Personal Safety
AUTHORITIES HAVE EXTENDED THE STATE OF EMERGENCY THROUGH NOVEMBER 23. INDOOR GATHERINGS ARE LIMITED TO 50 PEOPLE, WHILE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES CAN INVOLVE UP TO 100 PEOPLE; EXCEPTIONS ARE IN PLACE FOR EDUCATONAL INSTITUTIONS AND CHURCHES. A NIGHTLY CURFEW 0001-0500 CURFEW REMAINS IN EFFECT. CRUISE SHIPS REMAIN BANNED FROM DOCKING. FOREIGN NATIONALS REMAIN BANNED FROM ENTERING. TONGAN CITIZENS AND EMERGENCY PERSONNEL CAN ENTER BUT MUST QUARANTINE FOR TWO WEEKS. ARRIVALS HAVE TO SUBMIT HEALTH DECLARATION FORMS UPON ENTRY. COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES WILL LIKELY CONTINUE TO ADJUST THEIR RESPONSE IN THE COMING DAYS AND WEEKS, DEPENDING ON COVID-19 ACTIVITY WITHIN THEIR BORDERS AND NEIGBORING COUNTRIES.
Note: this page contains basic risk information. For more details, please contact the Risk Services Office at risk@berkeley.edu.
If you are traveling to Tonga on University-related business, please sign up for the University’s travel insurance program by going here. For more information on the travel insurance program, please go here.
Because everyone’s health is unique, we suggest seeking the advice of a medical professional before traveling internationally. Members of the campus community interested in protecting their health while abroad may schedule an appointment with the University Health Services International Travel Clinic.
Tonga gained independence from the UK in 1970. Tonga is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. Prior to 2010, a pro-democracy movement within the country attracted widespread popular support, and resulted in violent civil unrest. Riots in 2006 led to the imposition of a countrywide state of emergency, which was periodically extended until its lifting in February 2011.
Following constitutional changes in 2010, the country's monarch relinquished much of his duties, though the king retains the power to dismiss the government and veto certain laws, and he remains much revered by ordinary Tongans. Political reforms at the time included increasing the number of "people's representatives" in Parliament from nine to 17, which, in addition to nine nobles, make up the country's 26-seat Parliament. Parliament was also granted the power to nominate who the king should appoint as prime minister.
The country held its first elections in 2010. In August 2017, the king dismissed the prime minister and dissolved Parliament, ordering new elections. Although the move raised concerns among pro-democracy activists, no widespread unrest was reported. A peaceful election ensued in November 2017.
The threat of kidnapping in Tonga is minimal. Kidnappings are rare, and kidnappers are slightly more likely to target locals. The most common type of abduction in Tonga relates to personal disputes. Victims are usually released unharmed and relatively quickly.
Legal/Political
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
Customs: Tonga’s customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Tonga of items such as firearms, explosives, motor vehicles, eggs, and certain types of alcohol. It is advisable to contact the Tongan Embassy in New York or the Consulate General of Tonga in Burlingame, CA for specific information regarding customs requirements.
LGBTI Travelers: Under Tongan law, “sodomy with another person” is a crime, with a maximum penalty of ten years’ imprisonment.