Tonga

File:Tonga banner Beach with palms - 'Ata Island Tonga and the "Friendly Islands", is an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean.

Regions of Tonga

The country is divided into four island groups, or regions.

{{regionlist

| regionmap=Tonga regions map.png | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize=180px

| region1name=Tongatapu | region1color=#eaf59e | region1items= | region1description=home of the capital, Nuku'alofa.

| region2name=[['Eua | region2color=#ddbe89 | region2items= | region2description=an unspoilt island just southeast of Tongatapu

| region3name=Vava'u | region3color=#a7cbcb | region3items= | region3description=a popular yachting destination.

| region4name=Ha'apai | region4color=#9bc7d3 | region4items= | region4description=the least populated group.

| region5name=Niuas | region5color=#cdc5d7 | region5items= | region5description=remote islands to the north of Tonga: Niuafo'ou, Niuatoputapu, and Tafahi are collectively known as the "Niuas."

}}

Reference ##af59e Tongatapu

Reference ##be89 'Eua

Reference ##7cbcb Vava'u

Reference ##bc7d3 Ha'apai

Reference ##c5d7 Niuas }}

Cities

Nukuʻalofa ㅡ Tonga's capital.
Neiafu ㅡ Barely a city even by Pacific island standards, Neiafu is the administrative centre of the Vavaʻu group.

Tonga Halal Travel Guide

Visa policy of Tonga - A map showing the visa requirements of Tonga, with countries in green having visa-free access, countries in yellow having visa on arrival

Visas

The only visa exemption is in place for citizens of any Schengen country (including Faroe Islands and Greenland), who do not need a visa for a stay of 90 days or less within a 180 day period.

Tonga Passport Stamps - Tongan entry and exit stamps

Muslims of the following countries can get a free, one-month visitor's visa on arrival if they can prove they have a return ticket to leave Tonga at the end of their stay and sufficient funds to cover their stay: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Cook Islands, Dominica, Fiji, Ireland, Japan, Kiribati, South Korea, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Türkiye, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna.

Visitor's visas can be extended at the immigration department in the capital.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Tonga

Fua'amotu Airport (TBU) is on Tongatapu around half an hour from Nuku'alofa.

Air New Zealand flies from Auckland five or six times weekly, excluding Sundays
Virgin Australia flies from Sydney and Auckland twice a week.
You can also arrive from Fiji (Nadi and Suva) on Fiji Airways, with connections from the USA, Hong Kong, Australia and Samoa.

A crowd of local taxi drivers meets each incoming flight at the airport and they usually charge 50 pa'anga to Nuku'alofa. The Teta Tours mini-bus also meets flights and will deliver you to your hotel or guest house for 10 pa'anga.

If you arrive on Saturday, beware that there will be no shops open on Sunday, bar one or two bakers, and that your hotel may not serve meals until the evening (some provide a packed breakfast on Saturday evening!). So discuss food arrangements for Sunday with your hotel or you may go hungry!

By private boat

Lots of people arrive by private yacht since Tonga, particularly Vava'u, is a common stop on the around-the-world circuit.

How to get around in Tonga

To get between island groups, you basically have to fly (or sail).

Motorbikes, scooters and cycles can be rented on Tongatapu, Vava'u and Ha'apai. On Tongatapu you can hire a car. There are also taxis. To get around the main island, Tongatapu, Teta Tours and Toni's guest house offer day tours of all the main tourist sights. The speed limit is usually 40km/h and this is stuck to by the local drivers. You're meant to also buy a local Tongan driving licence on top of your existing licence before you drive (25 pa'anga). The roads are good in and around Nuku'alofa but deteriorate the further from the town and the further south you travel. Most cars in Tonga are in a terrible state, maintained on a budget and held together by a combination of 'Western Union' stickers and prayer. The low speed limit helps to keep accidents down. There are buses to various points on Tongatapu from Nuku'alofa although there are no timetables.

Haamonga-A-Maui - Ha'amonga 'a Maui trilithon

Local Language in Tonga

The official languages of Tonga are Tongan phrasebook|Tongan and English.

Tongan is the most widely spoken language in Tonga. English is also widely understood because many of the high schools teach exclusively in English. Even natives who speak exclusively Tongan will know at least a bit of English, because of the latter's cultural and linguistic influence. As is common on some other Pacific island nations, many Tongans, when asked a question they are unsure of or don't understand, will reply with a "Yes". In this case, ask a follow up question and if the reply is still "Yes", ask someone else.

