Tonga June 2007

Hi guys! As much as I was able to comb this site I've seen lots of real experts of Pacific area on this forum. Now I'd like to ask some questions myself:
- am going to visit Tonga with my husband in the month of June, 2007. Unfortunatelly, the visa is required for my country. What are the odds to arrange them directly on the spot?
- we don't have a habbit to book the hotel, room, etc in advance. We're used to travel as backpackers, but we're not so tight on money. Guess it should not represent a great problem to find a place to stay on which we can decide directly on the spot. Or?
- the month of June is not really on the top of months, offering swimming with whales. Is that possible in any way and what are the reasonable prices to do that on about 3 days trip?
- I read about connections between islands, but would appreciate some ferry prices, as well as plane options
- we want to go also on the top of Kao vulcano. How safe is to do it without a guide? We're used to climb high mountains, vulcanoes etc, so we have no fear. Or, in your opinion - less then we shoud have it?
- how annoying can be mosquitos, other bugs... Since I did some research about the trip - other than pigs, dogs, parrots and mosquitos are not mentioned! Diving will be awesome, but what kind of animals we can bump into? We love them, so it's not the fright talking out of me! Just pure curiosity.

That's all I can think of at the moment. Many thanks in advance and am looking forward to read your replies. Some of you, guys, are using a very healthy humor.

Forget about arranging a Tongan visa on the spot - you must already have one in advance to be allowed to board your flight there!

In my experience, also forget about trying to arrange one in advance.
While Tongans always sound very friendly and helpful on the phone, and promise to fax it by "tomorrow", in my case 8 months were not long enough for them to actually do it. And the approval does have to come from Tonga itself.

In short, the visa hassle makes it a much better idea to go somewhere else that doesn't require visas - which includes much of the South Pacific, like Fiji, Samoa, Niue, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, the Solomons, etc.
Why go to the one country that does still require visas?

Visa must be approved in advance. I think you can get the application form via <www.tongaholiday.com&gt;. If not, I can e-mail you the pdf. file. You can e-mail all the necessary documents to the immigration. I have helped a prospective visitor to acquire a visa and could get it easily in less than a week. The Immigration will issue a letter, stating your visit is approved and shall get your visa stamped upon arrival. Just carry that letter with you when you depart. (It is easier if you have first few nights booked to show where you can be reached, though.)

It may be a bit tough getting accommodation you wish upon arrival in Vava'u during whale-watching season. Other islands will be OK. Early June may be a bit too early for whales. Whale watching may cost between T$100 and T$150 per person per day. Return flight between TBU/VAV will be about T$380?

Accommodation rates can be checked via <www.tongaholiday.com>.<BR><BR>Ferry is T$75 one-way I think, but I personally wouldn't take the ferry. It is currently going through its overhaul so that it would last for 2 more years of operation. In late 2008 or 2009, Tonga will have a very good ferry, but not in this June.

To go to either Kao or Tofua, you will have to charter a boat and a guide to take you there. You need to take plenty of water and food as well.

In June, mossies won't be too bad. But better to have repellent and tigar-balm. I usually carry anti-biotic cream for cuts from walking on corals.

Hi - we spent 9 weeks in Tonga last year and loved it and are planning to return this year. Ooops - no I haven't caught up with the new year - we were there in 2005 so year before last. As # 1 and #2 say you definitely need to organise your visa in advance. I know pacific time means things can take longer - but if you know what to expect it doesn't have to be a problem - just be patient and willing to chase things up a bit.

I don't think you'll need to worry about booking in advance - and do try the tonga holdiay website mentioned by #2 it gives you the most comprehensive list of accommodations.

I think June will be too early to see the whales - possible but I wouldn't get my hopes up. We went to Vavau in late July/early august and the whales were only just arriving. We did a tour and saw some from a distance - but not really close = however our friends stayed on a couple of days longer and got to swim with the whales. We were told that the whales were unseasonally late that year. But I think seeing whales in June may be a bit hit or miss.

The Miss Heleila Festival is on in late June in Tongatapu - and then after that the Miss Galaxy which is a hoot. I'm not sure if the dates change from year to year. But it would be fun to be part of it during your visit.

We didn't do any diving - but loved snorkeling and people we stayed with said the diving was great.

The only other bug you might come across is the a centipede like creature (I've forgotten the name). I think they're more likely to come out after rain. A sting from one of these is very painful and nasty - some people do have very bad experience with them - we saw only a couple in the 9 weeks we were there.

