying to Tonga

The experience on Fiji Airways was absolutely amazing. Streamlined. All staff was amazing. Pleasant. Friendly. Extremely helpful.

Business class Seats on the A350 from Nan to YVR were wonderful. The flight crew was okay but could do with better training. Toilets were clean but ran out of paper towels towards the end of the flight. The food/menu and the wine offered really needs considerable improvement. Dinner options were either Bolani, a beef sandwich (even this could be made much better), or paneer butter masala. Unfortunately, if you are not a fan of Fijian food, there isn’t much choice. Dessert was either turmeric ice cream or fruits but unfortunately, they were out of fruit! So the only option was turmeric ice cream. I’m not certain how many passengers like turmeric but I am not one of them. They need to cater to a more diverse group of people. Perhaps they need a new chef? The movies& tv shows were mostly older so I didn’t find that interesting either. It was however, fun to view the plane’s exterior cameras as we take off and land. The best thing about this flight are the business class seats.

Comfortable as one can get in Economy, food was very good, staff were super friendly & efficient.

Really liked the plane and business class seat. Food was ok but could be better. Service was very good.

Better connections, much better cabin crew, much cleaner cabin that Qantas, American and probably other carriers.

Better connections, much better cabin crews, much cleaner aircraft than Qantas, American and probably others.

Fiji left without me because American Airlines was too stupid to get to LAX on time. Fiji should have offered a standby on another flight but they told me tough luck. I will never fly with this company again.

The A350 aircraft business class experience was very good. Comfortable and well appointed pod, and supplemental bed pad available for sleeping. Food was very good.

Business class seats and amenities were excellent, crew very attentive. Slept well. Food good, lounge experience nice. Would fly them again. A350 aircraft excellent, very quiet.

The flight attendants were extremely friendly and helpful. Everything ran on time. I highly recommend Fiji Airways.

The boarding process was less than ideal. While I liked being greeted with “Kia Ora”, the rest of the process was very average for business-class travel — queue, crowding, no clear separation between economy and business premier. The aircraft felt old, even though I believe it was only 6 years’ old. Travelling in Business Premier in Air New Zealand is like sitting in a glass bowl. One can see everyone, and everyone can see others. Very bad structuring of seats. If you have a choice, fly another airlines like Singapore Airlines for business — I had the option, but chose this flight due to it’s departure time. Regrettable decision. I had opted for Vegan food choice. Very poor food as well as service. It is as if the chefs preparing the meal have little idea what nutritious, healthy and filling plant-based food is. And the crew were totally uncoordinated. In the main dinner meal, the first thing I was served was a fruit bowl, and then followed by other items. No mention was made that the fruit bowl (served first) was the dessert! And then after my meal tray was cleared another steward (not the one who served the main meal) comes around asks me that now that I had had the would like the dessert. I said yes, please. He went off and comes back to tell me discreetly that I’ve already had my dessert! He also didn’t know what the dessert was — and I guess it was the fruit platter that was the first item I was served. I was traveling with partner, who had similar experience. For her, they just cleared her table without offering dessert. Extremely poor coordination. The area behind the seats was extremely dirty. I just happened to use the overhead light to try and locate something that had fallen, only to be horrified at the dust, crumbs and all kinds of other particles. The only good thing about the flight was that when it ended, our bags came very very quickly. But that I guess is more to do with airport operations for Air New Zealands at Auckland Airport rather than the flight itself. I would think very hard next time I have to fly Business Premier in New Zealand, especially on Boeing 787-9NZM, which this plane was. Basically if you are selecting seats and find that they are at a diagonal angle, do not book this if you are looking for luxurious travel. Better off with premium economy or a good economy seat. The quality of food and service indeed was way below par.

Gate agent was fantastic in Auckland. They wanted to charge me for my two bags even though I was gold member with United in Tonga. So I had to pay for an upgrade. The meals on both flights had no vegetarian option. The only one item the salad was not tasty at all. Good thing I had brought my own snacks. The bread was white roll which is so not healthy. I think New Zealand air can definitely improve their food offering.

The entire process was excellent! The economy sits are a bit snug so I'll have to be sure to purchase premier or business class next time but, other than that, food, service, attendants were exceptional. Gate agents and ticket agents too!

Short flight so no entertainment, turbulence so no food service - overall flight as expected

All was good, the only thing was it didn't run on time.

Great meal. Best seats ever! They need to teach other airlines how to do that.