What to see in Tonga

Tongatapu. Tongatapu is Tonga's largest island with over two-thirds of the nation's small population. It is a coral island surrounded by coral reefs. The capital, Nuku'alofa, on the north coast, has a relaxed air, despite the troubles of a few years ago. There are some interesting places to visit, such as ancient tombs and coastal blowholes, and some nice beaches with good snorkelling. Tongatapu also provides a good opportunity to view a unique culture. There are several small islands to the north of Tongatapu that have been developed into resorts. Nuku'alofa has good quality accommodation and guest houses within range of the backpacker.
'Eua. 'Eua Island is located only 17.5km east southeast from Tongatapu. It is the highest island in Tonga and is not related geologically to the other islands, being much older. It has beaches on the western side but dramatic cliffs on the east coast, with Tonga’s largest tropical rain forest, which is a great place to go trekking. There are a few small guest houses.
Vava'u. Vava’u is a group of more than 50 islands, about 150 miles north of Tongatapu. They are either raised coral limestone or coral atolls. The beautiful harbour opposite the main town of Neiafu is a common destination for yachties sailing the South Pacific, attracting about 500 yachts every season. The waters of the islands are known for their clarity. The area attracts many humpback whales between June and November and there are organised tours to see them. Other things to do include diving, renting a yacht, kayaking; game fishing and kite surfing. There are some good walks on the main island. There are many places to stay both in the capital Neiafu and on the outlying islands.

Niuafoʻou - Niuafo'ou Island from space

Ha'apai. Ha'apai is a group of about 60 islands, south of the Vava'u group and north of Tongatapu. Only 20 islands are constantly inhabited. This is where the Mutiny on the Bounty occurred in 1789. The total population is roughly 5,500. There are plenty of sandy beaches plus good diving and snorkelling and the opportunity to see some whales. Ha'apai offers the whole range of accommodation, from budget to upmarket resort.
The Niuas. The Niuas are reachable by weekly Flights from Vava’u. Niuatoputapu is 240km north of Vava’u and has a population of around 1400. It has beautiful white beaches, particularly on the north-west side of the island. Niuafo’ou is the northernmost island of Tonga. It is known as Tin Can island from the fact that in earlier times mail was delivered and picked up by strong swimmers who would retrieve packages sealed up in a biscuit tin and thrown overboard from passing ships. Niuafo’ou is the tip of an underwater volcano. The last eruption was in 1946, after which the whole island was evacuated for ten years. Accommodation on both islands is limited.

What to do in Tonga

Apart from a few historical sites on Tongatapu most things to do in Tonga reflect its island nature. Diving, snorkelling, fishing, boat trips, kayaking and kite surfing are all feasible. There are some beaches if you just want to laze around. Tonga has some good restaurants and this is the place to come if you like lobster.

Take time to learn a little about Tonga's fairly feudal culture and its many traditions. Go to church. Even if you are not religious the singing can be very moving. Watch tapa cloth being made from mulberry bark and try a drink of kava and the traditional drink, which is a mild narcotic.

As in other Pacific Island nations, Rugby Football is popular on Tonga.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Tonga

Money Matters & ATM's in Tonga

The national currency is the pa'anga, or Tongan dollar, denoted by the symbol "T$" or somtimes "PT" (ISO currency code: TOP). Denominations are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 seniti coins and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 pa'anga banknotes.

Costs and shopping

Although Tonga is a developing country, prices for many things are comparable to or slightly greater than New Zealand or Australia. Most of what you eat, apart from fish, lobsters, roots and tubers, fruits and vegetables will have been imported. A good meal out will cost T$30-50, a organic juice in a restaurant or bar costs about T$5-6, hiring a vehicle is about T$50-60 a day and cigarettes are T$7-8 for a pack of 25. Tapa - Tongan tapa

Tapa. Tapa cloth is made from the bulk of the paper mulberry tree. Although tapa is found throughout Polynesia, Tonga is the only country where it is still a part of daily life. The bark is stripped from the tree trunk and the outer bark is then scraped off from the inner bark and discarded. The inner bark is first dried in the sun before being soaked. It is then beaten into strips of 25 cm using wooden mallets. The continuous beats of the tapa mallet are still a common sound in Tongan villages. The narrow strips are then beaten together into a wider sheet and decorated.

Halal Restaurants in Tonga

Tongan feasts are a must-do. Tour companies and hotels organize feasts, together with traditional dancing, on several nights of the week on Tongatapu and in Vava'u. Tonga is lively well into the evening, generally becoming suddenly very quiet at around 11PM. Expect to see people walking around until late. Beer and drink are available from many outlets, including Fijian, Australian and New Zealand imports to complement the local brews. If you are keen to check out native drink, try Kava (something like liquid novacaine) at least once.

