Tokelau

Recommended Vaccinations For Tokelau

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

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

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A, 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.).

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever 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 Tokelau

There are no recommendations for Tokelau at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Tokelau

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

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

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B.

For Some Travellers

Chikungunya Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Chikungunya in this country.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever may occur 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 Hanta Virus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Rabies

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

Typhoid Fever

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

Safety & Security in Tokelau

Personal Safety

Tokelau has extremely low crime rates. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching can occur, though the territory’s population of around 1,500 people lives in tight-knit communities where crime is virtually negligible. The small population and close community structure provide natural security. There are no recent records of terrorism in Tokelau. Tourist facilities are extremely limited, as are basic services like electricity and telephones. Medical facilities on the three atolls are very basic, and serious medical conditions require evacuation to Samoa or New Zealand. Medical evacuation can be very expensive, so comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation and hospital stays is essential. Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards, particularly at beaches which are not supervised by lifeguards. Tidal changes can cause powerful currents and riptides. The territory consists of three remote atolls accessible only by boat from Samoa, with the journey taking 24 to 30 hours. Departures do not occur daily, and several days or weeks can pass between boat trips, which means travelers need to plan extended stays and be prepared for potential delays in leaving.

Extreme Violence

Tokelau has no history of extreme violence or war. As a non-self-governing territory under New Zealand administration, it is relatively protected from international conflicts. The WHO does not provide homicide rate estimates for Tokelau because of its small population size. There are no documented patterns of violent crime in the territory. The close-knit community structure of the three atolls, with a total population of approximately 1,500 people, contributes to a peaceful environment. No major incidents of violence have been recorded in recent years. Each atoll has a small police force responsible for maintaining law and order, though their resources are limited and response times may be slow for remote areas.

Political Unrest

Tokelau is a peaceful territory with no history of political unrest, protests, or civil disturbances. As a self-governing territory of New Zealand, the political environment is stable. The General Fono serves as the legislature, with 20 seats allocated among the three atolls based on population. Elections occur every three years. The Ulu-o-Tokelau serves as the head of government, with the office rotating annually among the three atoll leaders. The territory held two referendums on self-determination in 2006 and 2007, both of which failed to achieve the two-thirds majority required for a change in political status, though both processes were peaceful and democratic. The territory is currently exploring a potential third referendum through community consultation. There are no political parties in Tokelau. Governance is based on traditional village structures combined with modern democratic institutions. The government operates with transparency, and the small population allows for close community oversight of public officials.

Areas To Avoid

Tokelau consists of three small coral atolls: Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo. All three atolls are inhabited and safe for visitors. There are no specific dangerous areas to avoid within the territory. The primary concerns across all atolls relate to natural hazards rather than security threats. The territory lies in the Pacific tropical cyclone belt, with cyclone season running from November to April. During this period, tropical cyclones can bring destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. As low-lying atolls with the highest point just 5 meters above sea level, all areas are vulnerable to coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and storm surges. Tokelau is located in an active seismic zone where earthquakes and tsunamis can occur. The territory has heightened tsunami risk as a low-lying Pacific island nation. Swimming in lagoons requires caution due to strong currents, and beaches have sharp coral. Consult residents about possible hazards and safe swimming areas. There are no areas of civil unrest or high crime to avoid.