Lost in the South Pacific Ocean, the Kingdom of Tonga blesses the traveler with almost two hundred paradise islands. Lazy sunbathing, amazing scuba diving, marvelous whale watching… The archipelago of the “Friendly Islands” offers many ways to enjoy island life, whether you look for relaxing sunny holidays or off-the-beaten-tracks adventures. From deserted paradise beaches that you will have all for yourself to Tongatapu, the biggest island, Tonga is a captivating country where ancient traditions are still alive, even if they inevitably meet the latest innovations of the modern world. If you seek an authentic Pacific culture experience, Tonga is the right destination.
HEALTH INFORMATION
We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
TONGA – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine | Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec. |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| Flu – Influenza | Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure. |
| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travelers |
| Typhoid fever | Recommended for most travelers, especially those who are staying with friends or relatives; visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to “adventurous eating” |
| Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and/or Zika | There are many illnesses that are transmitted via mosquito bites and unfortunately we do not have vaccines to protect us against most of them. It is important to inquire with your healthcare professional regarding the specific risks and the different illnesses presently in circulation. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
The medical infrastructure in Tonga remains insufficient. Public hospitals in the archipelago are only able to take in charge routine medical issues. If you need medical care in Tonga, it is advised that you go to a private medical center, which will provide you care of better quality. The German Clinic on Tongatapu island and the Prince Wellington Ngu Hospital on Vava’u islands are medical establishments of adequate quality. In case of serious sickness, complications or severe injury, an air evacuation to another country is indispensable.
If you need an ambulance in Tonga, call 933.
Access to basic medicines and pharmaceutical products is good in the main cities in Tonga. You can buy drugs in pharmacies and hospitals. But some specific treatments may be impossible to find in the archipelago. It is safer to bring your own medical set when traveling to Tonga.
SECURITY ABROAD
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
In case of emergency dial:
- police: 922
- medical assistance: 933
- firefighters: 999
