Welcome to Tonga

A truly special Pacific island, Tonga’s history dates back more than 3,000 years and has the only monarchy remaining in the South Pacific. You’ll find ancient traditions still widely respected and practiced today. The island culture is renowned for its friendly, welcoming hospitality, Tongan dance, music, art and food passed down generation to generation.

Pristine nature is the country’s calling card, both on the island in the form of pristine beaches and untouched rainforests, and in the water, by way of coral atolls and abundant marine life. Venture to authentic villages, rugged cliff faces, caves and lava tubes. Head out fishing with a local guide, go sea kayaking, swim with sea turtles, visit a market and see weavers and bone carvers at work. Live out your South Pacific fantasies in Tonga.

Unique Facts

• Humpback whales are a huge tourism draw in Tonga. These gentle giants make their way 3,000 miles to Tonga from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic to breek, give birth and raise their young. The best time to see them is between June and October.
• Tonga prides itself on being the only Pacific country not to be colonized. When the British infiltrated the island with missionaries, the King of Tonga created the country’s own constitutional monarchy.
• Sunday is a deeply respected rest day. No business is to be conducted on this day and most of the island shuts down to allow families to rest, go to church and gather together for meals.
• The Tongan language has different numbering systems for different items, so for instance, the numbering system for coconuts is different from that for fish.
• Tonga comprises 170 islands, of which only 36 are inhabited.

Language

Tonga’s official languages are Tongan and English.

When To Go

The best time to go to Tonga is between May and October. The northern islands, including Vava’u see the best weather from June to September; the central islands of Ha’apai are best visited between May and October; and the southern islands of Tongatapu and ‘Eua are most pleasant during May, October and November.

Airports

Fuaʻamotu International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid for six months beyond entry date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of 31 days or less

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Tonga: Measles and routine vaccinations. Most travelers should receive Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines. Some travelers should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type I. Standard voltage: 240V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Pa’anga

Getting Around

Be aware that road conditions vary throughout the country. Primary roads in Nuku’alofa are paved; secondary roads are not. Animals and pedestrians share the road ways. There are no stop lights. Drivers should stop at roundabouts and let vehicles on the right proceed.

Bus and taxi service are available.

Driver’s License

A temporary driver’s license and international driving permit are required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Suva, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Tuvalu
158 Princes Rd, Tamavua
Suva, Fiji Islands
Telephone: +(679) 331-4466
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(679) 772-8049
Fax: +(679) 330-2267
SuvaACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tonga Ministry of Tourism
Off Alaivahamama’o Bypass Road
Beside Ministry of Infrastructure
Tel: 676-7401700/7401701
info@tongatourism.gov.to

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 911

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in Tonga. Avoid going out alone at night or to isolated areas. Take standard safety precautions. Do not leave belongings unattended.