Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Last-minute trip Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Tonga
brtata 19:47 UTC 19 Jan 2009 | hi there! I might have the chance to get some time off to Tonga just now in February. With such short time i'd appreciate some help of you! i have two weeks and i enjoy diving. If i have to choose 3 places to go, where should it be? i will be on a very low budget, what´s the best type of accomodation (safe/clean)? i'm brazilian. Does anyone know what it requires for a Brazilian to apply for a visa? since i will get a prize ticket with my miles, how should I go from one island to another? what are the basic activities for one to do travelling alone? Thanks for all the tips!!!!!!!!! |
leo_walsh 05:03 UTC 21 Jan 2009 | try one of the links in my sig. | 1
Laszlo 08:24 UTC 21 Jan 2009 | If you do require a visa to enter Tonga, I would honestly recommend considering another destination instead. It took me 8 months not to be able to get hold of a Tongan visa, despite plenty of friendly promises to do it "by tomorrow". Thanks God (and a certain TTer) that we no longer need one... | 2
finsnflukes 09:34 UTC 21 Jan 2009 | As far as I know, anyone can come to Tonga on a 30 day tourist visa (that does not require previous application). Only if you want to stay longer than 30 days, but shorter than 90 days, you have to apply for a visa. I would suggest you get out of Nuku'alofa as soon as possible. It is nice for one or two days, but plan those for towards the end of your trip as a buffer of at least one day before your international departure is always a good idea here. Regarding going to other places, it depends what you wanna experience. Ha'apai is relatively quiet, laid back and permits for pure relaxation with quickly accessible white sandy beaches all around. It has excellent diving, snorkeling, kayaking and beachlife atmosphere. Vava'u is more lively, you have plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from every night and will meet a lot of other travellers or expats. Beaches are not as close - at least on the main island - and it is more expensive regarding accomodation and diving. For acitivities: diving is possible on every island group. Apart from that you can go kayaking, snorkeling and horse riding in most places. In Vava'u you can rent sand buggies and in Tongatapu you can take an island tour and learn a little more about the history and see some stunning places. You can take flights between the islands (Tongatapu to Vava'u 278 T$, Tongatapu to Ha'apai 144 T$) or you can take the ferry (around 58 T$ to Ha'apai), but it only goes once a week, schedule can change randomly and it is a very long and strenuous trip. A lot of backpackers do it though. Good luck with your planning and maybe see you in Ha'apai. | 3
leo_walsh 04:21 UTC 22 Jan 2009 | Tonga visa is not required for citizens of Brazil for a stay up to 30 days. The above came from the Visa HQ site. | 4
brtata 12:26 UTC 29 Jan 2009 | Thanks for all the answers! | 5