Our children (and us too) loved watching the gient hermit crabs that came out at night (when you're staying near the beaches)

Good luck.

TongaHoliday

Well, Laszlo - am really confused about getting visa. Before or after? That's the question!

Why choosing Tonga over countries which don't require visa? We bought the tickets already at Sept 2006. The decision was made within a split second. Why? Have no idea. It seemed the best choice for us and we're still supporting our plan. We follow the news, spent some time reading and researching the islands on Tonga, things to do there etc. Considering the fact we were never ignorant about the rest of the Pacific. Thanks for immediate reply and if you think of any other suggestion - please, don't hesitate to write.

Amaile - thanks for ferry info, prices etc. You were very helpfull and goes the same as for Laszlo - if any idea or memo occures of your personal experience - please write.

Jay dee - goes the same for you. All of your personal experiences are very valuable for me. I really hope the whales will come bit earlier. The absence of them would be a bit dissapointing factor for us. We are two modest and humble people, nothing can iritate us. But with all hopes for being close to those wonderfull creatures.

Those centipeds will hopefully not be to jumpy on us, but the crabs would be another trophy to observe.

Many thanks for your replies, guys!

As both amaile and myself have pointed out, there is no "before or after" question - the visa MUST be approved in advance!
Even if Tongan immigration staff say otherwise - I have met both an Israeli in Fiji, and a Czech in New Zealand, who were simply not allowed to get on the plane to Tonga as they had no visa (approval) to show check-in staff.

Now, Tongan immigration staff are scandalously lazy - as said before, they have made countless promises for me to send the approval over by "tomorrow", but never actually did it. I even got the personal email and mobile phone number of the chief of the immmigration office in Nuku Alofa (certain Viliam Loleani, or sg. like that) who has himself assured me that all would be well, but Tongan promises are as good as nothing. I also got the strings pulled via the Tongan representations in both London and Sydney, but to no avail.

I eventually gave up and rerouted my Samoa-Tonga-NZ flight for a Samoa-Niue-NZ one.

Once in NZ, I still kept receiving emails from Mr Loleani saying how sorry he was about the embarrassing delay and assuring me that if I still wanted to visit Tonga, I should just send him my new arrival details and the approval would be sent to me ASAP!
What a joke.

I have concluded that pretty much the only way to ensure an application does actually get processed is to have someone pushing for it in person in Nuku Alofa. If amaile will do that for you, it will be of invaluable help, and your best hope.

In the meantime you might want to inquire with the airline issuing your ticket if, should need arise, you can change Tonga for somewhere like Fiji or Samoa as destination...

Good luck!

Thanks, Laszlo. It looks like we will need a lot of luck. We really really really don't want to change our destination. Can't describe it actually. I simply think it's a strange force, driving us to go to Tonga. It's one of the things which I cannot explain. And we also know and believe it will be all as it should be. But I do appreciate what you wrote. You've been very helpfull and I do have on my mind the troubled outcome.

Nevertheless - Amaile. If I can turn to you for help, I would be so very thankfull. I have pdf.version of visa application. You live in Tonga actually? I would rather send the passport copies, bank certificat on our accounts etc etc by fax, cause I'm a bit suspicious of sending those via e-mail. Call me oldfashion, but you know... If it would be more suitable for you, amaile, I will not insist. We also are very close to choose the spot at Nuku'Alofa, where we shall remain at least 3 days.

Thank you all for help. Truely.

Hi Euglena,

It's better you send me your documents by post so that photo part of your application will be clear. That's how the immigration here told me before. E-mail me the photo sections and fax me the rest. You still have enough time. Once I receive the approval letter, I will scan it and send it pdf., and post the original to you. Cheers.

amaile - I sent you a personal e-mail. Just to inform others here why am silent on your proposal to arrange visa situation.

I'd like to hear also some useful info from Harry Mudd (the only brave guy with a photo!), traineediplomat, islandboi321, raro etc.
Reading so much of your posts I think I know you all! Silly me...

Thanks

Hi Euglena,

I'm happy to help with any recommendations etc, hope you get to hear from some of the regulars too. Especially those still over there who can confirm current services etc that are operating since the riots.

It's fantastic that Amaile can help you with your visa - very kind.
If you let us know where you're thinking of staying I'm sure you'll get good advice re what to expect. Some places can sound quite appealing on Tongaholiday.com but the reality is disappointing.

