Travel Vaccines and Advice for Tokelau
Tokelau is a dependent territory of New Zealand. It consists of three small coral atolls (islands): Atafu, Nukunou, and Fakaofo. Tokelauans are considered to be New Zealand citizens.
Tokelau’s population is quite small (just under 1,500 people). English and Tokelauan are the official languages with 95 percent of the population speaking Tokelauan.
New Zealand law only applies where it is being extended in a specific enactment. Villages are in charge of regulating their own laws.
There is no official capital city in Tokelau, but the largest city is Atafu. The islands are only accessible by boat from Samoa. You also need to plan on staying there for an extended period of time for the boat only comes every two weeks.
Do I Need Vaccines for Tokelau?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Tokelau. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Tokelau: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Tokelau |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Routine Vaccinations for Tokelau |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Tokelau?
All passports must be valid for three months beyond the intended travel dates. You do not need a travel or any kind of visa if your stay in New Zealand or Tokelau is under 90 days.
Tokelau Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Tokelau? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Tokelau and U.S. State Department
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What Is the Climate Like in Tokelau?
The climate in Tokleau is hot, humid, and rainy all year-round. The temperature is consistent throughout the year with average highs and lows year-round. The average low is 75 degrees, with the average high being 86 degrees.
Although it is rainy all-year round, there is generally a higher rainfall between November and March. Tokelau is in the path of tropical cyclones with the high season between November to May.
How Safe Is Tokelau?
The crime rate in Tokelau and New Zealand is fairly low, especially in more remote areas. But, in more populated cities, petty crimes such as car theft and pickpocketing may occur.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Coral Reefs in Tokelau
Due to the fact that it is so hard to get to Tokelau, there are few, if any tourists or tourist attractions. This makes Tokelau a great place to relax and explore on your own.
The most popular activities in Tokelau include snorkeling and swimming in the coral reefs and lagoons.
The small population also provides the opportunity to make special connections with locals.
What Should I Take To Tokelau?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Tokelau:
- Hats and sunscreen to protect against the consistent sun.
- Swimsuit and other swimming gear if you plan to snorkel.
- Light rain jacket (sometimes the weather can be unpredictable)
- Water purification tablets to prevent traveler’s diarrhea.
U.S. Consular Services in Tokelau
All Americans visiting Tokelau should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
There is no U.S. embassy in Tokelau, but it is served by the embassy in New Zealand.
U.S. Embassy Wellington
29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon
Wellington, New Zealand
Telephone: (64) (4) 462-6000
Emergency Phone: (64) (4) 462-6000
If you have any questions about traveling to Tokelau or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
