Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Tonga
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 1993 17:21:20 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Tonga
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Tonga - Consular Information Sheet
 July 9, 1993

Country Description:  Tonga is a stable constitutional monarchy 
with ties to the United Kingdom.  Its agrarian economy is 
developing, and its tourist industry, although limited, is growing.  
Tourist facilities are concentrated in and around the main islands 
of Tongatapu (where the capital Nuku'alofa is located) and Vava'u.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and onward/return ticket are 
required.  A visa is not required for stays of up to thirty days.  
For specific information regarding entry requirements, travelers may 
consult the Consulate General of Tonga, 360 Post Street, Suite 604, 
San Francisco, California 94108, telephone (415) 781-0365.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities in Tonga are limited.  The 
cities of Nuku'alofa, and Neiafu have hospitals with emergency and 
outpatient facilities.  Local residents and visitors with serious 
medical problems are often referred to New Zealand for treatment.  
Medical practitioners and hospitals usually expect payment upon 
treatment or prior to release.  U.S. medical insurance is not always 
valid outside the United States.  Supplemental medical insurance 
with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful.  For 
additional health information the traveler can contact the 
international travelers hotline of the Centers for Disease Control 
at (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Tonga has a low crime rate.  The loss or 
theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to 
the local police, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Useful 
information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security 
while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State 
pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad."  It is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Travelers are subject to the laws and legal 
practices of the country in which they travel.  Penalties for 
possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and 
convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

Registration:  Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy in Fiji 
can obtain updated information on travel and security in Tonga.

Embassy Location:  There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Tonga.  
For assistance U.S. citizens may contact the U.S. Embassy in Suva, 
Fiji, telephone (679) 314-466.

 No. 93-195

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated November 13, 
1992, to include information on reporting the loss or theft of a 
U.S. passport.