Foreign travellers
Foreign travellers aged 12 years and above are normally required to be fully vaccinated with the prescribed two COVID-19 vaccine doses (or one dose of Johnson & Johnson) before seeking entry to Tonga. Proof of vaccination status is required on check-in for flights and ships. All travellers are also encouraged to have their booster dose(s) complete before travelling to Tonga.
Tonga will accept the UK’s printed version of proof of COVID-19 vaccination and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.
A COVID-19 vaccine certificate is required for check-in. Ideally a hard copy of the vaccine certificate should be presented at check-in unless you are permitted an exemption (see the ‘If you are not fully vaccinated’ section below) However, electronic documents, including emails, on mobile phones or other electronic devices are acceptable.
All documents presented must be in English. The use of any other language will result in you being denied boarding.
Failure to produce a vaccination certificate without an exemption from the Ministry of Health, will result in you being denied boarding and entry to Tonga.
Further guidance is available at the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga Government’s portal
If you’re not fully vaccinated
Foreign Nationals who are medically permitted not to get vaccinated, but wish to enter the country, will need to provide medical documents to the Ministry of Health in order to be permitted to travel. For more information contact the Ministry of Health in advance of making travel plans at travel@health.gov.to.
Children and young people
The rules for fully vaccinated travellers apply for children aged 12 years and over.
Exemptions
Passengers with medical conditions who deem themselves exempt from Tonga’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements must email the Ministry of Health at travel@health.gov.to before confirming travel plans. Tonga’s Ministry of Health can provide further guidance on entering Tonga without fulfilling the vaccination requirements.
Any other requests for an exemption to Tonga’s entry requirements should be sent to the Ministry of Health by email at travel@health.gov.to.
Check your passport and travel documents before you travel
Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Passport validity
If you are visiting Tonga, your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date you arrive.
If you are a resident in Tonga, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date you arrive.
Visas
British passport holders visiting Tonga as a tourist or on business are normally given permission to enter the country for up to 30 days. You should be able to provide an onward air or sea ticket, proof of adequate funds and relevant health certificates. If you wish to extend your stay you must obtain permission from the Principal Immigration Officer.
For further information contact the Immigration Division: Head of Immigration Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PO Box 821, Nuku’alofa, TONGA; Tel: +676 26 969; Fax: +676 26 971.
If you hold a short-term visa for Tonga which is close to expiry, you should report to the Immigration Office to have your visa extended. Further information can be found at the Ministry of Revenue & Customs website.