We spent roughly 6 weeks on Tongatapu - In Nukualofa - a few nights at the Dateline and then 5 weeks at Tom's Guesthouse, 10 nights at Hatafu Beach, a weekend at Otuhaka and 10 nights on Vavau at Mala Island. I was in Tonga on a short term assignment which is why so long in Nukualofa. But took the family and we loved it, my boys can't wait to go back.

Our highlights were -

- the Tongan people - even the comedy of errors that greeted us on arrival at the Dateline was amusing and charming. But I would recommend you choose somewhere else to stay!!!!
- Tongan dance night at the Dateline - but there are others that might be better - see what others say
- Miss Heleila parade
- being invited by some Tongan friends to attend feasts and the amazing food that the village women had been up all night preparing
- A sunday afternoon at Pangamotu island
- great coffee and food at Friends Cafe
- eating out - particlarly Little Italy pizzaria and another little italian restaurant upstairs on the waterfront - damn I've fortgotten the name of the owner and his wife - but we enjoyed a few nice meals, drinks and stories with the owner - can someone help jog my memory on his name please?
- Kings birthday celebrations and military tattoo
- attending the funeral of an elderly neighbour - listening to the beautiful all night singing, watching the presentation of tapa mats to the village nobles daughter, talking with the relatives, seeing the cava tent in our backyard for days on end, the procession, the pig carving ceremony etc
- eating pancakes at Otuhaka beach on my birthday
- music festival competitions
- swimming and snorkeling off Mala island
- Sunday morning church - the singing is amazing
- relaxing at hatafu beach
- just going about daily life and lots more

Don't be too worried about the whales - I'm sure you'll see some - but just maybe not so close as to swim with them - that seems to only be a certainty once they have all arrived at Vavau and settled in so to speak - during the period as they are arriving it's a bit more hit and miss - one day you may have an up close encounter and the next not. That was our experience - people who had gone out a week earlier go to swim with them and friends who went out the day after us also - but we were unlucky on the day. I was a bit disappointed but it was still a great day - we saw a few breaching and could hear the whale song!!!! I remember my husband was out surfing at Hatufu (on tongatapu) in June and saw some whales swimming past.

All the best with your planning...

Hi jay dee,

That restaurant is La Terrazza, owned by Carlo and Tesi (?). Nice place, eh?

At the moment, we are not so sure about Heilala Festival, because it coincided with the late King's birthday (4th July). 4th July will no longer be a public holiday. The new king's birthday is 1st August.

Sunday church and Tongan feast, as well as funerals are really something, eh?

Friend's and Little Italy are operating as usual, and very nice.

Hi Jay dee! Always glad to see new info. And some nice experiences, too. I became hooked on this site cause I evaporate all what could be of great help. I know we'll get fresh adventures which we'll be more than willing to share with others in need after we return.

Thanks for describing the activities on Tongatapu. When we decide of some favorite locations, I'll writte those names so you can evaluate them. Would like to point that those things don't really represent a significant issue, but can be helpfull, of course.

Those events you wrote about are all very tempting and we're sure we'll enjoy some/all of them as well.

About the whales we are very eager to be as close as possible to them. The month of June, by my research, was also not described as top month for swimming with them. Unfortunatelly, is the only month we can afford to go on vacation. So June was the the ultimate solution. Keep your fingers cross, jay dee! I promised my husband to go under water and sing the whales song to invite them sooner! But he's a bit suspicious of that idea. I cannot sing soprano...

I just truely think that amaile is a great guy and our journey also depends on his help. I know we'll find a way to return him a favour.

Sadly nobody can return the costs, worries and bad comunication to Laszlo. It'll remain bitter forever. Nothing can be said or done to erase that.

Stay in touch with some ideas, jay dee. I gratefully read all what you experienced, even more - you and the boys want to return there. It's a good sign.

Thank you amaile - I would otherwise have been tugging at my memory all day. Yes La Terrazza is nice, we enjoyed meeting Carlo and his enthusiastic hospitality. Glad to hear the other places are still open - at this stage it looks like we'll be back for a month in Sept/Oct this year - we can't wait. My boys loved going to Friends for a mango smoothie.

I forgot that Heilala coincided with the King's birthday celebrations - I'd be interested to know what they decide to do. We were very lucky to be there at a time when so much was happening.

