Tonga
United States
United States visa for Tongan citizens
Entry requirement
The United States requires Tongan citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
- Where to apply
- No mission in your country
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 31 October 2026 · Passport Index
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
The United States’ tourist visa costs US$185 at the standard rate published by its authorities. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
Where Tongan citizens apply for a visa for the United States
United States has no embassy or consulate in Tonga on our records; applications usually go through a mission in a neighbouring country or an online portal.
- Embassy of the United States in Suva746 km
Princes Road 158, Suva
- Embassy of the United States in Apia890 km
Main Beach Road, Apia
- 1,998 km
The nearest US missions to Nuku'alofa are in Suva, Fiji (746 km from Nuku'alofa), Apia, Samoa (890 km) and Auckland, New Zealand (1,998 km). Which post accepts applications from residents of Tonga is decided by the United States, so confirm it with the mission or the official visa portal before booking an appointment.
US visas issued to citizens of Tonga
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 874 | 1,149 |
| Student (F, M) | 19 | 6 |
| Exchange (J) | 40 | 67 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 91 | 77 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 17 | 10 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 136 | 71 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 5 | 3 |
| Total | 1,182 | 1,383 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 47.3% | 47.2% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 1,383 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Tonga, the 155th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 83%, work and treaty visas 6% and diplomatic and official visas 5%. That is 17% more than in fiscal year 2024 (1,182).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Tonga received 218, 66% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 47.2% for citizens of Tonga in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 47.3%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Tonga anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Tonga.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Tonga
United StatesTonga Visa on arrival Tonga visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
For a trip from Tonga to the United States, the published travel advice reads as follows: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).
Good to know
How long Tongan citizens can stay in the United States
How long Tongan citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Tongan citizens apply
The United States has no embassy or career consulate in Tonga. Tongan citizens apply through a mission of the United States accredited to Tonga from abroad; the official visa portal of the United States names the right place.
The United States’ neighbours for Tongan citizens
Canada and Mexico require Tongan citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Tonga
US citizens receive their visa for Tonga at the border; it covers up to 31 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do Tongan citizens need a visa for the United States?
The United States requires Tongan citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
Is there an embassy of the United States in Tonga?
No. The United States has no embassy in Tonga. The nearest US embassy is in Suva, Fiji, 746 km from Nuku'alofa.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Tonga?
US citizens receive their visa for Tonga at the border; it covers up to 31 days.
Can Tongan citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Tongan citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 31 October 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.