Legal status in Tonga

Per-substance legal status for Tonga, from sourced statutes where available. Legal information, not legal advice; drug laws change, so confirm with the destination’s embassy or drug authority before you travel.

14 confirmed substances71 not individually verifiedLast updated July 14, 2026

Confirmed legal status

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to serious drug trafficking was debated and REJECTED by the Legislative Assembly (the death-penalty provisions were withdrawn before the Illicit Drugs Control Bill passed 19–0), and a 2004 proposal to add the death penalty for drug possession was likewise defeated.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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

2C-B in Tonga, full detail →

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

Benzodiazepines in Tonga, full detail →

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

Cannabis / THC in Tonga, full detail →

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

Cocaine in Tonga, full detail →

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

DMT in Tonga, full detail →

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

Fentanyl in Tonga, full detail →

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

GHB in Tonga, full detail →

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

Heroin in Tonga, full detail →

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

LSD in Tonga, full detail →

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

MDMA in Tonga, full detail →

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

Mescaline in Tonga, full detail →

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

Methamphetamine in Tonga, full detail →

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

PCP in Tonga, full detail →

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

Psilocybin in Tonga, full detail →

Not individually verified

For these 71 substances the governing national drug law is cited, but we have not verified that the substance specifically is scheduled under it. Treat them as unanswered, not as legal. Confirm with Tonga’s drug authority or your embassy.

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 13, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026

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.

Illicit Drugs Control Act (as amended 2020 and 2021) (Tonga) · Tongan Legislative Assembly corroborative (parliament.gov.to) · paclii.org · loc.gov · Updated July 14, 2026

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.

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