Last updated: 23 Oct 2025
Tonga
About
| Tonga's 176 islands range from steep, active volcanoes to low coral forms, most of which are uninhabited. Sightseeing highlights include the Royal Palace on the waterfront in Nuku’alofa, the Mala’ekula (Royal Tombs) and the Anahulu Cave, an underground cavern of stalactites and stalagmites. The islanders enjoy a laidback pace of life which visitors find easy to adopt, whether relaxing on one of the magnificent white sand beaches, diving among the stunning coral reefs or watching the migratory whales return to their breeding grounds from June to November. In Nuku'alofa, the capital, sightseeing itineraries should include the white Victorian Royal Palace on the waterfront, just beyond Vuna Wharf. An impressive sight in Tonga are the Blow Holes, found along the coastline at Houma, 14.5km from Nuku'alofa. Waves send sea water spurting some 18m into the air through holes in the coral reef. This stretch of coastline is known as the Mapu 'a Vaea (the Chief's Whistle) by Tongans because of the whistling sound made by the geyser-like spouts. |
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| Capital: | Nuku'alofa (TBU) |
| Currency: | Pa’anga (TOP) |
| Language: | Tongan. English is widely spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 676 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +13 hours (11 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left. A Tongan visitor driver's license is required. This can be obtained from the Ministry of Transport in Nuku‘alofa on presentation of an international drivers licence (fees may apply). |
| Best Time to go: | May to October. Tropical weather – humid season is December to April during which rain spells occur |
| Best For: | Island relaxation, Cultural Exploration |
| Plugs: | 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Australian-style plugs with three flat, angled pins are used. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated |
| Health: | There are adequate medical facilities; however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | Dress should always be conservative. It is illegal in Tonga to be without a shirt and it is not acceptable to wear revealing clothing such as brief shorts or skirts, bikinis etc. in public or when swimming at public beaches. While this dress is acceptable at resorts it is not acceptable in public as adult Tongans swim fully clothed. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | It is illegal for both men and women to go shirtless in public. Speed limits are strictly obeyed |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Tonga by travellers aged 18 and over without incurring customs duty: • 250 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco • 2.25L of spirits or 4.5L of wine or 4.5L of beer |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited and restricted items include weapons, indecent goods, illicit drugs and endangered species. You must declare all meat and animal products, plants and plant products, and equipment which may have come into contact with soil such as tents, riding gear or farm clothing. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Apr 18, 21, 25; Jun 2, 4; Jul 4; Sep 17; Nov 3-4; Dec 4, 8, 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Apr 3-6, 25; Jun 8; Jul 4; Sep 17; Nov 2, 4; Dec 4, 7, 25-26
Visa Requirements
South African passport holders do require a visa.
You can apply via email through the High Commission of Tonga in Canberra.
Tongan High Commission in Canberra, Australia
7 Newdegate Street, Deakin, ACT 2600, Australia
Telephone (+61) (2) 6232 4806
Email: info@tongahighcom.com.au
Web: www.tongahighcom.com.au
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Canberra, Australia
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio |
