Tonga entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Tonga. You don't need to apply beforehand — just show up at Fuaʻamotu International Airport with the right documents and pay the fee. This policy remains in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Tonga. Tonga does not require six months of validity beyond your departure date, but your airline may enforce this — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Fuaʻamotu International Airport will ask for proof of a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have your printed or digital booking ready — they check this every time. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | While not always requested, having a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host can speed up the immigration process. If you are staying with family, a simple address and phone number will do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Officers may ask to see evidence you can support yourself during your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 500 TOP (approx. $210 USD) per week. | Recommended |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. Cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. Have Tongan paʻanga or USD ready — exact change is best.
No e-visa or pre-approval available
Tonga does not offer an e-visa system. You cannot apply online before travel. The visa on arrival is the only option for South Korean passport holders.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Fuaʻamotu International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Foreign Passports'.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa-on-arrival fee in cash. Have the exact amount ready if possible. Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the stamp says the correct duration (usually 30 days). If it's shorter, ask politely for clarification.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. You're now in Tonga.
Download Tonga Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 6 months
Validity3 months from issue date
CostTOP 100 (~$42 USD)
Apply at Tongan embassy or consulate before travel; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostTOP 200 (~$84 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits; must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostTOP 150 (~$63 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Tongan company; for business activities.
retirement visa
Tonga Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
TOP 500 (~$210 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. TOP 20,000/year). Allows long-term stay but not employment.
work visa
Tonga Work Permit
1 year, renewable
TOP 300 (~$126 USD) plus employer sponsorship
Requires a job offer from a Tongan employer and a work permit approved by the Ministry of Labour. Allows legal employment.
investor visa
Tonga Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
TOP 1,000 (~$420 USD) plus proof of investment
For individuals investing at least TOP 50,000 in a Tongan business. Requires business plan and approval from the Ministry of Commerce.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (TOP or USD) upon arrival at Fuaʻamotu International Airport. | TOP 100 (~$42 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if applied in advance)Same fee as VoA; can be obtained from Tongan embassies/consulates. | TOP 100 (~$42 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period; apply at Tongan embassy. | TOP 200 (~$84 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions are possible for up to 6 months total; apply at Immigration Division in Nukuʻalofa. | TOP 50 (~$21 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstaying beyond permitted period incurs daily fines; avoid by applying for extension or leaving on time. | TOP 20 (~$8.40 USD) per day, max TOP 500 (~$210 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Unconfirmed accommodation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Tonga
No transit visa needed
South Korean passport holders transiting through Tonga (Fuaʻamotu International Airport) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival or tourist visa is required.
Transit hubsFuaʻamotu International Airport (TBU)
Health & vaccines for Tonga
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season (November–April). Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Zika virusLow risk
Present in Tonga; pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water, eat well-cooked food.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nukuʻalofa
Immigration Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Salote Road, Nukuʻalofa, Tonga
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions, re-entry permits, and immigration inquiries. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Neiafu
Immigration Office – Vavaʻu
Neiafu, Vavaʻu, Tonga
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for visitors in the Vavaʻu island group. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for KR travellers
Country basics
CapitalNuku'alofa
LanguageTongan, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyTongan paʻanga (TOP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2.36 TOP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+13
vs New York+18h
vs Los Angeles+21h
Electricity
Voltage240V / 50Hz
Plug types
IAustralian/New Zealand type I plug with three flat pins
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The standard visa on arrival is usually granted for 30 days. The database doesn't specify a max stay, but 30 days is typical. Check the stamp when you get it — if you need longer, ask the officer about extension options.
The database shows extensions are not available (extendable: 0). If you need to stay longer, you'd likely need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. Contact the Tonga Immigration Department in Nuku'alofa for specific cases.
You will be denied a visa on arrival. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, an onward ticket to any destination outside Tonga works. It just proves you'll leave before your visa expires.
No, there is no e-visa system for Tonga. The only option for South Korean passport holders is the visa on arrival at the airport. No pre-approval is needed.
Tongan paʻanga (TOP) is the local currency. USD may be accepted at the immigration counter, but it's safer to have TOP. There are ATMs at the airport, but they may not be reliable. Bring cash from home or exchange at the airport.
The visa on arrival policy applies to air arrivals at Fuaʻamotu International Airport. For sea arrivals, check with Tonga Immigration in advance — rules may differ. Yacht arrivals often need to clear customs and immigration at designated ports like Nuku'alofa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.