Niue

Recommended Vaccinations For Niue

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Recommended Medications For Niue

There are no recommendations for Niue at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Niue

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.

For Some Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever may occur in this country.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Rabies

The risk of acquiring Rabies is low. However, it may be present in bats, but has not been reported in domestic animals in this country.

Chikungunya Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Chikungunya in this country.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Niue, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Safety & Security in Niue

Personal Safety

Niue has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. The island maintains a small police force for a population of around 1,600 people, and the jail next to the golf course often has zero occupants. Petty crime like theft does occur occasionally, particularly targeting tourists, but violent crime is exceptionally rare. Both residents and visitors report feeling safe during daytime and nighttime hours. The tight-knit community means most people know each other, which contributes to the overall security. The main safety concerns relate to natural hazards rather than crime. Aggressive dogs can pose a risk, particularly to people walking or cycling. These dogs sometimes travel in packs and have attacked people. Strong ocean currents, rips, and waves create hazards for swimmers, and there are no lifeguards on duty. Several drownings have occurred due to these conditions. The island experiences cyclones between November and April, and tsunami risks exist due to its proximity to earthquake zones. Medical facilities are extremely limited, with only one hospital. Serious injuries or illnesses require medical evacuation to New Zealand.

Extreme Violence

Violent crime is virtually non-existent in Niue. The island has only one prison, which typically maintains an average population of zero. Physical attacks, hate crimes, and violent confrontations are extremely rare. When incidents do occur that result in jail time, they typically involve alcohol-fueled disruptive behavior rather than violent offenses. The police force consists of 14 officers who primarily deal with traffic offenses and alcohol-related disturbances. The island has no history of terrorism, gang activity, or organized crime affecting tourists or residents. Drug-related crime is minimal, with very few reports of drug users or dealers. Alcohol consumption rates are high among the population, particularly affecting young people and men, but this typically manifests as social disruption rather than violence. The Pacific Island Chiefs of Police organization, which includes Niue, occasionally addresses transnational crimes like drug and firearm trafficking across the Pacific, but these issues rarely impact Niue directly.

Political Unrest

Niue operates as a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand and has no political parties. All members of the 20-seat Legislative Assembly run as independents. General elections occur every three years. The most recent election took place in April 2023. The political system is stable, with no history of protests, civil unrest, or political violence. The only political party to ever exist, the Niue People’s Party, disbanded in 2003 after winning a single election. Political transitions occur peacefully through democratic processes. There is no formal parliamentary opposition, though some assembly members oppose the government. The small population and tight community structure mean political disagreements typically resolve through discussion rather than confrontation. Public demonstrations and strikes are exceptionally rare. The country maintains strong ties with New Zealand, which handles most diplomatic relations but has no control over internal affairs. The United States recognized Niue as a sovereign nation in September 2023 and established diplomatic relations, but this has no impact on day-to-day stability.

Areas To Avoid

Niue has no specific areas that pose security threats from crime or violence. The entire island is considered safe to travel throughout. However, certain natural hazards exist in specific locations. The east coast roads, particularly gravel and dirt bush roads, can be unsuitable for standard rental cars and may be difficult to navigate. Some inland sea tracks leading to the coast are remote and challenging. If you explore caves or hike in the Huvalu Forest, which covers 20 percent of the island, you should inform someone of your plans due to the remote terrain. Getting lost is a real risk in this rainforest. The coastline presents the primary hazard zones. Many swimming areas are only safe during low tide, and strong currents, rips, and large waves make certain spots dangerous year-round. Some beaches close seasonally for traditional fishing activities. No lifeguards patrol any beaches, and maritime search and rescue capabilities are limited. Reef areas contain sharp coral and venomous fish like lionfish and stonefish. The west coast hosts most reef fisheries and marine tourism sites, while Beveridge Reef off the east coast attracts divers due to high concentrations of gray reef sharks.