TONGA. Issuing Authorities

Transcription

1 TONGA Issuing Authorities Tongan High Commission in Canberra, Australia 7 Newdegate Street, Deakin, ACT 2600, Australia Telephone (+61) (2) Fax (+61) (2) Web: Page 1 of 6

2 Visa Requirements South African passport holders require an Entry permit PRIOR to arrival in Tonga. As there is no Tongan Embassy in South Africa, you can apply via through the High Commission of Tonga in Canberra. The processing fee is AUD please complete the form and send it together with : Duly completed application form - incomplete forms will result in either a delay or refusal. (download from Reason for visiting Tonga must be concrete and substantiated. The signature of the applicant must be faxed or ed to the office if he/she is applying from overseas. Immigration does not consider `sign for` applications. Evidence of sufficient funds to support the period of stay in Tonga. Itinerary must be provided. Evidence of visas previously granted to applicant (further verification with visa issuing authorities) Personal interview of local sponsor/counterpart may be required For security purposes ing of scanned copies of passports is preferred. Applications can be submitted to fax numbers (612) Alternatively, applications can be submitted over the internet to leonaitasi@gmail.com. Please provide fax number or address for entry permit/visa to be conveyed to. Applicants arriving in Tonga with intention of setting up a business may enter the country on a visitors visa but must ADVISE Tonga Immigration of their intention in ADVANCE and in WRITING, otherwise heavy penalty fees apply. For security reasons, all permits/visas granted will be recorded in our immigration computer system; therefore arrival(s) with permit(s) that do not match the database records may be refused admission at port(s) of entry. INCOMPLETE applications will not be processed, so it is kindly requested that duly completion of forms is necessary. Page 2 of 6

3 Visa Cost AUD60.00 or TOP$60.00 Pa'anga which can be paid upon arrival at a Tongan port of entry. Money order preferable, payable to the Tonga High Commission (Canberra) Page 3 of 6

4 SA Representative Representation accredited from Canberra, Australia Page 4 of 6

5 Travel Health Compulsory: Recommended Travel Vaccines: None Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio Tonga's 176 islands range from steep, active volcanoes to low coral forms, most of which are uninhabited. Sightseeing highlights include the Royal Palace on the waterfront in Nuku alofa, the Mala ekula (Royal Tombs) and the Anahulu Cave, an underground cavern of stalactites and stalagmites. The islanders enjoy a laidback pace of life which visitors find easy to adopt, whether relaxing on one of the magnificent white sand beaches, diving among the stunning coral reefs or watching the migratory whales return to their breeding grounds from June to November. In Nuku'alofa, the capital, sightseeing itineraries should include the white Victorian Royal Palace on the waterfront, just beyond Vuna Wharf. An impressive sight in Tonga are the Blow Holes, found along the coastline at Houma, 14.5km from Nuku'alofa. Waves send sea water spurting some 18m into the air through holes in the coral reef. This stretch of coastline is known as the Mapu 'a Vaea (the Chief's Whistle) by Tongans because of the whistling sound made by the geyser-like spouts. Capital: Currency: Language: Nuku'alofa (TBU) Pa anga (TOP) Tongan. English is widely spoken. Dialling code from SA: Time Zones: Public Holidays 2018: UTC/GMT +13 hours (11 hours ahead of South Africa) Jan 1; Mar 30; Apr 2, 25; Jun 4; Jul 4; Sep 17; Nov 4; Dec 3, 25, 26 Side of the Road: Left. A Tongan visitor driver's license is required. This can be obtained from the Ministry of Transport in Nuku alofa on presentation of an international drivers licence (fees may apply). Page 5 of 6

6 Best Time to go: Best For: Plugs: Drinking Water: Health: Customs: Travel Tips / Warnings: Duty Free: Prohibited Imports: May to October. Tropical weather humid season is December to April during which rain spells occur Island relaxation, Cultural Exploration 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Australian-style plugs with three flat, angled pins are used. Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated There are adequate medical facilities; however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. Dress should always be conservative. It is illegal in Tonga to be without a shirt and it is not acceptable to wear revealing clothing such as brief shorts or skirts, bikinis etc. in public or when swimming at public beaches. While this dress is acceptable at resorts it is not acceptable in public as adult Tongans swim fully clothed. It is illegal for both men and women to go shirtless in public. Speed limits are strictly obeyed The following goods may be imported into Tonga by travellers aged 18 and over without incurring customs duty: 250 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco 2.25L of spirits or 4.5L of wine or 4.5L of beer Prohibited and restricted items include weapons, indecent goods, illicit drugs and endangered species. You must declare all meat and animal products, plants and plant products, and equipment which may have come into contact with soil such as tents, riding gear or farm clothing. Page 6 of 6