As Tonga’s travel season approaches, the Chinese Embassy in Tonga extends its best wishes to Chinese tourists visiting the country and issues the following safety reminders based on local conditions:
1. Travel Safety
It is recommended to choose travel agencies with good credentials and reputation, and sign formal contracts. Purchase personal accident insurance before departure. If a local travel agency is responsible for your arrangements in Tonga, select products and services through official channels. Avoid leaving tour groups to explore alone or visiting unofficial tourist sites. Note that Sunday is Tonga’s statutory day of rest — all businesses except hotels and their in-house restaurants are closed. Engaging in commercial, entertainment, or similar activities on Sundays is illegal.
2. Water Safety
Marine activities such as diving and whale watching carry risks. Before entering the water, assess your health, learn basic diving skills and emergency rescue knowledge, and prepare appropriate safety equipment. Do not touch whales. Ask hotels or boat operators about local wave and tide patterns, and avoid boating, swimming, or diving during dangerous times or in unsafe areas. Before deep-sea diving, receive training from a certified instructor and only enter deep water once you are confident in your skills. Never stray from the instructor. When snorkeling, always wear a life jacket and avoid swimming alone far from shore.
3. Road Safety
Chinese tourists may drive in Tonga with a valid Chinese driver's license and a notarized translation obtained in China. Vehicles in Tonga are right-hand drive and drive on the left side of the road. Local road conditions are poor, and there are no traffic lights. Drivers must follow local traffic rules, including "give way from secondary to main roads" and "give way to the right." Always drive carefully, and avoid speeding, fatigue, or driving under the influence.
4. Theft and Robbery Prevention
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables when going out. Keep personal items like handbags, wallets, phones, jewelry, and travel documents secure. Minimize nighttime outings; travel in groups rather than alone or with strangers. Store cash and valuables safely. Ensure doors and windows are locked in your accommodation. When driving, lock your car; when taking a taxi, ask for a receipt and remember the license plate number.
5. Health & Epidemic Risks
Since February 2025, Tonga has experienced a dengue fever outbreak, and the government has not yet declared it over. Take precautions against mosquito bites. If you develop a persistent high fever along with severe headache, muscle or joint pain, skin rash, gum bleeding, or vomiting blood, all typical symptoms of dengue, seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and treatment.
Emergency Contact
In case of emergencies or safety threats, report immediately to the local police and contact the Chinese Embassy in Tonga or the 24-hour Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Hotline of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Emergency telephone numbers:
Police: 922
Fire: 999
Ambulance: 933
Tonga Vaiola Hospital: 7400200 or 7400403
Consular assistance and protection in Tonga: +676-7778846
Consular Consultation Email – Chinese Embassy in Tonga: nukualofa@csm.mfa.gov.cn
The Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection and Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (24/7): +86-10-12308 or +86-10-65612308
We wish all Chinese nationals a safe, smooth, and enjoyable stay in Tonga!