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Prohibition on Unauthorized Access to Uninhabited Crown Lands

GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF TONGA

Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning, and Natural Resources

PUBLIC NOTICE

Prohibition on Unauthorized Access to Uninhabited Crown Lands

Issued by the Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning and Natural Resources

Effective Date: 6 May 2025

The Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning and Natural Resources hereby informs the general public, including Tongan citizens and foreign nationals, that unauthorized access to uninhabited islands, including ʻAta Island, is strictly prohibited.

1. Legal Status of ʻAta Island

ʻAta Island, located in the southern part of the Kingdom of Tonga, is designated as Crown Land under Section 3 of the Land Act (Cap. 20.01). It falls under the full authority and management of the Minister for Lands, Survey, Planning and Natural Resources.

2. Access by Tongan Citizens

No person of Tongan nationality shall:

• Land on, access, or occupy ʻAta Island;
• Use it for filming, research, tourism, residence, or any other activity,

without prior written consent of the Minister, in accordance with Section 19 of the Land Act.

3. Access by Foreign Nationals

It is a criminal offence under Section 14 of the Land Act for any foreign national (non-Tongan) to:

• Enter, reside upon, or make use of any land in Tonga — including ʻAta Island —

without a valid permit issued by the Minister.

Foreign individuals or companies seeking to access uninhabited Crown land for any purpose (e.g. filming, scientific research, or tourism) must apply for and obtain:

• A permit for occupation or land use, and
• Any required environmental, immigration, or Cabinet approvals.

4. Enforcement and Penalties

Unauthorized access to ʻAta Island or any uninhabited Crown land will result in:

• Immediate removal from the site;
• Legal penalties, including fines or imprisonment;
• Revocation or denial of future access or permits.

5. Public Responsibility

The public is expected to respect these restrictions. Any unauthorized activity observed on ʻAta Island should be reported immediately to:

Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning and Natural Resources

Nuku’alofa, the Kingdom of TONGA.