Today, we are on our way to travel to one of the most unexplored, yet exciting countries all around the world, Tonga. But where is even Tonga located? Tonga is a Polynesian nation comprised of many South Pacific islands, the majority of which are abandoned and covered in tropical rainforest. Tongatapu, the major island, is protected by lagoons and limestone cliffs. The country is bordered northwest of Fiji and Wallis and Futuna, which officially belong to France; on the northeast by Samoa; on the west by New Caledonia and Vanuatu; on the east by Niue and on the southwest by New Zealand.
Tongan culture is centered on the king and the importance of family. Tongan culture is noted for its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, shown in Tongan dancing, music, art, and cuisine that passed down through centuries. In many Polynesian languages, the word "Tonga" means "south," and its inhabitants are thought to have originated in Samoa around 500 BC. For over 1000 years, kings have dominated these islands, reaching their pinnacle in the 13th century. Also, surprisingly enough, Tonga is the Pacific's only monarchy and the only Pacific nation to retain its original government. It's also known as "The Friendly Islands".
Tongapatu, the capital city of Tonga's main island, is unlike many other capital cities worldwide. There are no high-rise structures here, which adds to the appeal of being able to stroll anyplace you want. However, apart from a few ancient sites in Tongatapu, most of Tonga's activities reflect the country's island nature. Diverse activities such as diving, snorkeling, fishing, boat tours, kayaking, and kite surfing are available. If you just want to relax, there are numerous beautiful beaches nearby. The weather is hot and humid from December to April, with plenty of rain and an average daytime temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. May to November is the cold, dry season, with average daytime temperatures of 24 degrees Celsius. During the season, trade winds provide nice days and cool evenings.
Tonga is a place where you can actually get away from it all. The majority of visitors arrive in Tonga via Fua'amota International Airport, about 15 kilometres south of Nuku'alofa. Direct flights are available from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, and the United States, from the Hawaiian land. As a clear example, Air New Zealand also operates international flights to Tonga from Europe and the United States.
However, the good news is that no matter how easy it is to travel to Tonga, it never feels overly congested with people, even during peak season, which is during whale season. The islands have some excellent restaurants, and if you enjoy lobster, this is the place to visit. Like many other islands in the South Pacific Ocean, Tonga has a plethora of magnificent beaches. One of these is Ha'atafu Beach, which is located on Tongapatu's main island. It is very reachable to get there from Nuku'alofa.
Tonga visa
We could go on and on about Tonga’s charms, but there are a few things to consider before booking your trip, including the visa to Tonga. We understand how time-consuming it may be to apply for a Tonga visa, especially if you are planning a family vacation all by yourself. But no need to be anxious because our team of professionals is always ready to help you with any concerns or inquiries you may have during the visa application process to Tonga. In case you wish to obtain further information on visa requirements for your intended trip, go to the "Services" area of the website and select your country of origin and destination.
Another critical factor to remember is that your passport must be valid for the entire period you will be in the country. We can also readily divide all the nationalities around the world into three groups: The first group, known as Tonga visa-free countries, which are not required to showcase a visa to Tonga for their visit to the country, the second group, known as Tonga visa-required countries, whose nationals must undergo a Tonga visa application process, and last but not least we have the third group of nationals that can easily get their visas upon their arrival. But do I need a visa for Tonga? You can check all three listings on our website before planning your vacation via the following link.
And if you cannot find the name of your country on the list of neither Tonga visa-free countries nor on the list of eligible countries for the visa on arrival, then you are highly advised to apply for one of the visa categories that suit you just the best. For example, by acquiring a Tonga Visitor visa, you can easily enter the country. You can apply for a Visitor visa for various purposes, including tourism or sightseeing, visiting family and friends, attending conferences or workshops, or participating in government projects. The visitor visa for Tonga is valid for 30 days. Also, according to the Tonga visa policy, applicants who want to start a business in Tonga can enter the nation with a Visitor visa and a letter from the Immigration Department indicating the firm's purpose.
A Tonga Visitor visa takes between 5 and 14 working days to process on average. However, bear in mind that the processing time might depend on the nation from which you are applying for a visa and vary according to that.
What is the cost for a Tonga visa?
The cost of a visitor visa in Tonga usually is between 65 and 80 dollars. As it was with the processing time of the visa, the charge may differ based on your nationality or the country from where you submit your application. You will apply for a Tonga Visitor visa at one of the Tonga visa application centres, embassies, or consulates in your state of residency, whichever institution is responsible for processing the visa applications. However, suppose unfortunately, none of the above mentioned exists in your country. In that case, you should apply to the embassy or consulate that is closest to your location, which in most cases is located in one of the neighbouring countries. Or if you want to spice up your life with long-term volunteering or working experience in Tonga, you can apply for an employment visa, which is slowly gaining very high popularity. If a person or a group intends to work in Tonga, either in the public or private sector, for any length of time, they can apply for a Tonga Employment visa. Who is eligible to apply for a Tonga work visa? A non-Tongan citizen seeking employment in Tonga, whether in the public or private sector or an organization or individual in Tonga who wishes to participate in volunteer or humanitarian activities. However, there are additional conditions for immigration petitions to international organizations that routinely bring volunteers to Tonga and with whom the Tongan Government has an official agreement that has been authorized by Cabinet.
But what is a visa on arrival, in the first place? When visiting a foreign country for tourism or business, you may need to obtain a visa on arrival, depending on your nationality. A visa on arrival is a visa type issued to you when you arrive in a foreign nation. It is given to foreign citizens who require a visa to enter the country but do not need to apply ahead of time. This is made available to visitors who are only staying for a short time. A visa on arrival allows international travellers to enter a country without applying for a visa ahead of time. It aids national authorities in systematically regulating their borders. But it is also worth mentioning that an online visa may be utilized instead of a visa on arrival in specific instances.
And what are the Tonga visa requirement for getting the visa on arrival? First of all, a completed and signed application form is required. Your passport must also be valid for at least six months after your return date. There must be at least two blank pages in it. A recent whole-face photograph with a light backdrop should be submitted in passport format. It must be coloured and 3.5 by 4.5 inches in size, with the head taking up 70-80% of the image. You should also maintain a neutral facial expression, such as no smile or a closed mouth while staring directly at the camera. Avoid wearing uniforms or wearing colours that are similar to the background. You must also provide a copy of your return ticket as well as proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your journey to Tonga.
What is the cost for a Tonga visa on arrival? The Visa on Arrival price in Tonga is free for up to one month, however, if the tourist overstays his or her visa, a penalty fee of 1150 Tongan Paanga equal to 504 USD must be paid. At Fua'amotu International Airport, you will apply for a Tonga Visa on Arrival. Tonga's international airport is Fuaamotu International Airport. It is located on the south side of Tongatapu, Tonga's largest island, 20 kilometres from Nukualofa, the country's capital.
