Legal status in Tonga
Per-substance legal status for Tonga, from sourced statutes where available. Legal information, not legal advice — drug laws change; confirm with the destination’s embassy or drug authority before you travel.
1P-LSD
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 1p lsd in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
2-FDCK
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 2 fdck in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
25I-NBOMe
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 25I-NBOMe in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
2C-B
- Legal status
- Controlled under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) — trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment; the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment (up to life)
- Consequences if caught
- 2C-B is controlled in Tonga under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021). In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
2C-E
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 2c e in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
2C-I
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 2C-I in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
2C-T-7
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 2C-T-7 in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
3-MMC
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 3 mmc in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
4-AcO-DMT
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 4 aco dmt in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
4-HO-MET
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 4 ho met in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
5-MeO-DMT (Bufo / Toad)
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 5 meo dmt in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
6-APB
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 6 apb in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for 7 hydroxymitragynine in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
Adderall
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for adderall in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
Alcohol
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for alcohol in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Amanita muscaria
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for amanita muscaria in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Amphetamine
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for amphetamine in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
Amyl Nitrite
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for amyl nitrite in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Ayahuasca
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for ayahuasca in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Barbiturates
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for barbiturates in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Benzodiazepines
- Legal status
- Controlled under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) — trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment; the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment (up to life)
- Consequences if caught
- Benzodiazepines is controlled in Tonga under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021). In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
Buprenorphine
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for buprenorphine in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
Caffeine
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for caffeine in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Cannabis / THC
- Legal status
- Cannabis is a controlled drug under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) — trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment; no legal recreational or medical regime; the maximum penalty is imprisonment (up to life)
- Consequences if caught
- Cannabis is a controlled drug in Tonga under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021), with no legal recreational regime. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
Cathinone
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for cathinone in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
CBD
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for cbd in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Clonazepam
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for clonazepam in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
Cocaine
- Legal status
- Controlled under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) — trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment; the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment (up to life)
- Consequences if caught
- Cocaine is controlled in Tonga under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021). In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
Codeine
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for codeine in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
Crack Cocaine
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for crack cocaine in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Delta-8-THC
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for delta 8 thc in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Diazepam
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for diazepam in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
DMT
- Legal status
- Controlled under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) — trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment; the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment (up to life)
- Consequences if caught
- DMT is controlled in Tonga under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021). In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
DOM
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for dom in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
DXM
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for dxm in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Ephedrine
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for ephedrine in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
Etizolam
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for etizolam in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
Fentanyl
- Legal status
- Controlled under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) — trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment; the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment (up to life)
- Consequences if caught
- Fentanyl is controlled in Tonga under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021). In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
Gabapentin
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for gabapentin in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
GBL
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for gbl in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
GHB
- Legal status
- Controlled under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) — trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment; the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment (up to life)
- Consequences if caught
- GHB is controlled in Tonga under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021). In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
Heroin
- Legal status
- Controlled under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) — trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment; the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment (up to life)
- Consequences if caught
- Heroin is controlled in Tonga under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021). In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
HHC
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for hhc in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Hydrocodone
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for hydrocodone in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
Ketamine
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for Ketamine in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
Khat
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for Khat in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
Kratom
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for Kratom in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
Lorazepam
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for lorazepam in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
LSA (Morning Glory)
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for lsa in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
LSD
- Legal status
- Controlled under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) — trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment; the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment (up to life)
- Consequences if caught
- LSD is controlled in Tonga under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021). In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
MDA
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for mda in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
MDMA
- Legal status
- Controlled under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) — trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment; the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment (up to life)
- Consequences if caught
- MDMA is controlled in Tonga under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021). In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
MDPV
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for mdpv in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Memantine
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for memantine in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Mephedrone (4-MMC)
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for mephedrone in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Mescaline
- Legal status
- Controlled under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) — trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment; the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment (up to life)
- Consequences if caught
- Mescaline is controlled in Tonga under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021). In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
Methadone
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for methadone in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
Methamphetamine
- Legal status
- Controlled under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) — possession of 28 grams of methamphetamine carries a life sentence or a fine of up to TOP 1,000,000 (pa'anga); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment; the maximum penalty is imprisonment (up to life)
- Consequences if caught
- Methamphetamine is controlled in Tonga under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021); possession of 28 grams carries a life sentence or a fine of up to TOP 1,000,000 (pa'anga). In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
Methaqualone (Quaaludes)
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for methaqualone in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Methylone
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for methylone in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Methylphenidate
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for methylphenidate in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
Mitragynine
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for mitragynine in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
Modafinil
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for modafinil in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
Morphine
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for morphine in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
MXE
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for mxe in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Nicotine
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for nicotine in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Nitrous Oxide
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for nitrous oxide in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Oxycodone
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for oxycodone in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
PCP
- Legal status
- Controlled under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) — trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment; the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment (up to life)
- Consequences if caught
- PCP is controlled in Tonga under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021). In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
Peyote
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for Peyote in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
Phenibut
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for phenibut in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Pink Cocaine / Tusi
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for pink cocaine in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Poppers
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for poppers in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Pregabalin
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for pregabalin in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Psilocybin
- Legal status
- Controlled under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) — trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment; the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment (up to life)
- Consequences if caught
- Psilocybin is controlled in Tonga under Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021). In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
Quetiapine
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for quetiapine in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Salvia divinorum
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for Salvia divinorum in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
Scopolamine (Devil's Breath)
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for scopolamine in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2 / Spice)
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for synthetic cannabinoids in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
THC-P
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for thc p in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Tobacco
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for tobacco in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Tramadol
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for tramadol in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
Xanax (Alprazolam)
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for alprazolam in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-13
Xylazine
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for Xylazine in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-06-28
Zolpidem
- Legal status
- Not confirmed — Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing drug law; the specific scheduling/penalty for zolpidem in Tonga is not confirmed here. Verify against the current schedule.
- Consequences if caught
- This specific substance was not individually verified against Tonga's drug schedule; Tonga's Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended in 2020 and 2021) is the governing law. Do NOT assume it is permitted; verify before travel. In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life).
- If prescribed / medical
- If a controlled medicine, carry the prescription and confirm with your embassy (see documentation).
- Documentation
- In Tonga, drugs fall under the Illicit Drugs Control Act, as amended in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 amendment toughened penalties (modelled on New Zealand's drug law); trafficking and serious offences carry up to life imprisonment, and the precise article and penalty terms are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). Tonga retains the death penalty in law for murder and treason under the Criminal Offences Act (abolitionist in practice — no execution since 1982), but its drug legislation does NOT provide a death penalty: a 2021 bill to extend the death penalty to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment (up to life). [reported, NOT enacted] A 2021 private member's bill proposed a mandatory death sentence for trafficking 5 kg or more of a Class A drug; it was rejected and is NOT law. Verify against the current statute. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Source · Updated 2026-07-14
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary by country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with the destination’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling — penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authorityand your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulatein the destination immediately — notthe destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →
