Foreign Affairs Issues Updated Travel Advisory For Tonga

Revised on 18 November 2006

There is some risk to your safety in Tonga and we advise caution. On 16 November, politically-motivated violence broke out in central Nuku’alofa. Buildings were set alight and shops were looted by drunken mobs.

We advise New Zealanders to avoid the downtown area of Nuku’alofa especially areas around government buildings. You should also avoid demonstrations and large gatherings as the situation is unpredictable and violence could break out with little warning. Although foreigners do not appear to be targets for the violence, it is possible you could get caught up in violence directed at others. We recommend you follow the advice of the local authorities, and monitor the media and local information sources.

The New Zealand Government has been working with the Tongan authorities to achieve the resumption of commercial air services. Commercial flights will resume on Monday 20 November. The first Air New Zealand flight is scheduled to depart from New Zealand (Auckland) at 0930 hours 20 November NZ time. Travellers should check onward travel plans with their travel agent/airline and ensure they have appropriate insurance cover.

Telecommunications have also been disrupted.

New Zealanders visiting or resident in Tonga are encouraged to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade online at http://www.safetravel.govt.nz.

See our regional advice for the Pacific.

New Zealand High Commission, Tonga

Contact details are

Street address: Corner Taufa’ahau and Salote Roads, Nuku’alofa, Tonga

Postal address: PO Box 830, Nuku’alofa, Tonga

Telephone +676 23122 Fax +676 23487

Email nzhcnuk@kalianet.to

Office hours Mon – Fri 0800 – 1230, 1300 - 1600 hrs

ends

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