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Passport/Visa

Passport/Visa

Tonga

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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

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Passport/Visa

Passport/Visa
Citizens of Australia, New Zealand and members of the EU don't need a visa to travel to Tonga, and can stay on the Island for up to 30-90 days within 180 days. If you are a national of Japan, South Korea, Fiji, Malaysia, Samoa, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, you can obtain a visa on arrival for 31 days. All travellers must hold a valid passport for at least 6 months.

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Airports

Airports

There are two international airports serving Tonga. Fua’amotu International Airport (TBU), on Tongatapu island, is located 21 kilometres south of the capital, while Vavaʻu Airport (VAV) lies 10 kilometres north of Neiafu on Vavaʻu island. Lulutai Airlines is currently the only domestic airline servicing the Kingdom of Tonga, connecting its capital Nukuʻalofa with Vava'u, Ha'apai, Niuafo'ou, and Niuatoputapu. As for international airlines, Air New Zealand, Qantas, Fiji Airways and Talofa Airways fly to Tonga from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Samoa. There is no public bus service directly to the airport, but shuttles and taxis are available on international flights. Most accommodation in Nuku’alofa provides pick-up services for their guests if you let them know in advance. Teta Tours provide transfers to and from the domestic and international airports.

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Culture & Customs of Tonga

Culture & Customs of Tonga

At first glance, life in Tonga might appear to have remained unchanged for generations, with its deep-rooted hierarchies still firmly in place. Although men often seem to hold more prominent roles in society, within Tongan families, it's the sisters who hold higher rank. The eldest sister is typically the decision-maker, and her younger siblings are expected to respect her authority without question. Tonga is a very Christian country, meaning that Sunday is devoted to family and the church. Sunday Law prohibits all types of activities, from playing, working to even doing housework. In Tonga, it's important to avoid being topless in public, as this is illegal for both men and women. Additionally, wearing black clothing is associated with mourning in Tongan culture, so it's best to be mindful of this when choosing what to wear. Last but not least, the ubiquitous pigs of Tonga are an attraction in themselves: they roam the island freely and in large amounts, so you're essentially guaranteed to run into at least a few dozen.

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Ferry

Ferry

In Tonga, several companies operate ferry services between the islands, each serving different routes. Malau Shipping connects Tongatapu and ‘Eua, while Tofa Ramsay Shipping offers routes between Tongatapu, Ha’apai, Vava’u, and ‘Eua. The Friendly Island Shipping Agency also services Tongatapu, Ha’apai, Vava’u, and The Niuas. Since schedules can change, it's advisable to check with the operating company for the most up-to-date information. If you're planning to head directly to the northern islands, it's a good idea to confirm departure times before you arrive.

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Car Rental

Car Rental

In order to rent a car in Tonga, visitors must obtain a temporary driver's license. You need to present your home driver's license, a valid passport and pay a fee. Tonga has conservative speed limits, with a maximum of 40 km/hr in towns and villages, and 65 km/hr outside these areas. It's important to observe these rules to prevent issues with the local authorities. Some of the car rental companies available in Tonga include Star Rental Car Tonga, Me Rental Tonga, and Avis.

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Bus

Bus

The buses in Tonga are an inexpensive way of getting around. There is no scheduled timetable; however, buses usually start early in the morning around 7am and run until 5pm, with no service available on Sundays. If you travel outside the capital, Nuku’alofa for the day, it's important to confirm the schedule for the last returning bus. There are two central bus stations in Nuku’alofa: the Eastern bus terminal on Vuna Road and the Western bus terminal near the main courthouse.

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