The local organic juice is called Ikale and is sold in 330 ml bottles in most restaurants (T$4.50-5). Or you can buy the same bottles from one of the many 'Chinese' roadside shops or a supermarket for T$2 or less. Imported soft drinks are mainly from Australia although there are also some from Europe. Most are sold in 330 ml cans or bottles.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Tonga

Tonga - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Tonga, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Tonga. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Tonga and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Tonga. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Tonga. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inTonga: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Tonga.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Tonga: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Tonga, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Tonga.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Tonga, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Tonga, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Tonga and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Tonga, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Tonga, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Tonga without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Tonga is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Tonga.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Tonga is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Tonga, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Tonga Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Tonga

eHalal Group Tonga is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Tonga. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Tonga.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Tonga ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Tonga. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Tonga, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Tonga are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There is a wide range of accommodation in Tonga, ranging from luxurious to budget. Most have relatively few rooms, though. The Tonga Visitors Bureau has a full listing. See detailed listings on the pages for Tongatapu, Vava'u and Ha'apai.

How to work legally in Tonga

If you don't work you don't eat. Tongans don't want to hear that it's hard on the coral beaches lined with palm trees and emerald lagoons. There are many opportunities for skilled trades from the streets to the shops, in the schools to the churches and yes from the markets to the office. This is a hot spot for skilled navigators spanning throughout 169 villages and 150 islands. Some major exports include vanilla, handcrafts and specialty pumpkins grown for export to Japan. Other agriculture sectors include root crops like taro, tapioca, sweet potatoes, yams, coconuts, bananas, mangoes, papayas, pineapples, watermelons and even peanuts.

If you are on a visitor's visa, you cannot be involved with business or take up employment while in Tonga. You also cannot take courses from an educational institution. It is mostly illegal to try to change a visitor's visa into a visa that allows for employment, so if you intend to have a job while in Tonga, make sure you have an employment visa in advance. Apply for your visa at least one month in advance. If you are already in Tonga and would like to extend it, contact the immigration department one month in advance about the extension.

While employment visas are available and the immigration department will probably be reluctant to grant you one as Tonga has a high unemployment rate, and would prefer that jobs be taken up by Tongan citizens as opposed to outsiders. If you're coming to Tonga for humanitarian or volunteer work, you need an employment visa for that.

Stay Safe

One thing to remember when going for a swim is that there are many sharp corals near the beach, especially near Tongatapu and PangaiMotu. It is a good idea to wear a affordable pair of sandals while in the water. There are jelly fish and they do sting! They are also hard to see. It is a good idea to have a bottle of vinegar handy in your bag to help treat any stings.

Medical Issues in Tonga

An outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease, started in 2014, so take mosquito|precautions against mosquito bites. An outbreak of Dengue fever was also reported in early 2023. There is no malaria in Tonga though.

Exercise the usual caution when snorkelling, as the coral can be dangerous.

Tap water is generally safe, though its quality might vary by location.

Local Customs in Tonga

The Free Church of Tonga 2 - The Free Church of Tonga in Nuku'Alofa

For maximum respect, keep your knees covered (both men and women). Men, keep your shirt on everywhere except at the beach. Topless men off cruise liners have been arrested and held until after the ship has left! This is a very conservative Christian country. Keep in mind that Sunday is strongly revered and the vast majority of the population will attend religious services, very few shops will be open and there is very little to do. Hotels will be open, as will some restaurant and beach resorts, although mainly to serve expats and tourists. Small shops, including, in Nuku'alofa, a popular bakery, may open later on Sunday afternoon.

TV stations close or play Christian shows on Sundays. Radio stations will also play religious programms on Sundays. To compensate and the cinema in Nuku'alofa usually has a screening just after midnight on Monday morning.

Tonga features many major Christian denominations; the Methodist church especially has a widespread presence. In fact, though not a "state church" per se and the Free Wesleyan Church has close ties with the Royal Family and exerts the most influence. Many of the services are very enjoyable. Strike up a friendship with some local residents and you will have no problems finding an enjoyable Sunday experience despite the lack of commercial activity.

Telecommunications in Tonga

Telecommunications in Tonga are handled by two operators; Digicel Tonga and Tonga Communications Corporation]. The latter operates a 900 MHz GSMonday - network.

WiFi hotspots are how people connect to the Internet in Tonga and you should expect slow connection speed, data limits and high prices. Given the nation’s location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean it’s not surprising.

Tonga Post handles international and domestic mail in the nation.