Tonga: Authorities to permit entry for foreign travelers, end quarantine for fully vaccinated passengers from Aug. 1 /update 19

Event

Tongan officials will permit entry for foreign nationals from Aug. 1. Foreign travelers 12 years old and above must be fully vaccinated. 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 of 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.

Inbound passengers must undergo a PCR test within three to five days after arrival; travelers to outlying islands may alternatively obtain a supervised RAT. The government will eliminate quarantine for most inbound passengers from Aug. 1. However, authorities require anyone that tests positive to self-quarantine for five days; individuals still experiencing symptoms on day five must quarantine for an additional three days. Unvaccinated 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.

Domestic Measures
Tonga remains under the orange setting, the second-highest level of its COVID-19 traffic light system. A 00:01-05:00 curfew remains in place. Residents must stay at home during curfew hours; exceptions are possible to seek medical care or work in critical industries. Facemasks and social distancing remain necessary in public, including at hospitality venues and on public transport.

Businesses can operate; large retail companies and drinking establishments must seek government approval before resuming operations. Nightclubs remain closed. Officials allow essential workers to isolate for only three days after testing positive for COVID-19; workers must receive a negative PCR test result before exiting quarantine.

Public transport is operating; however, travel disruptions between Tongatapu and outlying islands remain likely. International and domestic cargo shipments are operating.

International Travel Restrictions
Cruise ships and yachts remain banned. Inbound international flights are operating from Australia, Fiji, and New Zealand. Passengers must submit health declaration forms upon entry. Authorities permit limited vaccination exemptions under certain medication conditions; travelers must submit a report from a registered medical officer at least 48 hours before departure.

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.