A Guide to Visitor Visas for Tonga
With a reputation for being the “Friendly Islands”, it’s not surprising that entry into Tonga is incredibly easy. Nationals from around 70 countries can visit Tonga for up to one month without going through a whole visa process. It’s as simple and getting your passport stamped at the border! Admittedly, things are marginally more complicated for nationals whose country is not on the visa-waiver list, where an Entry Permit needs to be acquired. Either way, in this quick guide you’ll find out whether you need a visa to visit Tonga.
Tonga Tourist Visa: COVID Update
Before you continue reading our visitor visa guide to Tonga, be sure to check if you can currently travel to Tonga. For the latest travel restrictions, the best source is the COVID-19 page of the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga’s website.
For more arrival advice, see Everything You Need to Know About Arriving in Tonga and Arrival at Nuku’alofa Airport: Step-by-Step.
Do I Need a Passport to Visit Tonga?
Yes, you do need a passport for visiting Tonga. You will be required to show your passport both before boarding your flight to Tonga and to Customs on arrival in Tonga.
Tonga Tourist Visa Requirements
(Requirements for Being a Tourist in Tonga)
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date you intend to leave Tonga (the date that you state on your Passenger Arrival Card)
- You need a return or onward travel ticket out of Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDo I Need a Visa for Tonga?
Visitor visas (or tourist visas) are automatically granted upon arrival into Tonga if you are from one of the visa-exempt countries, as listed below:
Tonga Visa-Free Countries: Countries That Don’t Need a Visa to Visit Tonga
Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Cook Islands, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Island, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Caledonia (French Passports), New Zealand, Niue (Holders of New Zealand Passport), Norway, Palau, Papua New Guinea, People’s Republic of China, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Island, South Korea (Republic of Korea), Spain, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, Tahiti (French Passport Holders), Tokelau (Holders of New Zealand Passports), Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom – Great Britain & Northern Ireland, United States of America, Vanuatu and Wallis & Futuna (French Passport Holders).
How to Get the Visitor’s Visa if You are From a Visa-Exempt Country
If you have a passport from one of the above countries, then you don’t need to apply for a visa before arriving in Tonga. You will be issued a Visitor’s Visa on arrival, granted by a Customs Officer at the border.
(c) PixabayHow to Get a Visitor Visa if Not From a Visa-Exempt Country
If your passport is not of one of the visa-exempt countries stated above, then you must get a letter of authority allowing you to travel to Tonga. This is also known as an Entry Permit.
How to Get an Entry Permit to Tonga
An Entry Permit can be obtained from the Immigration Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
- tongapermit@gmail.com
- +676 26 969
You can also seek advice from your local Tongan consulate/embassy.
How to Get the Visitor’s Visa if You are Not From a Visa-Exempt Country
With an Entry Permit, the Visitor’s Visa is granted on entry into Tonga by a Customs Officer. Be sure to have a copy of the Entry Permit/written letter of authority with you to be checked by Customs Officers.
(c) PixabayWhat are the Conditions of the Visitor’s Visa (Tourist Visa)?
The following conditions apply to both passport-holders from a visa-exempt country and not from a visa-exempt country.
How Long Can You Stay in Tonga on a Tourist Visa?
The Visitor’s Visa (Tourist Visa) is valid for up to one month (31 days) from the date of entry. It is only granted if you hold a valid travel ticket to depart Tonga and if the Customs Officer is satisfied that you have sufficient funds to financially maintain your stay.
Can You Work in Tonga on a Tourist Visa?
It is illegal to take up any employment, business and/or education while in Tonga on a Visitor’s Visa. For alternative visas, see What Visas Are Available to Travel to Tonga.
Visitor’s Visa Extension: How to Stay Longer in Tonga
Visa extensions for up to six months are available. They are extended through contacting the Immigration Divisions in either Nuku’alofa or Neiafu. There is a fee to extend your visa of around TOP$130. The extension must be done before your current Visitor’s Visa expires, allowing around five working days for processing.
Find out more about extending your visa in How Long Can You Stay in Tonga on a Visitor Visa?
More About Tonga Visas and Arrivals
That’s it for our guide on whether you need a visa to visit Tonga. Now check out more advice concerning the arrival formalities when visiting Tonga:
- Arrival Advice: Biosecurity and Customs in Tonga
- The Duty-Free Allowances for Tonga
- What to Declare When Arriving in Tonga
Finally, check out more essential travel tips in our 31 Tips for Travelling in Tonga, as well as The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga.
