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10,327 mi away
£1 TOP 3.28
Today
11:23 pm
+13h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Tonga
Tonga
28°
Light drizzle
Sat
24°
28°
Sun
22°
28°
Mon
22°
27°
Tue
23°
26°
Wed
24°
27°
Thu
24°
26°
Fri
23°
26°
SPF level in Tonga
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Tonga
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Tonga without a pre-arranged visa for up to 30 days and will get a free visa on arrival.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Tonga.
Be prepared to show an onward or return ticket to border officials upon arrival.
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds, such as a bank statement, to border officials upon arrival.
Be prepared to show evidence of confirmed accommodation, like a hotel booking, to border officials upon arrival.
Good to know:
You must declare any personal valuables worth 500 Tongan pa'angas or more upon entry.
Declare cash or travellers cheques on the customs form if the value is more than 10,000 pa'angas.
Safety in Tonga
Tips when travelling
Tonga is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not leave bags unattended as petty theft is fairly common.
Topless sunbathing or nudity in public is illegal and can result in a fine or prison sentence.
Swimwear is only acceptable on the beach or by streams and waterfalls, not in other public areas.
Drinking alcohol in public is illegal, except in bars or restaurants, and drunken behaviour will draw negative attention.
Take local advice before swimming or surfing as tides can produce powerful currents and there have been fatal accidents on popular beaches.
Bonus tips:
Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal.
It is illegal to swim or kayak with whales unless on a licensed boat with a certified guide, with severe penalties for offenders.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Tonga
A valid UK driving license is accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside your UK license.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
80 km/h
Urban speed limit
65 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Health in Tonga
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation, as medical facilities in Tonga can be limited. Check that your insurance also covers any planned activities, such as water sports.
No vaccinations required
Visit your doctor well in advance of your trip to discuss any necessary vaccinations or malaria medication. Dengue fever and Zika virus are present in Tonga. Practice mosquito bite prevention. Medical facilities are limited, particularly on outer islands. Bring any personal medications you require, along with copies of your prescriptions.
Cards & payments
Limited
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Tonga
Tipping is not a widespread practice in Tonga, and it is generally not expected. However, it is always appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
Not expected, but 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated.
Bar/Café
Not expected, but rounding up the bill is common for good service.
Taxi
Not expected, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
5-10 TOP per service is appreciated.
Hotel Housekeeper
2-5 TOP per day is appreciated for good service.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour cost is appreciated for exceptional service.
Mobile & roaming
Mobile roaming charges can be high in Tonga. Contact your provider before travelling to understand the costs. EU roaming regulations no longer apply post-Brexit; check your mobile provider's roaming policy.
Local SIM
5 GB for 100 TOP (~£35)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Tonga
Voltage
240V / 50 Hz
Plug types
Type I
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Limited
Average speed
10 Mbps
Wi-Fi is available in some hotels, cafes, and restaurants in Nukuʻalofa and tourist areas. Internet speeds can be slow. Consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data package for better connectivity.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Police
922
Ambulance
933
Fire
999
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Tonga
Country code
+676
00 676 23456
To call Tonga from the UK, dial 00 (the UK exit code), then 676 (Tonga's country code), followed by the local number. Mobile phone coverage can be limited in some areas.
Languages in Tonga
UK Embassy
British High Commission Suva (Fiji, also responsible for Tonga)
47 Gladstone Road, Suva, Fiji
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
16 days ago
Travel disruption
- Minor wording change: airline check advice now 'check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator' (removed 'before travelling').
- Minor wording change: insurance review advice now 'review your travel insurance policy for coverage' (removed 'before you travel').
Airports in Tonga
Beaches in Tonga
Frequently asked questions
British citizens can enter Tonga for tourism purposes for up to 31 days without a visa. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. You may need to show proof of onward travel.
It is generally not safe to drink tap water in Tonga. Bottled water is readily available and is the safest option for drinking and brushing your teeth. When eating out, make sure that ice cubes are made from purified water.
The best time to visit Tonga is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This period offers pleasant temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities like swimming, snorkeling, and whale watching.
Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. Swimsuits are acceptable on beaches, but dress modestly when visiting villages or attending church services. A 'tupenu' (a wraparound cloth) is often worn by men, and women may be expected to wear a 'kiekie' (a woven mat worn around the waist) as a sign of respect.
While Tonga is generally safe, be aware of petty theft, especially in tourist areas. Be wary of unsolicited offers or overly friendly individuals, and always agree on prices for goods and services in advance. Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying large sums of money.
Taxis and buses are available on the main island of Tongatapu. Buses are a cheap but infrequent option. Ferries connect the main islands, but schedules can be unreliable and subject to weather conditions. Consider renting a car for more flexibility, but be aware that road conditions can vary.
Tonga is a deeply religious country. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially in villages and churches. Sunday is a day of rest, and many businesses are closed. It is also customary to ask permission before taking photographs of people. Showing respect for elders is highly valued.
The Heilala Festival, usually held in late June and early July, is a major cultural event featuring traditional dances, music, and beauty pageants. Constitution Day (November 4th) is another significant national holiday with parades and celebrations.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.