CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Tonga

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 2 has been updated (tsunami).

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Tonga

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

On September 30, 2009, a major earthquake occurred off the coast of Samoa, triggering a tsunami that hit the northern islands of Tonga. Initial reports indicate that at least 6 people have been killed. The tsunami caused extensive damage to infrastructure. Canadians in Tonga are advised to exercise extreme caution and to follow the advice of local authorities.

Canadians travelling to this country should be aware of local political sensitivities, particularly in the central business district of Nuku'alofa where a state of emergency has been in place since November 2006 following politically-motivated riots. This state of emergency bans political activity and overt display of political symbols, including pro-democracy t-shirts, placards, and posters. Under the state of emergency local authorities have the right to establish roadblocks, conduct searches, and detain suspects. The state of emergency does not affect local transportation or services and the overall security situation is stable. Significant anniversaries and political developments may prompt civil unrest.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Petty crime occurs. Exercise caution and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Protests and demonstrations may occur. Canadians should avoid all demonstrations and stay away from areas where they might occur. Travellers are reminded that protests can turn violent without warning. Canadians should be aware that demonstrations may be accompanied by a heightened police presence.

Basic tourist facilities and services are available in Nuku'alofa but limited elsewhere.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Tonga. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Kingdom of Tonga, for up to date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Tonga. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds. Visas are issued upon arrival and are valid for up to 30 days.

Tourist Visa: Required (issued upon arrival for maximum stay of 30 days)
Business Visa: Required (issued upon arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days)
Student Visa: Not required (for less than 30 days)

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

There is no resident Canadian government office in Tonga. Canadians in Tonga can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa (under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement) at the following address:

Tonga - NUKU'ALOFA, Australian High Commission
Address: Salote Road, Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tel.: 676 23-244
Fax: 676 23-243
Internet: http://www.tonga.embassy.gov.au/

The High Commission of Canada in Wellington, New Zealand, has consular responsibility for Tonga.

New Zealand - WELLINGTON, High Commission of Canada
Address: 125 The Terrace, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Postal Address: P.O. Box 8047, Wellington 6143, New Zealand,
Tel.: 64 (4) 473-9577
Fax: 64 (4) 471-2082
E-Mail: wlgtn@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.NewZealand.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Australian High Commission in Nuku'alofa and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are limited. Nuku'alofa and Neiafu have hospitals with emergency facilities. In the event of a major accident or illness, medical evacuation to New Zealand or Australia, may be necessary. Canadian travellers should be aware that medical transport is very expensive and payment up front is often required.

In 2008, there has been a sharp increase in the incidence of cases of dengue fever, including several deaths. It is strongly recommended you take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent. Travellers are advised to seek medical attention if a fever develops.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences, community work or heavy fines.

Homosexual activity and child pornography is illegal. Convicted offenders may face lengthy jail sentences. Offences such as theft, sexual and/or physical assault may attract corporal punishment.

Visitors should dress conservatively and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivity. It is an offence to appear in public without a shirt except on the beach.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Traffic drives on the left. Driving in Tonga can be hazardous due to poor road conditions and lack of adequate lighting for night-time driving. Roads in Nuku’alofa are paved; however, most other roads are not. Internal air service can be unpredictable. Flights are often cancelled on short notice.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Tongan dollar or Pa'anga (TOP). Traveller's cheques and currency can be exchanged at banks and major hotels. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Check with your bank for information on automated banking services in other countries.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The typhoon and cyclone season extends from October to April. Local travel can be seriously affected. Tonga is located in an earthquake zone and the potential for earthquakes exists throughout Tonga, including the main island, Tongatapu. There may be a tsunami risk. Volcanic activity has occurred on Niuafo’ou, erupting in 1853, 1886 and 1948. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. Travellers contemplating sea journeys should contact the Meteorological Office (tel: 23401) or consult the Met Web site (www.met.gov.fj) for weather reports.

See our Global Issues page for information on typhoons and monsoons.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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