Niue

Petty crime

The crime rate is low in Niue. Sometimes, thieves target travellers. Watch your belongings.

Thieves target items:

• on sea tracks
• left unsecured, such as valuables stored in motor vehicles

Occasionally, travellers are assaulted. Look out for suspicious behaviour.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can easily be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be particularly risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested in the past for things that they've said on social media. Never comment on local laws, customs or political events on your social media.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Local wildlife

Some dogs are aggressive, can travel in packs and have bitten people. Avoid travelling alone when walking and cycling.

Swimming safety

Some swimmers have died because of strong rips and large waves. Many swimming areas are only safe during low tide. 

Ask local residents and tour operators about safe areas for swimming and water sports. If you're still not sure, double check the safety of your travel by contacting Niue Tourism.

There are limited beaches in Niue. If you plan to explore sea tracks, always let someone else know before you go. There are no lifeguards and maritime search and rescue capability is limited.

At certain times of the year, some swimming spots in Niue are closed for traditional fishing activities.

Tours and adventure activities

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. Niue Tourism has an accreditation program, where operators must meet minimum standards. Check if your operator is accredited on the Niue Tourism website.  

This includes:

• Tours and travel between sites
• Adventure activities, such as scuba diving

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• Check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• Ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• Always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Niue experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• cyclones and tropical storms

If there's a natural disaster or warning:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• monitor local media such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with your friends and family

If you're travelling after a natural disaster, contact your tour operator or airline to find out if services are affected.  

Cyclones and severe weather

Cyclone season is from November to April, but tropical storms and cyclones can happen in any month.

The direction and strength of cyclones can change suddenly.

Tropical storms and cyclones can:

• cause flooding
• disrupt essential services, such as water, electricity and communications

If there's a cyclone or severe tropical storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• adequate shelter may not be available
• ports may close

Monitor weather updates and warnings:

• Fiji Meteorological Service
• World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre
• Niue National Disaster Management Facebook page

If a cyclone or tropical storm is approaching:

• know the evacuation plan for where you are
• identify your local shelter
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Surviving cyclones: Preparation and safety procedures

Earthquakes

Niue can experience earthquakes and tsunamis.

Evacuation signs in Niue will direct you if there's a tsunami alert.

If there's an earthquake or a tsunami alert:

• take directions from your host or hotel
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the International Tsunami Information Centre and local sources
• move to higher ground if you're near low-lying area

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs. 

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic before you travel to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Niue. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Travelling with medication and medical equipment

Insect-borne diseases

Cases of disease spread by mosquitoes include:

• Dengue

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

If you're pregnant, discuss travel plans and health risks with your doctor before you travel.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are found in Niue.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical advice if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are extremely limited.

Hospitals and medical facilities may ask for payment before treating you.

You may need to be evacuated to New Zealand or Australia if you become seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Registered dive companies carry basic treatment equipment to meet Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) standards, but no hyperbaric or decompression chambers are available. If you need to be treated for decompression sickness, you'll be evacuated to the nearest treatment centre in New Zealand.

More information:

• Niue Tourism Website

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for carrying or using even small amounts of illegal drugs are severe. They may include fines and prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Same-sex activity between men is illegal in Niue. Penalties include prison sentences of up to 10 years. Niuean society is conservative. Avoid public displays of affection.

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

More information:

• Dual nationals

Standards of dress and behaviour are modest.

Be careful not to offend.

Ask for local advice if you're unsure of any customs.

Visa-free travel for short stays

You don't need a visa for a tourist visit of up to 30 days.

In other situations, you'll need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For the latest updates to Niue travel information, follow the Niue Secretary of Government's Facebook page. The Niue Tourism website provides detailed information about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules. You should follow the Niue Secretary of Government's Facebook page for the latest updates.

Border Measures

Niue has reopened for quarantine-free travel. Flights are only available through New Zealand. Make sure you meet the entry requirements of New Zealand.

Before travelling to Niue, you must pre-book your accommodation for the duration of your stay. See the preparing to travel website and the Niue Government's Travel Advisory for detailed information on entry requirements. 

Niue's maritime border is open. Entry requirements into Niue remain in place, including the need for a Travel Pass. 

To enter Niue, you'll need to show proof of:

• an onward or return ticket
• enough money for your stay
• arranged accommodation

Niue has 1 official currency, the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).

The bank cannot change currency.

Most shops and hotels accept credit cards. You can withdraw cash from the bank and some shops.

There are no ATMs in Niue.

Before you leave, ask your bank if your cards will work overseas.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. You may receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Driving permit

You’ll need a local driver’s licence to drive in Niue.

You can only drive vehicles covered by the class on your licence. For example, with an Australian car licence you can drive a car but not a motor scooter.

Road travel

Driving can be dangerous, particularly at night.

Hazards include poorly maintained roads, line markings and street lighting.

If you plan to drive in Niue, check local traffic laws and practices.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Motorcyclists are frequently hospitalised due to traffic accidents.

You can get a temporary motorbike or motor scooter licence in Niue. To apply, you must:

• sit a practical test at the police headquarters
• show your current Australian driver's licence and passport

Always wear a helmet.

If you don't follow the local laws, your insurance policy may not cover you.

If you want to ride a motorbike:

• check that your travel insurance covers it
• learn local laws
• don't drink alcohol and ride

Taxis

There is no taxi service available in Niue. Book a rental vehicle before you arrive.

Public transport

There is no public transport available in Niue.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Emergency services

Call 999.

Fire and rescue services

Call 999.

Medical emergencies

Call Niue Foou Hospital on 4100

Police

Call 4324

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Niue. 

Australian High Commission Niue

Tapeu-Porritt Road 
Alofi

Phone: +683 4173
Email: ahcniue@dfat.gov.au
Website: niue.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Niue

Check the High Commission's website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia