A traveller from China who was on board an international flight from New Zealand was denied entry to Fua’amotu International Airport on February 13 for failing to comply with a 14 days quarantine requirement at the last port of entry.

In a statement this afternoon Tonga's Ministry of Health explained that this was due to non-compliance with Tonga’s Travel Advisory No. 2, issued on February 3, which requires all international travellers originating from or transiting via China, to spend 14-days for self-quarantine at the last port of entry. 

“The traveller failed to meet this requirement and was sent back on the same international return flight to New Zealand.”

“Tonga's Ministry of Health sends out a clear message that international travellers intending to travel to Tonga are required to comply with strict precautionary measures that are in place to safeguard Tonga from the novel coronavirus global epidemic.”

New Zealand

Meanwhile, New Zealand has extended for eight days the restrictions on travel from China, which was introduced to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The restriction prevents foreign nationals travelling from, or transiting through, mainland China from entering New Zealand, which will be reviewed every 48-hours, Health Minister David Clark told New Zealand media this afternoon.

New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family returning to New Zealand will continue to be able to enter, but are being told to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return.

The Minister said this was a precautionary approach and their border response is in line with Australia, the U.S and a range of other countries.

"It is a responsible approach to assist international efforts to contain this disease, and to protect New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Imposing travel restrictions is not a decision that was taken lightly, but in the end this is a matter of public health."