Overall excellent but the Captain kept the seat belt sign on for far too long, especially at the beginning and end of the flight. It was 2 hours after take-off before the crew were able to start the service (on an 11 hour night flight, reducing our sleeping time) and the seat belt sign on went on during breakfast (90 mins before landing) and was not turned off again until we landed. This made for an uncomfortable journey of trying to limit fluid intake because it was unclear when the toilets would be available for use.

The staff and crew on board were excellent. Business class however, was very weird. I thought we would have individual pods, but the way it was set up was unexpected. Not very private and If you wanted to lay down, you had to have an entire bed made up for you by the crew, rather than how Delta one works where you could just lie down whenever you feel like it. It was a 16 hour flight. I chose not to have my bed made, and that turned out to be a good idea because everybody who had their bed made had to wait for the crew to roll up their mattresses. So strange!

Food was not good. We asked for Muslim food and it was weird tasteless type of boiled veges.

Crew were pleasant, happy to be there and were a joy to be around. Entire operation was professional, well thought out and ran like a Swiss clock.

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Thousands more US hotel workers continue to strike: What travelers can expect

• Around 4,000 hotel workers are currently on strike as of Wednesday in Honolulu, San Diego, and San Francisco.
• The labor union said more strikes could begin at any time in cities across the nation as negotiations remain ongoing.
• As their contracts with the hotels ended, workers are demanding better wages and fair staffing and workloads as the COVID-era reductions continue to burden them heavily.

Thousands more hotel workers in the U.S. have gone on strike this week as negotiations between the UNITE HERE labor union and major hotel chains over pandemic-related cuts remain very far apart.

Approximately 2,000 workers at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu – the biggest Hilton in the world and the largest hotel property in Hawaii – went on strike yesterday for an indefinite amount of time, according to the labor union. This past Sunday, about 1,500 San Francisco-based workers from the Grand Hyatt San Francisco, Hilton San Francisco Union Square and the Westin St. Francis, a Marriott property, also went on strike.

The labor union said more strikes could begin at any time in cities across the nation as negotiations remain ongoing and issues are still far from resolved.

Over Labor Day weekend, over 10,000 union workers – including housekeepers, front desk clerks, bartenders, dishwashers and others – went on strike for about two to three days at various Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and Omni hotels in cities like Boston, Honolulu and Seattle. As their contracts with the hotels ended, workers are demanding better wages and fair staffing and workloads as the COVID-era reductions continue to burden them heavily.

The hotel industry has bounced back from the pandemic, with hotel room rates at record highs while workers say they aren't making enough to support their families, and many work multiple jobs just to make ends meet.

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"I’m on strike because my workload is overwhelming and exhausting. I love my job, and I want to take care of our guests, but with the understaffing, I am stretched so thin," said Jason Viveiros, a front desk agent at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, in a statement. "My wife and I are expecting another child in a few months, so having a reasonable workload would mean that instead of being physically and mentally depleted every day, I have the energy to take care of my family and their needs."

Where could there be more hotel strikes?

Since negotiations haven't concluded, strikes could happen at any moment across all cities involved with the labor union, including Baltimore, Boston, Honolulu, Kauai, New Haven, Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo County and Seattle, UNITE HERE said.

"Hotel workers are going to strike for as long as it takes to restore respect for our work and our guests," said Gwen Mills, International President of UNITE HERE, in a press release. "The hotel industry is making record profits by cutting the hospitality experience for guests and leaving workers behind. But we know that these huge hotel corporations can afford wages that are enough to live on, workloads that don’t break workers’ bodies, and to reverse COVID-era cuts. We’re in a new stage of this fight, with thousands of hotel workers ready to stay on strike until we win what our families need."

Where are there currently hotel strikes?

Around 4,000 hotel workers are currently on strike as of Wednesday in Honolulu, San Diego, and San Francisco, with no end date announced. However, these hotels are technically open and continue to operate, but typical hotel services, like room service, will likely be reduced or not available.

UNITE HERE recommends that travelers check out  Fairhotel.org  to look for hotels unaffected by potential strikes.

