Tonga – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information

Do not travel to Tonga due to recent volcanic eruptions. Reconsider travel to Tonga due to COVID-19-related restrictions.

Country Summary: On January 15, 2022, a partially underwater volcano in Tonga erupted. The CDC has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice due to heavy ashfall, which caused significant damage across the island. In addition, the eruption led to tsunamis (a series of enormous waves created by an underwater disturbance), causing further damage in Tonga and affecting other destinations in the South Pacific. 

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Tonga.

Commercial transportation to/from Tonga is not available or only sporadically available.  It may be difficult to enter or leave the country, and travelers should expect delays entering Tonga and/or returning to the United States. There are restrictions in place affecting U.S. citizen entry into Tonga. 

If you decide to travel to Tonga:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.  
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.    
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.    
• Review the Country Security Report for Tonga.    
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.