Tonga

Tonga was referred to by Captain Cook as "The Friendly Islands". Spread south of Samoa for 500 miles(800 km), the 171 islands comprise the Pacific's last monarchy and only Pacific nation never to be colonized. Proud of their history, Tongan culture runs deep in the 48 inhabited islands.

The image of an idyllic island kingdom was tarnished recently when the beloved King Tupou IV died and succession was handed to his less revered son King George Tupou V. Never one to mingle with locals, King Tupou V preferred a British aristocratic manner. Known for his fondness for ornate military uniforms and travelling in a chauffeured British taxi to and from his hillside villa, the Tongan people finally had enough. Pro Democracy riots damaged much of the capitol Nukualofa in 2006. Just before coronation King Tupou V relinquished much of his power as well as many private businesses interests in appeasement. Yet such an ornate dresser was not to become king without style as he threw a party worth $2.5 million, a significant part of the country's annual budget.

Tonga has returned to a relaxed atmosphere where travellers usually find a bit of respite from the stressors of the modern world. It is often the destination of water sports enthusiasts. Yacht charters are popular for exploring the islands of Vava'u and Neiafu. Diving off coral reefs or snorkelling close to shore are both available for beginners to experts on many of the islands. Coral reef surfing swells are reserved for experienced water souls. The presence of humpback whales in Tongan waters make this a winter holiday destination too.

While the people are friendly and the culture relaxed, traditional Christian values predominate. However, many Christian traditions are mixed with older Polynesian customs and festivals. The capitol and commercial centre Nukualofa is also experiencing a blend of western influence.

Getting to Tonga is easy as regular flights arrive from many destinations to the main island Tongatapu. Travel within the islands is through ferry service or plane and one should not expect the same degree of tourist development as many popular beach destinations; yet this isolation is intrinsic to Tonga's charm.

Passport Visa

Visitors must hold documents and tickets for their return/onward journey and sufficient funds to cover their stay. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. A visa is required. American citizens can obtain a tourist visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 31 days. All visitors must hold documents and tickets for their return/onward journey and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• UK citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. A visa is required. British citizens can obtain a 'visitors visa' for touristic purposes on arrival; the visa is valid for 31 days. Visitors must hold documents and tickets for their return/onward journey and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• Canadian citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. A visa is required. Canadians can obtain a tourist visa on arrival; the visa is valid for 31 days. Visitors must hold documents and tickets for their return/onward journey and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• Australian citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. A visa is required. Tourist visa are available to Australians upon arrival in Tonga, these visas are valid for 31 days. Visitors must hold documents and tickets for their return/onward journey and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• SA citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. A visa is required. Visitors must hold documents and tickets for their return/onward journey and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• Irish citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. A visa is required. Irish nationals are able to get a 'visitors visa' on arrival in Tonga, these visas are valid for 31 days. Visitors must hold documents and tickets for their return/onward journey and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• NZ citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. A visa is required. New Zealand citizens can obtain a 'visitors visa' on arrival, for touristic purposes. Visitors visas are are valid for 31 days. Visitors must hold documents and tickets for their return/onward journey and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Embassy Consulates

Foreign Embassies