Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Tonga. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 31 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
US does not have an embassy in Tonga; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga; +(679) 331-4466; EMER: +(679) 772-8049; US Embassy Suva, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Tuvalu, 158 Princes Rd, Tamavua, Suva, Fiji Islands
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
676
Local Emergency Phone
911
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Tonga: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December)
Currency (Code)
Pa'anga (TOP)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I
Major Languages
Tongan, English
Major Religions
Protestant 63.9%, Church of Jesus Christ 19.7%, and Roman Catholic 13.7%
Time Difference
UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in November; ends second Sunday in January
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Nuku'alofa; Ha'atafu Beach; Mapu'a 'a Vaea Blowholes; Pangaimotu Island
Major Sports
Rugby, soccer, American football, boxing
Cultural Practices
Tongans place a high value on 'loto to' (humility). Everyone is expected to be humble, including the king. Some common practices of humility include self-deprecatory speech. Parents also avoid praising their children for accomplishments as a way to promote humility in the family.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping in restaurants is not the norm for locals, but most tourists leave a little tip to waiters to show their appreciation. It is not customary to tip in hotels in Tonga.
Souvenirs
Hand-woven tapa cloth, woven pandanus mats and baskets, coconut-shell handicrafts, model canoes, silver-inlaid jewelry and knives, collectable coins and stamps
Traditional Cuisine
ʻOta ʻika — fresh, raw fish marinated in coconut milk and citrus juice; later the fish is typically combined with vegetables including tomatoes, green onions, cucumbers, and hot peppers
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, October 05, 2023
