It is important to know about customs regulations before traveling to Tonga to avoid legal issues and potential fines. As you know, customs regulations widely depend on the country. Before traveling to (or from) Tonga make sure to check the allowance and limits for the next things:
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Currency
- Medicines (especially those containing drugs)
- Animals
- Cultural artifacts
- Plants, fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products
Check the information below to be sure that you are complying with Tonga customs regulations.
Import regulations in Tonga
Duty-free allowance
Tobacco limit
Restricted to travellers 18 years and over. One of the following:
- 250 cigarettes or cigars;
- or 250 grams of tobacco products.
Bringing alcohol
Restricted to travellers 18 years and over. One of the following:
- 2.25 litres of spirits;
- 4.5 litres of wine;
- or 4.5 litres of beer.
Cash limit
- Funds of T$10,000 or more must be declared to Customs.
Other Goods
- Personal effects such as clothing, footwear, and toiletries.
- Other goods such as gifts, souvenirs, and electronics, up to a total value of T$500.
Prohibited items
The following are goods which cannot be brought into the country.
- Counterfeit currency and goods.
- Indecent or obscene books, paintings, films, and other media.
- Goods bearing the royal Arms of the Kingdom of Tonga without permission.
- All books and media which infringe on intellectual property rights that apply in Tonga.
- All media which the Minister has declared to be seditious or which advocates violence, lawlessness or disorder.
- All toxic or hazardous wastes.
Restricted items
These goods are strictly regulated, and in most cases require a permit to be obtained prior to arrival:
- Firearms and ammunition require a licence for import.
- Explosives require a licence for import.
- Noxious, stupefying, or tear gas in any form, and all appliances used for firing or using such gasses.
- Live animals such as pets must be declared, and will be subject to strict quarantine controls upon arrival. For further information, please visit the Biosecurity and Quality Management Division.
- Animal products such as meat, eggs, dairy, honey, ivory, and feathers must be declared, and will be subject to strict quarantine controls upon arrival.
- Plant products such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, spices, herbs, bulbs, and seeds must be declared, and will be subject to strict quarantine controls upon arrival.
- Riding equipment, farming equipment, and camping gear must be declared to Customs upon arrival.
- Passengers from New Zealand are allowed to bring in up to 20kg of fruit if it is accompanied by a sales receipt as proof of purchase in New Zealand.
Information has been updated: .