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

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6. LOCAL 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 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

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

Homosexuality is illegal. Convicted offenders may face lengthy jail sentences.

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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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

There is no resident Canadian government office in Tonga. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information 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.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Tonga

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, New Zealand
Postal Address: P.O. Box 8047, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand
Tel.: 64 (4) 473-9577
Fax: 64 (4) 471-2082
E-mail: wlgtn@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.wellington.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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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Tonga and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on March 31, 2006.  However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries 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 country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the High Commission for the Kingdom of Tonga, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for less than 30 days)
Business Visa: Not required (for less than 30 days)
Student Visa: Not required (for less than 30 days)

A departure tax of NZ$20 is required on international flights.

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

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries 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.

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 may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

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9. MONEY

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 ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs 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. GENERAL INFORMATION

Tonga (capital: Nuku'alofa) is located in the south Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and New Zealand. The official languages are Tongan and English. Tourist facilities and services are available in Nuku'alofa but limited elsewhere.



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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

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 Medicine Program 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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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are limited. Nuku'alofa and Neiafu have hospitals with emergency facilities. Visitors with serious medical conditions are often referred to New Zealand for treatment, at their own expense.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, 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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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. 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.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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