Tonga

Recommended Vaccinations For Tonga

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

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

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for 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.).

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 or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Tonga

There are no recommendations for Tonga at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Tonga

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Tonga.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in Tonga.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Tonga through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles 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.

Rabies

The risk of acquiring Rabies is low. However, it may be present in bats. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) may be at risk.

Zika Fever

Zika fever can occur in this country.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Tonga, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Safety & Security in Tonga

Personal Safety

Tonga maintains low crime rates compared to many international destinations. Petty crime including theft, break-ins and property theft occurs but violent crime remains rare. Electronics are commonly targeted by thieves. Sexual assaults have been reported in areas including public beaches. The country experienced significant pro-democracy riots in 2006 that resulted in property destruction and casualties, but civil unrest is rare in Tonga today. Terrorism has no recent history in the country though authorities note attacks cannot be ruled out. The 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption impacted infrastructure and left debris in coastal areas. Beaches can have strong rip currents and submerged volcanic debris including glass, wood and tiles that create swimming hazards. The country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire with regular volcanic and seismic activity. Tsunamis can arrive within 20 minutes of nearby earthquakes. Cyclone season runs November through April but severe weather can strike year-round. Tour operators may not meet international safety standards for activities like diving, boating and whale watching. Tonga has no hyperbaric chamber for diving emergencies. The tourism industry faces uneven regulation with safety inspections for equipment and facilities not commonly occurring. Between June and November, strict regulations govern whale watching and swimming near whales is illegal without licensed operators and certified guides. Home Reef Volcano last erupted in July 2024.

Extreme Violence

Tonga has extremely low rates of violent crime. The violent crime rate in 2019 was 2.87 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than worldwide averages. In some years the country records only one violent crime incident per 100,000 people. Violent robberies are rare but sexual assaults against foreigners have occurred including on public beaches. The country faces a growing methamphetamine epidemic identified as the most pressing organized crime threat. Drug-related petty crime and organized crime affecting the Chinese community have become security concerns. Tonga serves as a destination and source country for human trafficking with demand for labor exploitation primarily from Australian and New Zealand markets. Women and children face vulnerability to domestic servitude locally and abroad. Asian women recruited for legitimate positions are susceptible to sex trafficking through clandestine establishments. Since convicting its first trafficker in April 2011, the government has not prosecuted or convicted any traffickers. Extortion and protection racketeering occur between Asian business rivals. The law prescribed penalties up to 15 years imprisonment for trafficking offenses involving adults and 20 years for offenses involving children. No terrorism incidents have been recorded in recent years.

Political Unrest

Tonga operates as a constitutional monarchy that has undergone democratic reforms since 2010. The king retains important powers including authority to veto legislation, dissolve parliament and appoint judicial officials. Civil unrest and demonstrations are rare but can occur. Major riots erupted in 2006 when pro-democracy protesters set fires and looted the capital after parliament adjourned without advancing democratic reforms. Eight people died and 60 to 80 percent of the central business district was destroyed. The 2006 riots led to a state of emergency and deployment of Australian and New Zealand security forces. In 2005, the largest strike in Tongan history involved 3,000 government workers demanding wage increases and lasted seven weeks. Thousands protested in 2003 against constitutional amendments that would increase state media control. The monarchy, nobility and churches exert considerable political influence. In 2023, numerous high-ranking politicians were convicted of corruption and bribery charges. Former lawmaker Etuate Lavulavu received a six-year prison sentence for corruption. The government passed cyberbullying regulations in 2021 that critics view as tools to limit expression on sensitive topics. Freedom House reports public concern has increasingly focused on organized crime, drug-related petty crime and the country’s growing role in illegal drug trafficking. The speaker cancelled government funding for live broadcasts of parliamentary sessions in August 2023. Social media commentary on local or political events can lead to arrest. Criticism of the Royal Family should be avoided.

Areas To Avoid

Outer Tongatapu islands including Mango and Fonoifua bore significant damage from the January 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami. These small islands experienced severe destruction with homes completely wiped out and rebuilding progressing slowly. The main island of Tongatapu also sustained damage but recovery is more advanced. Home Reef Volcano poses low risk to residents of Vava’u and Ha’apai Island groups but mariners should stay at least 5 kilometers from the volcano. Parts of Tonga are still recovering from the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption that flooded areas of Tongatapu and nearby islands. Volcanoes and earthquakes can damage communications in outer islands including the Vava’u and Ha’apai groups at short notice. Basic tourist facilities and services are available in Nuku’alofa but limited elsewhere. Communications in outer islands can be limited at times, particularly after earthquakes. Isolated areas and beaches should be avoided at night. The country lacks a hyperbaric chamber so diving accidents require medical evacuation. Medical facilities are limited with only Nuku’alofa and Neiafu having hospitals with emergency facilities. Most non-basic medical issues require expensive medical evacuation to New Zealand or Australia.