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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• Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel. Processing times + mailing times (up to 2 weeks) = total time to get a passport

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You may qualify for a life-or-death emergency appointment if you need to travel to a foreign country in the next 14 days because your immediate family member outside of the united states: has died, or is dying (hospice care), or has a life-threatening illness or injury see our  life-or-death emergencies  page for more information on how to make an appointment. , choose this service if you are traveling in less than 2-3 weeks. because the total time to get a passport includes processing and mailing times, we do not recommend you mail your application or apply at an acceptance facility if you are traveling in less than 2-3 weeks.  make an appointment at a  passport agency or center  when you are within 14 calendar days of your international travel date, or 28 days if you need a foreign visa. if you have not applied , make an appointment online . if you have already applied , call us at 1-877-487-2778 .  we cannot guarantee an appointment will be available. , choose this service if you are traveling in less than 8 weeks from the date you submit your application.  expedited service takes 2-3 weeks and does not include mailing times. mailing times may add 2 weeks on to the total time to get your passport. you can  expedite at an acceptance facility  or  expedite a renewal by mail .    , choose this service if you are traveling over 8 weeks from the date you submit your application. routine service takes 6-8 weeks and does not include mailing times. mailing times may add 2 weeks on to the total time to get your passport. you can apply for routine service at an  acceptance facility  if you are applying for the first time or for a child under 16. if you are eligible to renew, you can renew online or by mail .    , contacting us if you have urgent travel.

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• Representatives are available Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. We close on federal holidays.
• Our primary number is 1-877-487-2778 . Se habla español.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-888-874-7793 for TDD/TTY teletype services.
• Contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate if you are applying outside the United States.

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Make an appointment at a passport agency or center.

Because the total time to get a passport includes processing and mailing times, we do not recommend you mail your application or apply at an acceptance facility if you are traveling in less than 2-3 weeks. 

Make an appointment at a  passport agency or center  when you are within 14 calendar days of your international travel date, or 28 days if you need a foreign visa. 

We have two types of appointments:  Life-or-Death Emergency Service  and  Urgent Travel Service .

• You cannot walk in without an appointment. 
• We do not charge a fee to make an appointment.
• You cannot transfer your appointment to another customer.

Life-or-Death Emergency Service is for customers who are traveling in the next 14 days for a life-or-death emergency. Learn more on our  Life-or-Death Emergency page .

Urgent Travel Service : If you have not yet applied , make an appointment online . Your appointment must be scheduled within 14 calendar days of your international travel date.  

If you have already applied , call 1-877-487-2778 . 

We cannot guarantee an appointment will be available. 

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Expedite a first-time application or a child's application.

Use our Form Filler to fill out Form DS-11, print it, and apply in person at an acceptance facility.

• Follow the steps on how to apply in person
• Include your $60 expedite fee with the application fee
• Find an  acceptance facility  near you to submit your application

Expedite a Renewal or Name Change by Mail

Use our Form Filler  to fill out your form, print it, and mail it to us.

• Use Form DS-82 if you are renewing. Follow the steps on how to mail your application
• Use Form DS-5504 if you are changing your name within one year of a passport being issued. Follow the steps on how to change your name.
• Include the $60 expedite fee with the application fee
• Write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope you send us

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i pay for faster delivery and return shipping.

Yes. You may choose one or both of the following shipment options:

• Delivering application to us : Pay for Priority Mail Express for faster shipping. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
• Returning the passport to you : Pay $21.36 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport   1-2 days after we send it. Include this fee with your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not submit a return envelope to us with postage pre-paid. 

You may receive your passport and supporting documents in separate mailings. If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services if you only applied for a passport card.

What are passport expeditors and courier companies?

Passport expeditors and couriers are companies that are not part of the U.S. Department of State. These companies submit applications and pick up passports for customers. 

These companies may charge several hundred dollars in extra fees. They may also charge for services that we offer for free such as making an appointment and filling out a form. 

To learn more about these companies, visit our  Passport Expeditor and Courier page .

Make An Appointment at a Passport Agency or Center

We have two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service . You cannot walk-in. 

Not Yet Applied : Make an appointment online

Already Applied : Call  1-877-487-2778 . Se habla español.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call  1-888-874-7793  for TDD/TTY teletype services. 

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

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Service Commitment

If you paid the $60 fee for expedited service when you applied and you did not receive expedited service, you may be eligible to  request a refund  of this fee. We cannot refund any other passport fees or your travel expenses if you miss your trip.

Non-Refundable Fees

We cannot refund the passport application fee and the execution fee. By law, we collect both fees and keep them even if a passport is not issued.

Learn more about refunds on our Refund of Expedited Passport Fee page.

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