Tonga Travel Guide

Full Name

Kingdom of Tonga

Former Name

Friendly Islands

Capital City

Nuku'alofa

Government Type

hereditary constitutional monarchy

Area Size

total: 748 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +13 hours

Climate

The climate is basically subtropical with a distinct warm period (December-April), during which the temperatures rise above 32 °C, and a cooler period (May-November), with temperatures rarely rising above 27 °C. The temperature increases from 23 °C to 27 °C, and the annual rainfall is from 1,700 to 2,970 millimeters as one moves from Tongatapu in the south to the more northerly islands closer to the Equator. The mean daily humidity is 80%.

Geography

Tonga is located in Oceania, an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, directly south of Western Samoa and about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. Its 169 islands, 96 of them inhabited, are divided into three main groups--Vava'u, Ha'apai, and Tongatapu--and cover an 800-kilometer -long north-south line. The largest island, Tongatapu, on which the capital city of Nuku'alofa is located, covers 257 square kilometers.

Languages

Tongan, English

Culture

The Tongan archipelago has been inhabited for perhaps 3000 years, since settlement in late Lapita times. The culture of its inhabitants has surely changed greatly over this long time period. Before the arrival of European explorers in the late 1600s and early 1700s, the Tongans were in frequent contact with their nearest Oceanic neighbors, Fiji and Samoa. In the 1800s, with the arrival of Western traders and missionaries, Tongan culture changed dramatically. Some old beliefs and habits were thrown away, and others adopted. Hence Tongan culture is far from a unified or monolithic affair, and Tongans themselves may differ strongly as to what it is "Tongan" to do, or not do. Mat-weaving Woven mats serve a variety of purposes, from the ordinary to the ceremonial. Many woven mats are passed down from generation to generation, acquiring greater status with the passage of time. Before Western contact, many objects of daily use were made of carved wood: food bowls, head rests (kali), war clubs and spears, and cult images. Tongan craftsmen were skilled at inlaying pearl-shell and ivory in wood, and Tongan war clubs were treasured items in the neighboring archipelago of Fiji. Pre-contact Tongan males were often heavily tattooed. In Captain Cook's time only the Tuʻi Tonga (king) was not: because he was too high ranked for anybody to touch him. Later it became the habit that a young Tuʻi Tonga went to Sāmoa to be tattooed there. The practice of Tātatau disappeared under heavy missionary disapproval, but was never completely suppressed. It is still very common for men, to be decorated with some small tattoos. Nevertheless it is more popular for youngsters nowadays, so there is a revival.

History

The archipelago of "The Friendly Islands" was united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. It became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900. Tonga acquired its independence in 1970 and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.

Travel Information

The main airline serving Tonga is Air Pacific. Air New Zealand and Polynesian Airlines also serve the country. Fua'Amotu (TBU) is 13km from Nuku'alofa. Transport by taxi and bus is available. Airport facilities are Car hire, bars, bank/bureau de change, shops, tourist information and a duty-free shop. Departure tax TOP25 for all passengers; children under 12 years of age and transit passengers continuing within 24 hours are exempt. Main ports: Neiafu, Niuatoputapu, Nuku'alofa and Pangai. There are no regular passenger services, but berths may be available on cruise ships.

Accommodation

There are excellent hotels, guest houses, and island and beach resorts made up of Tongan-style houses. Traditional boarding houses are also very popular with tourists. A government tax of 7.5% plus service charge is added to hotel bills.

Visa Requirements

Visas not required by nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA, who can obtain a visitor's visa free of charge on arrival entitling the holder to stays of up to 31 days, except: nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who do need a visa unless continuing their journey by the same or first connecting flight within less than 24 hours and not leaving the airport. Visitors are required to have sufficient funds for the duration of stay. Visas, valid on arrival and allowing multiple entry into Tonga, are required by all non-Tongan passport holders who are travelling on a one-way ticket, except for: holders of a letter of authority issued by one of Tonga's overseas diplomatic missions and bearing the official stamp of that Tongan diplomatic mission, or a letter of authority issued by the Immigration Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Tonga, bearing the official stamp of either the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Principal Immigration Officer. Nationals of countries not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals of countries referred to above. Visitors are allowed stays of up to 31 days. Extensions for a maximum of six months or in exceptional circumstances six months require permission from the principal immigration officer. Business/employment visas are valid for up to two years and are renewable. Applications for visas must be made prior to arrival. For enquiries, contact the consulate or consular section at embassy or high commission or the Visa Section, Immigration Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters in Nuku'alofa. Enquiries and applications for entry permits/visas can also be lodged by e-mail: visatonga@gmail.com.

Getting Around

Domestic carriers Peau Vava'u (PVL) and Airlines Tonga provide inter-island services. Local ferries sail between all the island groups. There are regular sailings from Faua Wharf in Nuku'alofa to Ha'apai and Vava'u. Ferry schedules are subject to change according to demand or the weather. Traffic drives on the left. There is a good network of metalled roads, although with some potholes. Horses are often used. The low speed limits are strictly obeyed. Minibus services are available throughout Tongatapu. Saloon-car taxis, minimokes and minibuses are available. Car hire may be arranged through various agencies. Self-drive or chauffeur-driven cars are available.

Health & Safety

Travellers are recommended to take special precautions for Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid and at times Diphtheria. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from an infected area. Mains water is chlorinated and safe to drink in the main towns. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry and seafood are generally considered safe to eat. It is advised to wash vegetables and fruit with boiled water and boil any questionable drinking water before use. Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. There are hospitals in Vaiola, Hihifo and Neiafu, which will treat minor ailments and dispense medicines. There are also clinics, dispensaries, chemists and pharmacies. However, serious medical problems should be taken to Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand or Pago Pago (American Samoa). Health insurance is recommended. Travellers should avoid visiting central Nuku'alofa, particularly the business district and areas surrounding government buildings. Take sensible precautions for your personal safety; avoid large crowds, political gatherings and demonstrations; and monitor all available information on the local situation.Incidences of robbery and theft have recently increased in Tonga. There have also been some incidences of violent assault. Foreign tourists may be at risk and should take particular care at night.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year's Day. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 9 Apr - Easter Monday. 25 Apr - ANZAC Day. 4 Jun - Emancipation Day. 12 Jul - Birthday of the Heir to the Crown of Tonga. 1 Aug - Official Birthday of the King of Tonga. 4 Nov - Constitution Day. 4 Dec - Tupou I Day. 25 Dec - Christmas Day. 26 Dec - Boxing Day.

Currency

Tonga Pa'anga (TOP)

Electricity

240v AC

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm.

Emergency Numbers

911