Tonga

Tonga is a bunch of 176 islands in the South Pacific, most of which are uninhabited, covering an area of 7700 sq km (3000 sq miles). The major island groups are ’Eua, Ha’apai, the Niuas, Tongatapu and Vava’u. Tonga’s high volcanic and low coral forms give the islands a unique character. Some volcanoes are still active and Falcon Island in the Vava’u group is a submerged volcano that erupts periodically, its lava and ash rising above sea level forming a visible island which disappears when the eruption is over.

The Vava'u group of islands is regarded as one of the premier sailing destinations in the South Pacific and is also a sanctuary for humpback whales which calf in the protected waters from July to October.

The official currency is the Pa'anga, and traveller's cheques and credit cards are accepted by most hotels.

CLIMATE IN TONGA

Tonga's climate is marginally cooler than most tropical areas. The best time to visit is from May to November. Heavy rains occur from December to March.

VISA INFORMATION FOR TOURIST

Visa Note
Not required by nationals of countries except some nationals, who can obtain a visitor's visa free of charge on arrival entitling the holder to stays of up to 31 days, except 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.

Visitors are required to have sufficient funds for the duration of stay. Visas should be 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. Applications for visa extensions can be made at the Immigration Department, Nuku'alofa, Tonga. Some nationals of countries are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. 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.

TONGA’S TRAVEL ATTRACTIONS AND THING TO DO

The most popular beach on the main island of Tongatapu is at Ha'atafu on the island's western tip. The beach is a great spot for a relaxing stroll, and the swimming and snorkelling is also good. On Tongatapu's southern coast are some interesting cove beaches with natural swimming pools.

Tongatapu has some fascinating archaeological sites to visit, the most impressive of which is the trilithon of Ha'amonga 'A Maui. Made from three massive limestone slabs each weighing over 40-tonnes, it is often considered the 'Stonehenge of the South Pacific'.

Tonga is regarded as one of the best places in the South Pacific to view humpback whales in their natural environment and is one of the main tourist attractions. The whales visit Vava'u every year between June and October and at the height of the migration up to 20 whales can be seen.

Whale watching tours by boat are available and it is possible to swim or snorkel near them, or they can be observed from coastal vantage points.

The island of Vava'u has some good snorkelling sites, and the Coral Gardens off Nuapapu Island and the reef off Mala Island are also both excellent locations. Good snorkelling can also be found off Ha'atafu Beach on Tongatapu.

A major tourist attraction in Tonga is the Heilala Festival which takes place every June. The Heilala Festival is an excellent way to observe the Tongan culture, with traditional songs, dances and other activities held during the celebrations. The Tonga Beauty pageant is also held during the festival.

The imposing volcanic island of Tofua is the most active volcano in Tonga and sightseeing trips to the island are one of the most popular tourist activities. The island is covered in virgin rainforest that hosts a rich bird life, and you can walk to the volcano summit in about two hours.

Food is a celebrated part of Tongan life, and no visit is complete without experiencing a traditional Tongan feast, accompanied by unique Tongan dancing and singing. Several of the Tongan resorts offer their own feast nights.

The coastline of Tongatapu is also home to some of the South Pacific's most amazing collection of blowholes. Spread over seven kilometres, hundreds of blowholes spurt water almost 30 metres high. This Tongan tourist attraction is best viewed at high-tide and can be accessed via a short bus trip from Nuku'alofa.

Watersports
Tongan coral reefs provide great beauty and variety for scuba diving and snorkeling; fully-equipped boats, scuba diving and snorkeling equipment can be hired. Contact the Tonga Visitors Bureau for information. There are sandy beaches and excellent swimming throughout the islands, with pools at some hotels. There is a world-standard surfing beach on the island of 'Eua, 11km (7 miles) from Tongatapu. Niutoua Beach, on the main island, and Ha'apai and Vava'u islands are also good for surfing. Tongan waters are excellent for fishing. There are plentiful game fish including barracuda, tuna, marlin and sailfish. Charter boats are available.

Whale watching
Humpback whales arrive in Tongan waters from around June through to November to calf and to mate. Special speakers for whale watching are plugged into a hydrophone installed on board the Phoenix catamaran based at Neiafu; only the male whales sing.

Horse riding
Horses are still a means of transportation on all the main island groups. Hotels and tour operators can make arrangements for hiring horses. Saddles are not normally available and previous riding experience is strongly recommended.