Tonga Visa Information

Passport/Visa

	Passport Required?	Visa Required?	Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes	No	Yes
Australian	Yes	No	Yes
Canadian	Yes	No	Yes
USA	Yes	No	Yes
Other EU	Yes	No/1	Yes

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above.

Visa Note
Not required by nationals of countries referred to in the chart above, who can obtain a visitor's visa free of charge on arrival entitling the holder to stays of up to 31 days, except:
1. nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who do need a visa unless continuing their journey by the same or first connecting flight within less than 24 hours and not leaving the airport.

(a) Visitors are required to have sufficient funds for the duration of stay. (b) Visas, valid on arrival and allowing multiple entry into Tonga, are required by all non-Tongan passport holders who are traveling on a one-way ticket, except for: holders of a letter of authority issued by one of Tonga's overseas diplomatic missions and bearing the official stamp of that Tongan diplomatic mission, or a letter of authority issued by the Immigration Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Tonga, bearing the official stamp of either the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Principal Immigration Officer. (c) Applications for visa extensions can be made at the Immigration Department, Nuku'alofa, Tonga (tel: 26969 or 26970; fax: 26971; e-mail: visatonga@gmail.com). (d) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

Companies and businesses registered and operating in Tonga may bring non-nationals into the country on an employment visa, provided that the said non-citizen holds a specialized skill. Persons undertaking voluntary and charitable work in Tonga are also required to hold an employment visa.

Types of Visa and Cost
Visitors: TOP46 per month. Business: TOP230.00. Employment: TOP172.55. Transit: If transit period exceeds 24 hours, an airport tax of TOP25 is payable by all nationals over two years of age.

Validity
Visitors are allowed stays of up to 31 days. Extensions for a maximum of six months or in exceptional circumstances six months require permission from the principal immigration officer. Business/employment visas are valid for up to two years and are renewable.

Applications to:
Applications for visas must be made prior to arrival. For enquiries, contact the consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission) or the Visa Section, Immigration Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters in Nuku'alofa (fax: 26970 or 23360). Enquiries and (scanned) applications for entry permits/visas can also be lodged by e-mail: visatonga@gmail.com.

Working Days Required
Approximately three to five.

Warning
Politically motivated violence took place in the Tongan capital Nuku’alofa on 16 October 2006.  On 19 November 2006, the Government imposed a month long state of emergency in the central business district and access to the area has been restricted. The deployment of Australian and New Zealand Troops has helped to restore law and order in Nuku’alofa, but the security situation remains uncertain and could deteriorate at short notice. 

Travelers should avoid visiting central Nuku’alofa, particularly the business district and areas surrounding Government buildings.  Take sensible precautions for your personal safety; avoid large crowds, political gatherings and demonstrations; and monitor all available information on the local situation. There is the potential for further civil unrest on 23 November 2006, when the current session of Parliament ends.

Flights in and out of Tonga have been disrupted.  It is advisable to contact your travel agent/ airline to check the status of your flight.   

Incidences of robbery and theft have recently increased in Tonga. There have also been some incidences of violent assault. Foreign tourists may be at risk and should take particular care at night.

The threat of terrorism in Tonga is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Tropical cyclones are common in Tonga from the beginning of November until the end of April.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health

	Special Precautions	Certificate Required?
Yellow Fever	No	1
Cholera	No	No
Typhoid and Polio	2	N/A
Malaria	No	N/A

Health Care
The Government provides comprehensive medical and dental facilities for residents and visitors. There are hospitals in Vaiola (Tongatapu), Hihifo (Ha’apai) and Neiafu (Vava’u), which will treat minor ailments and dispense medicines. There are also clinics, dispensaries, chemists and pharmacies. However, serious medical problems should be taken to Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand or Pago Pago (American Samoa). Visitors only pay a token fee for medicines. There are also competent private medical practitioners. Health insurance is recommended. For emergency services, dial 911.

Note
1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age arriving from infected areas.

2
Vaccination against typhoid is advised.


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