Get Your Tokelau Entry Permit Online

Tokelau is one of the world's most remote and restricted destinations, consisting of three coral atolls — Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo — administered as a New Zealand territory. Unlike most destinations, all visitors must obtain advance permission from the Tokelau Administration before travel, as there is no immigration facility on arrival. Visitor Entry Permits All non-New Zealand citizens require a pre-arranged entry permit before traveling to Tokelau. Permits must be applied for through the Office of the Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau, based in Apia, Samoa. Applications should be submitted at least 4-6 weeks before travel. Requirements include: valid passport, purpose of visit justification, confirmed accommodation with a local host or sponsor, proof of sufficient funds, comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation, and confirmed round-trip passage on the supply vessel. New Zealand Citizens As a New Zealand dependent territory, New Zealand citizens have the right to enter Tokelau freely without a permit. However, even NZ citizens must arrange passage on the MV Mataliki and secure accommodation before travel, as the atolls have extremely limited infrastructure and no hotels. Accommodation Requirement Tokelau has no hotels or commercial accommodation. All visitors must stay with local families or be hosted by community organizations. Your host must be identified in your permit application and will vouch for your stay. This community-based hosting system reflects the fa'a Tokelau (Tokelauan way) of communal living.

Research Permits Scientists and researchers studying Tokelau's unique ecology, climate change impacts, or cultural heritage require special research permits in addition to standard entry authorization. Applications must detail the research purpose, methodology, duration, and expected outcomes. The Tokelau Administration may require benefits-sharing arrangements with local communities. Research on marine resources, traditional knowledge, or environmental systems requires additional approvals from village councils. Official and Government Visits Delegations from governments, international organizations, NGOs, and development agencies require coordination through the Office of the Council for the Ongoing Government. The Tokelau Administration hosts official visitors and arranges meetings with village leaders (Taupulega) and national councils. Official visits should be scheduled well in advance to coordinate with the limited vessel schedule and community availability. Media and Documentary Projects Journalists, filmmakers, and documentary teams require advance media permits. Applications must include project scope, filming locations, community impact assessment, and commitment to respectful portrayal of Tokelauan culture. Local guides and permissions from village councils may be required. Drone usage is restricted and requires special authorization. Volunteer and Aid Work Volunteers with registered organizations and development agencies may be eligible for extended permits. Work must be coordinated through official channels and benefit local communities. Individual volunteer arrangements require sponsorship from a recognized Tokelauan organization or community group.

No Airport Access Tokelau is one of the few inhabited places on Earth with no airport or airstrip. The coral atolls are too small and low-lying for runway construction. All access is exclusively by sea from Apia, Samoa aboard the MV Mataliki, the territory's lifeline vessel. MV Mataliki Cargo-Passenger Vessel The MV Mataliki operates approximately twice monthly from Apia, Samoa, serving all three atolls in rotation. The voyage takes approximately 32 hours one-way, depending on sea conditions. The vessel carries cargo, supplies, and a limited number of passengers (typically 20-30 spaces). Bookings must be made through the Tokelau Administration office in Apia well in advance. Passage costs approximately NZD 200-300 each way. Vessel Schedule Considerations The MV Mataliki schedule is subject to weather, maintenance, and cargo requirements. Trips may be delayed or cancelled with limited notice. Visitors must build flexibility into their travel plans and have contingency accommodation in Apia. The vessel typically spends 2-3 days in Tokelau waters, calling at each atoll, meaning minimum visits are approximately one week including transit. Boarding and Disembarkation As the atolls have no deep-water harbors, passengers transfer to the atolls via small boats through the reef passages. This can be challenging in rough seas and requires reasonable physical mobility. Large luggage is limited — pack light and waterproof your belongings.

Departure Point: Apia, Samoa All Tokelau journeys begin in Apia, Samoa. Fly into Faleolo International Airport (APW) and arrange your MV Mataliki passage through the Tokelau Administration office in Apia. Plan to arrive in Apia at least 2-3 days before scheduled departure to account for vessel schedule changes and complete administrative requirements. Currency and Banking Tokelau uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). There are no banks, ATMs, or credit card facilities on the atolls. Bring all cash needed for your stay. Limited purchases are possible at small community stores (soap, basic supplies), but most provisions should be brought from Samoa. Communications Tokelau has basic telecommunications including mobile coverage and internet. However, services are limited and expensive. Satellite phones are useful for emergencies. Wi-Fi is available but slow and may not support video calls reliably. Medical Facilities Each atoll has a small health clinic with limited supplies. Serious medical emergencies require evacuation to Samoa (32+ hours by sea) or further. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. Bring all prescription medications and basic medical supplies. Climate and Packing Tokelau has a tropical maritime climate with temperatures around 28-32°C year-round. Wet season (November-March) brings higher rainfall and occasional cyclone risk. Pack light, breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, snorkeling gear, and waterproof bags for the boat transfers.