Nuku’alofa (Tongatapu) - Clearance

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

Officials are reported to be friendly and efficient at their job.

See Tonga/Formalities for full clearance details.

See Tonga/Fees for details of the charges.

Nuku'alofa Port Authority listen on VHF Ch. 14. Alternatively, Nuku'alofa Radio listens to Ch 16 & 12, also 2182kHz. Authorities must be contacted for clearance instructions.   See the user comments section (the speech bubble icon) for cruiser experiences in arriving here out of season.

There is a small office for small craft clearance (including yachts) on the east side of the inner harbour basin at 21°08.340′ S 175°11.059′ W.

Authorities may come to the yacht to complete clearance formalities.  Alternatively, you can anchor and dinghy in and visit the officials yourself.    If the office is not manned, contact the Customs Officer in Charge ph:  7751026.  Read this report for a recent cruiser experience.

Boats are only cleared between 0830 and 1630 Monday to Friday.  Yachts are not cleared in or out at weekends, or during lunch 12:30-13:30 (except by prior arrangement). If arriving outside normal hours, anchor with the Q flag flying at the Pangaimotu anchorage and wait until office hours.  No one should leave the vessel until contact with officials has been made.

Fresh fruit, vegetables, some herbs and non-commercially packed eggs may be confiscated and destroyed.

Certain areas in the approaches to Nuku'alofa are prohibited for anchoring and these are marked on the chart.

Last updated:  June 2023