Yes to be able to experience some of the Tongan culture and traditions was truly amazing - we felt so privileged. It really was the Tongan people and their way of life that made our trip most memorable - more so than any sightseeing or resorts. After being there a couple of weeks my 7 yr old son said to me - "I love it here mummy" I asked why and he replied "Because nobody is ever mean".

Ah Euglena keep up your singing practice and I'l keep my fingers crossed - you'll be swimming with those whales yet. You have such a positive attitude - I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Lots of luck

Hi Euglena... You called, I heard. LOL

If you look back and do a search, you may still find my Tonga Trip Reports... It was almost a year ago now so I don't know if they are still there.

I was in Tonga for 3 weeks and saw most of Tongatapu (Nuku'alofa), some of the close islands to there and then I spend some time up in the Ha'apai islands.

Things have obviously changed since I was there, but if you have a specific question for me, I can try to answer.

Good luck with your visa.

Hi islandboi321! At least humans do hear my whale song! So nice to read you, indeed. I cannot remember anything particular to ask you right now.

Actually - I read your report and you described all so well and with such a passion! But will read it all over again and ask you some particular questions if I'd have some.

The luck and help from Amaile - both will be very needed. And I count on both, to be honest.

The journey of 1000 km starts with 1st step...

Best regards and thank you for all suggestions. The saga continues...

The only thing I can add is that I was disappointed that ther were not any great swimmable beaches on the main island of Vaua, including the islets one can reach by casueway---although the Tongan Beach resort may have a good spot. You need to get to the smaller islets, by boat, for good beaches.

And to get to those volcanic islands, Tofua, etc. ---I asked when we flew by, and the George and the other pilot said a charter---very expensive---would be needed.

Yes - I agree with Raro - around Vavau is very pretty but we didn't see any really nice beaches for swimming on the main island either. The Tongan beach resort is very expensive (in my opinion) and the beach probably not as nice as the other - albeit small - beaches on some of the other islands. There is a small accommodation place on the main island - I think it was Mystic Sands beachhouses which are just near the Tongan Beach resort and you can swim from the beach. Also possibly Lucky's but not sure. Only thing with these locations is that you are too far out of town to walk - possibly a bus but probably need to use taxi's.

When we went out for the day on the whale tour we stopped at some beautiful places to swim. One spot the water was soooo deep - we were swimming over this deep blue cavern it was beautiful and eerie. We also swam into some caves, one of them you need to swim under water a short distance to get inside, saw lots of beautiful fish.

Raro - George was one of the pilots who flew us from Vavau. He invited my 2 eldest boys (5 and 7) sit up in the cockpit and watch them land the plane - very cool. There's not many planes around the world today where you could get a look in past the locked cockpit door.

Hi good people! It's not that I don't follow the forum, but my working hours are just nuts! I read at night in peace, having lack of sleep but satisfied of all your wonderfull responds. Keep on discussing of Tonga. The more you do it, the more informed I become. Reading all this I can easily imagine all what's happening there.

Raro - thank you for including yourself and giving a valuable contribution of your experiences in Tonga. I read about Vava'u beachless coast, or at least hardly reachable. Vava'u is the option only exclusively for swimming with whales. I guess. But since couriosity killed the cat, I'd like to visit it for day or two upon return from Ha'apai, and hopefully fly from Vava'u to Tongatapu. That's what I can say at this moment.

Checking the prices of accomodation, I become a bit confused. Some prices are written as TOP$, or T$ or $P etc. That's clear. We're talking about Pa'anga currency. I'm affraid to ask: are the prices, written only with $ ... USD? Calm me down, people, please!

Anyway - I'd like to say also how helpfull is amaile to me on private messages. She's really a source of knowlidge! Though every each one of you is a diamond.

Thank you very very much for returning to the past and for some, like Jay dee, going back to the future.

Hi everyone,

Prices are usually TOP, unless indicated as NZ$, A$, or US$, mainly depending on which country the owner is from! (Germans seem to use US$, though)

Sometimes, you can negotiate the prices, depending on season and/or length of your stay. Places which market themselves via major travel agents tend to add some mark-ups in their indicative prices to cover agent commission as well.

Be aware, though, food can be quite expensive in Tonga, especially in Vava'u and Ha'apai. They have to import ingredients frist from overseas and then from Tongatapu.

When I first moved to Tonga, I couldn't believe the prices of some of the stuff, toilet papers, box of tissue, vegies, eggs, bacon, ham, jam, towels, etc.

