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Tonga Travel Warnings

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments throughout. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

In November 2006 politically motivated rioting took place in Nuku'alofa. While calm was soon restored, the Government of Tonga continues to maintain emergency powers with security checkpoints restricting access to areas around the Central Police Station and Courthouse. You should avoid large crowds, political gatherings and demonstrations. See the Political Situation of this advice for more details.

The British High Commission in Nuku'alofa closed on 20 March 2006. Routine consular services for British nationals are provided by the New Zealand High Commission in Nuku'alofa. See contact details for information. The British High Commission in Fiji will be responsible for non-routine consular matters. See the General Section of this advice for more details.

There is a low threat from terrorism in Tonga. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

Tropical cyclones are common in Tonga from the beginning of November until the end of April. See the Natural Disasters (Tropical Cyclones) section of this advice and Hurricanes for more details.

Most visits to Tonga are trouble free. The main types of incidents for which British nationals required consular assistance in Tonga in 2006 were for replacing lost or stolen passports and petty crime. Incidences of robbery and theft have increased in Tonga. There have also been some incidences of violent assault and foreign tourists and foreign residents may be at risk, especially at night.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. Please see the General (Insurance) page of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.