Tonga visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Tonga

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Tongan Visa.

  • A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of return and one blank page for visa issuance.
  • A signed visa application form.
  • An entry permit that would be tendered after transit from Australia.
  • Two (35mm x 45mm)passport photographs.
  •  A copy of identification document is required (birth certificate, marriage certificate etc).
  •  Photocopy of a valid travel document.
  •  Proof of financial support.
  •  An authentic travel insurance document.
  •  A police report showing that the applicant does not have a criminal record. 
  •  Receipt that shows you have paid the visa application fee.
  •  Return flight ticket to South Africa. 
  • Evidence of visas previously granted to applicant.
  • Personal interview of local sponsor/counterpart (optional).

Tonga Visa for South Africans

Facts about Tonga

Tonga is one of the relatively untapped tourist destinations in the world. The country is unpolished and unfailingly authentic with an abundance of gorgeous beaches and resorts where tourists can engage themselves in a variety of activities. You can have fun snorkeling, diving, yachting, kayaking, fishing or just laze around on the beach. Whatever your choice of activity, you can be sure you will have a fun time in Tonga.
 
The number of visitors in Tonga sits at an average of just over 53,000 people. As Tonga comes up on people’s radar as a beautiful destination to have a lovely vacation, the number of visits to the country is bound to increase.
 
 Possession, usage, and trafficking of illegal drugs will result in jail sentences, community work or heavy fines.
 
Nationals of all Schengen area member states may enter Tonga visa-free up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Citizens of China may gain entry into the country visa-free for up to 30 days.

Types of Tonga Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 5 - 8 working days 30 days
Business visa 5 - 8 working days 30 days
Work visa 1-2 months 2 years

General Requirements for Tonga Visa

  • A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of return and one blank page for visa issuance.
  • A signed visa application form.
  • An entry permit that would be tendered after transit from Australia.
  • Two (35mm x 45mm)passport photographs.
  •  A copy of identification document is required (birth certificate, marriage certificate etc).
  •  Photocopy of a valid travel document.
  •  Proof of financial support.
  •  An authentic travel insurance document.
  •  A police report showing that the applicant does not have a criminal record. 
  •  Receipt that shows you have paid the visa application fee.
  •  Return flight ticket to South Africa. 
  • Evidence of visas previously granted to applicant.
  • Personal interview of local sponsor/counterpart (optional).
Tonga Tourist visa Tonga Business visa Tonga Work visa

Tonga Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to travelers who want to visit Tonga for business purposes.
  • Applicants are actually issued a visitors visa when applying for this. The difference is that their visas must clearly state that they are visiting the country for business purposes.
  • Applicants must inform Tonga Immigration of their intention in advance and in writing otherwise heavy penalty fees apply. 
  • If you want to meet up with business partners to maintain and develop business relationship, this is the visa for you.
  • Foreigners with this visa can attend conferences, business summits, and trade fairs while they are in the country.
  • Applicants are to apply for the visa via the Tonga embassy in Canberra, Australia as there is no embassy for Tonga in South Africa. 
  • Previous contractual agreements with the company which will serve as proof of previous dealings should be presented if there is any.
  • Certificate of business registration of your partner company is to be provided.
  • Letter of invitation stating the relevant details of your partner company is required. The duration and purpose of your visit in the country should also be clearly stated.
  • Your current employer should also provide a letter stating that he/she is aware of your business leave. The purpose of your visit and duration of your leave should be clearly stated in the letter.
  • The signature of the applicant must be faxed or e-mailed to the office if he/she is applying from overseas. Immigration does not consider `sign for` applications.
  • You cannot seek public funds while you are in the country.
  • Proof of paid visa application form should be provided.
  • The visa is valid for 30 days.
  • It is highly required that application forms are  duly completed as incomplete applications will not be processed.

Tonga Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements


  • The Tonga tourist visa is issued to people who visit Tonga for tourism and leisure purposes.
  • Foreigners can sight-see, relax or partake in recreational activities with this visa.
  • You can also visit friends and relatives in the country.
  • Applicants are to apply for the visa via the Tonga embassy in Canberra, Australia as there is no embassy for Tonga in South Africa. 
  • If you are visiting friends and relative in the country, a letter of invitation from the host is required. The letter should have the home address and telephone number of your host in the country.
  • A valid means of identification of your host should be provided.
  • If you are less than 18 years of age, the original copy of your birth certificate is required.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required before gaining entry into the country.
  • Vaccination against Rabies, Typhoid, Polio and Hepatitis B is recommended.
  • Non-South Africans are expected to have a South African stay permit.
  • All visitors are expected to obey the rules of their visa.
  • It is illegal to take up employment, business, schooling or study courses while in  Tonga on a tourist visa.
  • Holders of this visa must also ensure that their visas remain valid for the period of time that they would be in Tonga.
  • Anyone that breaches the Immigration Act may be prosecuted and subject to a term of imprisonment or fine or both.

Tonga Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Tonga has created a policy that stops non-citizens from seeking job opportunities in the Kingdom due to the high level of unemployment among the youths of Tonga. 
  • However, registered companies or businesses operating in Tonga may bring non citizen employees into the country, provided that the person holds a specialized skill. 
  • The Ministry of Labor, Commerce & Industries (MLCI),Tonga then assesses the non-citizen for his or her professional skills before granting them entry.
  • MLCI is responsible for the labor markets that are open for non citizens to take up employment while in Tonga. 
  • Applicants are expected to present the offer of employment from a company in Tonga. 
  • There must be an employment contract stating the job specification of the non citizen applicant. 
  • There should be a proof or evidence of professional skills of  the applicants.
  •  Relevant licences/registration required by any other law in Tonga relating to the specific profession must have been acquired (e.g. Registration on the Board of Health for persons requiring to practice medicine in Tonga etc.) 
  •  The employer's business licence and company registration may also be required by Immigration. MLCI may also request inspection of the business/company and any information relating to the number of Tongans currently employed by the said company.
  • Persons undertaking voluntary and charitable work in the Kingdom are also required to hold a Work visa. The same conditions for an employment visa apply to applicants undertaking voluntary and charitable work. 

Tonga Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

144.00 (USD)

Business visa

144.00 (USD)

Work visa

Employment Visa

150.00 (TOP)

Tonga Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

Australian High Commission. 292 Orient St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa.

southafrica.embassy.gov.au

+27 12 423 6000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to travel to Tonga?

Travelers can visit Tonga at anytime. Tonga has a year-round tropical climate but there are "seasons" and regions to consider. From November to April, the climate is generally considered "summer".From May to October, the climate is generally milder and drier. Note that there can be drastic temperature variances.

What currency can be used in Tonga?
 Tonga's currency Pa’anga. It is important to note that Tonga is essentially a cash society and all visitors should make sure they have sufficient funds to pay for services.
Is there a Tonga embassy in South Africa?

There is no Tonga representation in South Africa. However, applicants can go through the Australia Embassy to apply for a visa to Tonga.

What language do they speak in Tonga?

The languages spoken in Tonga are English and Tongan.

What are Tonga people like?

Locals in Tonga are often praised for their demeanor towards travelers and people generally. Tonga is said to have a relaxed pace and has been nicknamed the "Friendly Islands".

What are the recommended vaccines for travelers going to Tonga?

Visitors should get vaccinated against Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin(IG), Rabies and Typhoid.

If I travel on a cruise ship which will stop at Tonga for a day (arrive morning, and leave early evening), do I need a visa for my visit? I am a South AFrica Citizen.?
If I travel on a cruise ship which will stop at Tonga for a day (arrive morning, and leave early evening), do I need a visa for my visit? I am a South AFrica Citizen.??