Also check if prices include 15% consumption tax or not. About 2 years ago, Tongan government abolished 5% sales tax and 2.5% accommodation tax, but introduced 15% consumption tax instead on all the goods and services.

Nice. You calmed me down. Germans are probably writting the prices in their catalogues or their tourist agencies web sites. It's understandable. If you're fast flying over a brochure, you're lost on local currencies around the globe. If one decides already of a destination, is getting more involved in a particular country and the math over converting TOP to your own currency is logical.

I do know how bad access to the islands can influence the prices. In my county, climbing Alps is nowadays only affordable to people who are loaded with money. The prices of Tonga hotels are cheaper than spending the night in a refuge or hut on Alps. Not to mention drink and food! But they have to provide neccessities with helicopter or horses etc, so that has to be considered. Though it's still a ROBBERY!

Thanks for a quick respond and as always - you've been nothing but the greatest!

16--
And all others on George's plane.
Yes, if you ask him, they may let you sit in the cockpit on the jumpseat. I had done this in the Chatham Islands (NZ), and I noticed the plane said Air Chathams on the side, and had the Chathams code (Z__ etc). So I asked the pilot, and he said sure!

It was fantastic, I put the headphones on they gacve me, and listed to the whole airport/plane conversation, etc. We kanded in Haapai, almost on a dime, and I'm surprised we actually took off on the short strip.

But there is no AC hooked up in the cokcpit, as it's not needed in the Chathams. I went through two t-shirts of sweat from TBU to Vavau.

When I flew back a week later George offered it again, but I opted for the AC of the main cabin. This was in December and it was very humid.

Re beaches---etc.
At the very end of one of the several roads to the south of Neaifu is a small town called Talehau (sp?). At the far end of the village the road ends at the beach. Very pretty spot. OK swimming, but not great. I'm not sure, but there is a tiny, basic accommodation right next to it, when #16 mentioned Lucky's, it seemed to ring a bell. But it looked dairly basic, and you'd need a taxi to get there. But if you are looking for an OK beach anmd a village tpe experience, it's worth checking out.

So sitting next to George was an adrenalin extra for you? I think I will ask for it anyway. To die ralatively young will provide a good view on the coffin. And if I do it soon after we arrive in Tonga, nothing worse can happen anymore! But am "dying" to see those islands bellow the plane. It'll make me bulletproof and immortal. My husband will probably faint, but I will explain him later what he missed.

Raro - that was a good advice for a sane person. Undoubtedly. And I'll take that into consideration. Having a few jokes on it, takes the scare out of the event.

Thank you.

Hi to all,

I'd like to inform all of you, I received visa granted approval from Tonga already!!!! My heart and special thanks are going to my guardian angel - AMAILE, who took care of everything. After I sent scanned neccessary documents to her, she forwarded that immediately to Imigration Division on Tonga. Within a week it was all taken care of.

Thank you, guys, for all suggestions, fears and experiences you kindly wrote and exchange.

Best regards to all, specially to amaile.

Hi Euglena,

No worries. I'm glad that I could be of use. I just did that all via e-mail. I didn't even have to leave my house to lodge your application.

I'm thinking of asking the immigration a simple question, though. Why do they impose visitors visa to people from the countries listed in their web site in the first place? Why don't they just abolish short-term visitors visa to be acquired in advance, and just give 3 months permit upon arriving Tonga?

"Why don't they just abolish short-term visitors visa to be acquired in advance, and just give 3 months permit upon arriving Tonga? "
The habits of the past are difficult to break-especially with Govt Bureaucracies-and not just in Tonga-it's the same everywhere..

Wish you good luck with that Amaile.
At least do suggest them updating their visa-free nationalities list and granting the entire EU visa-free entry.

Incredibly, when I was planning my Pacific trip, Vanuatu's visa-free list list still didn't include the more recent EU members either, but after I had sent them a fax pointing this out, they updated the list! Not sure if it was due to me reminder, but it came handy anyway! :-)
And when I called on immigration in Vila for a visa extension, they cheerfully greeted me with "Oh, Hungary is now in the EU, right?" ;-)
Got to LOVE Vanuatu!

Hey jay dee,

I have a bad news for you. I've just heard that Carlo of La Terrazza just passed away a few days ago. I feel so sad. He was such a happy fun-loving person.

