Travel Vaccines and Advice for Tonga
Tonga is a sovereign state that contains 169 islands where 36 of those islands are inhabited. Fiji, Wallis, and Futuna surround this Polynesian sovereign state. Samoa, Niue, Kermadec, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu also surround it.
Tonga has amazing mountainsides and beautiful untouched beaches that will draw travellers in. Its culture is all around you. You’ll enjoy relaxing in their resorts, snorkeling, diving, yachting, and kayaking. You will also be able to explore Tonga’s hiking trails and coastlines.
There are many sites to see in Tonga. If you’re interested in the history and architecture of Tonga, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is good place to start. The Talamahu Market gives the opportunity to taste Tonga’s foods and see local artwork. The adventurer in you will love exploring Mariner and Swallow’s caves.
There’s so much to see and do in Tonga.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Tonga?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Tonga
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Tonga?
What Is the Climate Like in Tonga?
How Safe Is Tonga?
Swimming With Whales
What Should I Take to Tonga?
Canadian Embassy in Tonga
Do I Need Vaccines for Tonga?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Tonga. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Tonga: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Tonga |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Tonga |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water sources. Vaccination is recommended for travellers and those at risk, along with maintaining good hygiene and food safety.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close personal contact. To prevent it, practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine are crucial steps recommended by the PHAC.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B virus leads to liver infection through contact with infected fluids. The most effective safeguard is the hepatitis B vaccine, administered in a series of shots that stimulate the body to produce antibodies, providing long-term immunity. It is crucial for infants and those at an increased risk of exposure.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are contagious viral infections, causing various symptoms and complications. To prevent them, vaccination is key. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, safeguards against all three diseases and helps establish herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Tonga
Prevent Bug Bites in Tonga
To fend off bug bites, follow PHAC advice: cover up with long clothing, use repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and avoid bug-heavy areas during dawn and dusk. Protect your sleep with insect-repellent-treated bed nets.
Food and Water Safety in Tonga
Abroad, make wise food choices by familiarizing yourself with local cuisine and favoring established restaurants. Frequent hand-washing is crucial, and it’s advisable to steer clear of street food, opting for thoroughly cooked options.
Infections To Be Aware of in Tonga
- Zika – Zika, transmitted by infected mosquitoes and through sexual contact, can result in birth defects. Preventing Zika involves using insect repellent, safe sexual practices, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Tonga?
A passport which is valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of departure is required to enter the country. A tourist visa is required for stays up to 30 days and is issued upon arrival. A business visa is also required for stays up to 30 days but must be obtained prior to arrival. Proof of sufficient funds as well as a return/ onward ticket is required to enter the country.
Tonga Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Tonga? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Tonga and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Tonga?
Tonga is a tropical place that has warm weather and high humidity all year round. Vava’u and Tongatapu are the most popular tourist places in Tonga. In Vava’u, the weather is usually warm and sunny, with some rain between December and April. From May to November, it is the dry season, and there is little rain, and it is pleasant.
In Tongatapu, the weather is also warm and humid, with some rain from November to April. From May to October, it is the dry season, and it is cooler with little rain.
The weather in Tonga is not very different during the year, so visitors should wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in. They should also bring rain gear in case it rains suddenly.
How Safe Is Tonga?
Security is not an issue in Tonga, but travellers should take the regular precautions to be safe. Crime is low in Tonga with some petty crime like property theft. Breaking into houses and violent assault has been associated with robbery. Sexual assault has been known to happen on public beaches. Women should be on more alert at night and should avoid going out alone or to places that are isolated. You should protect yourself and your valuables while on your trip.
The police have worked with the Women and Children Crisis Center to help abused women, girls, and boys. Churches and the Salvation Army have helped in this effort as well. Victims of sexual assault and domestic violence should contact the Canadian Embassy for assistance.
Swimming With Whales
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
Tonga is one of the very few places people can swim with whales. Mother and baby calves are the whales people will most likely be swimming with. The operators take great care in making sure not to intrude too much on these wild animals. Operators are licensed and trained in this activity.
July through October is the perfect time to experience swimming with humpback whales. Operators determine whether it is appropriate to approach a whale before letting tourists do so. It is important to approach the whales in a calm and gentle manner.
A whale swim tour lasts approximately 4 to 6 hours. It costs $60.00 per person per hour. Four guests and one guide are allowed at a time.
What Should I Take to Tonga?
Before you travel to Tonga, there are some things you should bring on your trip.
- Clothing — Casual is usually the way to dress in Tonga. But, you should wear modest clothing when you go into town like covering your shoulders. An all purpose wind/rain jacket and reef shoes are good to have if you plan to walk not only on the corals but hot sand.
- Essential Items — You should bring sunscreen with 30+ SPF to protect you from the sun’s rays as well as head covering. Insect repellent, water shoes and snorkeling gear are also nice to have.
- Health and Safety — You want to stay healthy and safe in Tonga. Bring any prescriptions, medical supplies, and over the counter medicines you may need. You should also keep in mind supplies to prevent illness or injury as well as a first aid kit.
Canadian Embassy in Tonga
Canada currently does not have a residential government office in Tonga. Consular assistance may be obtained from the High Commission of Australia under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement.
Australian Embassy in Tonga
Salote Road,
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Tel.: 676 20 400
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Tonga
“The nurse was great. She was patient and was able to provide me details with regards to my trip to Tonga and the vaccinations required. She is extremely knowledgeable. She was able to answer all of my questions clearly. I left with a lot of information and a list of vaccinations to consider. Although I chose to not start my vaccinations on the day of my visit as I felt there was a lot to consider, I will surely be back to Passport health once I know which vaccines I have decided to move forward with.”
“What a great experience! Our nurse was very knowledgeable, and was warm and welcoming. She was extremely reassuring and made me feel at ease. Absolutely fantastic experience! Thank you for helping us travel to Tonga safely.”
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