Visa information for travel to the Kingdom of Tonga

Who should apply?

• Applicants visiting Tonga for leisure or short stay with family and friends.
• Applicants attending government activities, workshops, conferences, or government aid projects.
• Applicants intending to set up a business in Tonga may enter on a Visitor Visa, but they must write to Tonga Immigration in advance advising of that business intention. Failure to do so may result in a TOP $1,180.00 penalty fee.

Requirements

• Most recent passport photo.
• Original valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of travel.
• Travel itinerary showing a return ticket to Tonga and to the country of residency.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to support the period of stay in Tonga, or a sponsorship letter stating who will pay return ticket, accommodation, meals, and incidentals.
• USD $69.00 non-refundable application processing fee.
• Concrete and substantiated reason for the visit.
• Application form completed and signed in Pin Yin for Chinese applicants.

How to apply

1. Check that all required documents are complete before submitting the application.
2. Applications may be left with reception at the Embassy in Beijing.
3. If unable to come to the office, send the application package to the Embassy Office address and include sufficient payment for the Embassy to return documents by mail.

Important notice

• Visitor Visa holders with non-Tongan passports cannot take up employment, business, or study while visiting Tonga.
• Applicants must ensure their visa remains valid at all times. Overstaying or breaching visa conditions may result in prosecution, imprisonment, fine, or both under the Immigration Act.

Who should apply?

• A non-Tongan citizen who wants to work in Tonga in the Public Service or Private Sector.
• A group or individual undertaking voluntary or charitable work in the Kingdom.
• Special immigration conditions may apply for international organisations that frequently bring voluntary workers to Tonga under an official agreement approved by Cabinet.

Requirements

• 2 recent passport photos for all applicants.
• Valid passport within 6 months of the date of travel.
• Medical report issued within the past 6 months by a licensed doctor.
• National Police Clearance issued within the past 3 months from the country or state of residence.
• 2 character references with contact details.
• Letter of Support from Ministry of Labour, Commerce & Industries (MLCI).
• USD $230.00 money order payable to Embassy of the Kingdom of Tonga, Beijing, PRC, or USD $230.00 cash.
• Application form fully completed and signed, with one application per family.
• For renewed applications, a letter of support from the Inland Revenue Department on history of tax payments is required.

Additional employment documents for 2 years or more

• Offer of employment from a company in Tonga.
• Employment contract for all applicants. Each contract must include the job specification of the non-citizen applicant and a repatriation clause for conclusion or termination of the contract by either party, placing the burden of repatriation on the employer.
• If no repatriation clause is provided, Immigration may require a TOP $1,000.00 bond per person.
• Evidence of professional skills, including formal academic qualifications or letters of reference from former employers on letterhead.
• Letter of support from the Secretary for Labour, Commerce & Industries confirming whether the applicant’s professional skill is required in Tonga.
• Relevant licences or registration required by any other law in Tonga for the specific profession, such as Board of Health registration for medical practice.
• Employer’s business licence and company registration may also be required by Immigration.
• MLCI may inspect the business or company and request information about the number of Tongans currently employed by the company.

How to apply

1. Fill in the application form and collect all appropriate documents.
2. Submit the application to reception at the Embassy in Beijing, PRC.
3. Bring original documents and copies for sighting and certification when required by the Immigration Division.

Important notice

• The Immigration Division will not consider an application that is not supported by MLCI.
• Applicants travelling to Tonga to set up a business may enter on a Visitor Visa but must advise Tonga Immigration in advance and in writing; otherwise a fee of TOP $1,150.00 may be payable.
• All foreign documents may be originals or certified copies. Any foreign document must include an English translation and certification from the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs or diplomatic mission.
• Incomplete applications may result in delay or rejection.
• An employment permit may be issued where the applicant fulfils all conditions and MLCI recognises that the applicant’s skill is required in the Tongan labour market.
• Employment Visa holders may apply to transfer companies, businesses, or employers if they fulfil the conditions for transfer.

Who should apply?

• All students 18 years of age and younger who intend to go to school in Tonga, whether at Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary level.

Requirements

• Written evidence from the school or academic institution accepting the applicant as a pupil for the relevant school year.
• Evidence that the fees payable for the relevant school year have been paid.
• Evidence of any grants or fellowships awarded in connection with the student’s study.
• Evidence from a sponsor declaring financial support for maintenance, medical, and accommodation while the student is in Tonga, or evidence of funds showing the applicant can maintain himself or herself in the Kingdom.
• Signed declaration from the Principal of the previous school requiring the school to inform the Immigration Division about grade report, attendance record, and any conduct unbecoming of the student applicant.
• USD $57.50 cash payment or money order payable to Embassy of the Kingdom of Tonga, Beijing, PRC.
• Completed application form.

How to apply

1. Download and complete the Student Visa application form.
2. Attach all school, fee, sponsor, and supporting documents before submission.

Important notice

• Student Visas are issued for a period of up to one year and are renewable.

Who should apply?

• Any person who wants to live in Tonga without having to apply for an entry visa may apply for a Residency Visa.

Requirements

• 2 recent passport photos.
• Proof of Tongan ancestry, former Tongan status, or marriage to a Tongan, such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, or spouse’s Tongan passport.
• For applicants under 18 years of age, a certified copy of birth certificate and proof of parent’s Tongan ancestry are required.
• Evidence of a sponsor declaring financial support, which may include maintenance, medical, and accommodation while residing in Tonga.
• USD $115.00 for applicants 18 years and over; USD $54.50 for applicants under 18 years. Payment by cash or money order payable to Embassy of the Kingdom of Tonga, Beijing, PRC.

How to apply

1. Prepare all ancestry, sponsorship, identity, and payment documents before submission.
2. Submit the application through the Embassy in Beijing or the relevant immigration authority as directed.

Important notice

• Applicants should ensure all proof of ancestry, former Tongan status, or marriage documents are clear, certified where required, and supported by identity documents.

Who should apply?

• Eligible non-Tongan passport holders who wish to retire in Tonga and have regular income from a pension or fund from an overseas source.

Requirements

• 2 recent passport photos for all applicants.
• Valid passport for 6 months within date of travel.
• Medical report issued within the past 6 months by a licensed doctor.
• Police Clearance issued within the past 3 months from the country or state of residence.
• 2 character references including contact information.
• Evidence of income of at least TOP $10,000.00 per annum with supporting documents.
• USD $345.00 in cash or money order payable to Embassy of the Kingdom of Tonga.

How to apply

1. Prepare passport, medical, police, character reference, income evidence, and payment documents.
2. Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the Embassy or relevant immigration authority.

Important notice

• The Assured Income Visa allows residency in Tonga but does not allow the successful applicant to work, study, or start a business.
• Assured Income Visas are valid for 2 years or more and are renewable.
• A penalty fee of TOP $1,500.00 applies to those who have overstayed their visas.
• The Immigration Division reserves the right to request a police record from the country of residence during the past 5 years.