Tonga: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 measures nationwide through at least Sept. 26 /update 21

Event

Authorities in Tonga have extended COVID-19 measures through at least Sept. 26. However, the government has eased a nationwide curfew to 01:00-05:00 daily. Residents must stay at home during curfew hours; exceptions are possible to seek medical care or work in critical industries.

Domestic Measures
Tonga remains under the orange setting, the second-highest level of its COVID-19 traffic light system. Facemasks and social distancing remain necessary in public, including at hospitality venues and on public transport. Nightclubs remain closed. Officials require essential workers to self-quarantine for three days after testing positive for COVID-19; workers must receive a negative PCR test result before exiting quarantine.

Public transport has resumed; however, travel disruptions between Tongatapu and outlying islands remain likely. Authorities can suspend transport to areas of Tongatapu or outlying islands due to COVID-19 activity at short notice. Enhanced security, including police and/or military cordons, is in place near these areas. International and domestic cargo shipments are operating.

International Travel Restrictions
The government permits entry for citizens, permanent residents, and fully vaccinated foreign nationals 12 years old and above; international arrivals under age 12 are exempt from vaccination requirements. Authorities allow other limited vaccination exemptions under certain medication conditions. Passengers must provide evidence of confirmed accommodations and a vaccine certificate or medical exemption in English to the Ministry of Health via email ([email protected]) 48 hours before departure. Officials require hard copies of both documents to board flights. Travelers must take a supervised negative rapid antigen test (RAT) result within 24 hours before departure and report it to the Ministry of Health. Passengers with a layover of more than 24 hours or who leave the transit airport must take another RAT before boarding the flight to Tonga. Authorities encourage entrants to download the Tonga ‘Atautolu contact tracing mobile application. Cruise ships and yachts remain banned.

The government has ended quarantine for most arrivals. However, inbound passengers must undergo a PCR test within three to five days after arrival; travelers to outlying islands may alternatively obtain a supervised RAT. Anyone that tests positive must self-quarantine for five days; individuals still experiencing symptoms on day five must quarantine for an additional three days. Unvaccinated returning Tongan citizens must quarantine for five days at designated facilities at their own cost. People must wear a facemask when in public for five days following quarantine.

Advice

Follow all official orders. Remain nonconfrontational if stopped by police. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays.