Tonga Visa Policy

Visa Policy for Tonga

The Tonga visa policy is meant to define the different rules that a foreigner must follow to enter the Kingdom and the travel documentation they must possess. These measures and documentation vary from nationality to nationality and other factors such as the intended time and ends for the journey as well as the entrance allowance (single, double, or multiple-entry).

In general terms, the Tonga visa policy is easy to comprehend: foreign nationals from around 70 countries can enter Tonga and receive a visitor visa on arrival at the entry port. The visa will allow the foreigner to stay for up to one month.

Nationals from not listed countries (of the more than 70 countries not requiring a visa before traveling) must obtain a letter of authorization or entry permit from the government. The document will grant you access to travel to Tonga.

Foreigners who wish to start a new business or intend to establish a subsidiary in the country of any business must apply for a business. Non-Tongan citizens with a job offer or wishing to work in the Kingdom of Tonga must get an employment visa.

For more insights about the Tonga visa policy for tourism and processes to get the proper travel permits, please refer to the next paragraphs:

Tourist visa Policy for Tonga

The Tonga visa policy for tourism is recognized for being friendly since citizens from more than 70 territories are exempted from applying for a tourist visa to enter Tonga. These individuals will receive a visitor visa upon arrival.

Nationals from other countries outside the list are required to apply for an entry permit or letter of authority issued by the government. Two processes are available to acquire this indispensable document to enjoy the Tongan landscapes.

As a regular rule to travel to Tonga, everyone must have a passport valid for at least six months after the departure date stated on their Passenger Arrival Card.

In the next sections, there is detailed information about the Tonga visa on arrival, the entry permit, and other important related data about the Tonga visa policy for tourism:

Tourist visa on arrival for Tonga

According to the Tonga visa policy, more than 70 nationalities do not need a tourist visa to visit Tonga; instead, they will be granted a visitor’s visa on arrival. Right below is the complete list:

• 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 NZ Passports)
• Turkey Tuvalu
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom – Great Britain & Northern Ireland
• United States of America
• Vanuatu
• Wallis & Futuna (French Passport Holders)

Authorities issue the visitor’s visa for a single entry along 31 days (a month) validity period starting from the entry date.

Besides the passport valid for at least six months, foreigners will also need to present their exit ticket from the Kingdom to the immigration officials. They may also be requested to deliver proof of holding enough funds for the entire trip.

If a foreigner wants to remain for a longer period inside the Kingdom, they have the chance to extend their visas for up to six months. The visa extension must be done by contacting the Immigration Divisions in either Nuku’alofa or Neiafu, and it must be arranged before the regular visitor’s visa expires. This process takes around five business days.

This visa can only be used for tourism purposes. Foreigners cannot work or volunteer with this visa.

Tourist visa at Tonga Embassies or Entry permits

Countries not listed above are not part of the Kingdom of Tonga visa waiver program, meaning their nationals cannot get a visitor’s visa on arrival. They will require instead a letter of authority, which is also recognized as an entry permit.

The authorization letter or entry permit can be obtained from the Immigration Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreigners are encouraged to communicate with their closest or nearest Tongan consular body to receive assistance on this matter.

Once the document is delivered, the foreign national must bring a copy and present it to an immigration official, so the visitor’s visa can be granted with no problems.

The Tonga visa policy stated that visitor’s visas follow the same features for non-exempt and exempt countries: they have a valid period of 31 days and are for a single entry.

Other visa information for Tonga.

Nationals from exempted-visa-countries do not need a transit visa to continue their trip towards a different country. However, they must have necessary documents for their next trip, such as a visa (if applicable) and return or onward flight tickets.

In terms of labour visa policy, the Kingdom of Tonga offers two types of visas regarding your exact purposes: For foreigners wanting to start their own business or opening a subsidiary business, they will need a business visa.

On the other hand, if foreigners land a job for an already established business, then they will need to apply for an employment visa.

To apply for this visa, candidates may be requested with: criminal records from the last three months, employment offer or contract, proof they can perform the work, among other documentation.