I've heard that John, an Italian guy who was running Pizza Pazza in Tungi Arcade before it got burned, had just began sort of partnering with Carlo and began serving his Pizza at La Terrazza. I don't know what will happen now that Carlo is gone.

A good news is that famous Lunarossa restrant shall relocate and re-open maybe around 7th February at Lagoon Lodge.

Akiko's restaurant at Basilika Church is for sale, and no longer operating.

Hi amaile - I'm shocked and saddened by your news - thank you for your post. Carlo was such a fun and generous man - I feel very sad for his wife - and I think they have a son back in Italy. My husband and I will be very sorry not to be able to share a drink with him when we return this year. I remember Pizza Pazza - we ate there a couple of times.

Won't Lunarossa be a bit out of the way at Lagoon Lodge?

Thanks for the updates - very interesting

Okay all I'm back after a long posting hiatus. Still here though!!! One thing that wasn't mentioned is if you go to Kao check the weather first. We had a group of Youth Ambassadors and Peace Corps stuck on Kao/Tofua in 2005 and we had to get HMAS Armidale up to rescue them...silly billies...

Yes - you were conspicuous by your absence...good to see your posts popping up again

Meh sometimes work just gets snowball-like..which in the climate like Tonga is crazy!!! But I see we have a new Tongan poster amaile...good work!!!

Hi traineediplomat! I missed your touch in "my" topic. Amaile is taking over, yeah. Jay dee's also a pearl. All of you are contributing a significat part to Tonga rookies. Still appreciate all what's been added, though I agree with traineediplomat - work just get snowball-like. The climate I enjoy right now is cosy -10 degrees Celsius. Thanks and regards to all. I still read all you write, guys!

Thanks Euglena - nice to hear from you. I stumbled across TT because I was searching for info on Vietnam - we're going there in a couple of months. I then came across the Tonga branch and really enjoy keeping up with what's happening over there - plus offering my two bobs worth where it might be useful. Very civilised on this branch not nearly as fiesty as the Vietnam one.....

Hi jay dee. I'm also not that often here, cause I chit-chat with amaile and all my questions are answered. We've even started with language training! Tongan is cute. But amaile is a good teacher.

I agree with you about other forums and this one seems too polite in comparison! Let us keep it that way and we rather use humour as teeth!

I'll keep on checking news here and jay dee - it's too bad we're not better synchronised in our holidays in Tonga. I feel like I'm returning there, not going for the first time! Isn't that odd?

Cheers

Hi Euglena - yes I know what you mean about feeling like you're returning rather than a first time visitor. I think that's because you take the time and effort to learn about your destination - you will have realistic and well informed expectations and plans for your trip - which I think makes for a much better experience. Hence my discovery of the Vietnam branch. Yes while fiesty can be lively, passionate and entertaining it there is sometimes a nasty bite...I agree we should stick with good humour. All the best and continue to enjoy your planning.....LOL

Hi,
the VISA regulations have changed and I strongly advise anybody to contact the Tongan Embassy in their country. It was confirmed by the Ministry of Labour and Commerce that anybody entering Tonga will be granted a 3-month-visa (unless your passport does restrict entering Tonga).
I can give you the prices you need, just ask, and also let you know about the accomodations (basic, nice or overpriced). Just give me the name of the hotel etc. and I'll find it out, ok?
Katharina

A good currency converter is on www.oanda.com, the Tongan Pa'anga is TOP.

Harry here.

can't help with the visa. I entered as a tourist and was in the process of changing it into a work visa before I left. This was supposed to cost money, but a quick chat with the immigration folks changed all that.

Hi Katharina,

I already have received a Visa permit via immigration over e-mail. There is no such thing as Tongan embassy in my country. The nearest is London. But I'd help from a lady who arranged that in a record time of one week. If I understand you correctly - Visa under 3 months of staying, is no longer required? That would be a really good news. At the time I got Visa permit there were rumours of abandoning Visa requirements. It doesn't cost me anything so far so if true - well done! Will toast to that and Harry - you have diplomatic skills - no doubt about it!

Grantng 3 months visas to everyone on arrival would indeed be good news, but I've checked on the Tongan tourism website and it still has the old list of eligible countries.
Ditto airlines' databases.
So even if some decision has been made about this in Tonga, it wouldn't help us much unless it's made known to the rest of the world, too.

You're right, Laszlo. I was cruising around regular Visa required sites and I've seen no such thing as 3 months granted Visa upon arrival. If so - TELL IT TO THE WORLD, PLEASE!