Tongan citizens can now apply for Non-Immigrant Visas to the US in Nuku’alofa.
The Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, confirmed this during a bilateral meeting today on Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu.
Mr Campbell is currently in Tonga to attend the Pacific Forum Leaders’ meeting.
This development resolves the challenges many Tongans encountered for years when having to travel to Fiji to process their US visa applications.
Tongans wanting to travel to the US, have had to pay for their flight to Fiji and back, as well as accommodation and other expenses.
The challenges were even greater when their visas were declined.
The milestone for the kingdom was announced during the launching of the Consular’s window pilot program, which marks a significant step in strengthening US – Tonga relations.
The program provides essential services to American citizens and extended non-immigrant visa services to all residents of Tonga. Available visa types will include B1, B2, B1/B2, F1, F2, J1, J2, M1, M2, and R visas.
“This marks a major step in diplomatic relations between Tonga and the US and provides significant financial relief for Tonga seeking US visas”, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
The event was marked with a joint ribbon cutting by PM Hu’akavameiliku and Mr Campbell as well as the US Ambassador to Tonga.
The United States is home to approximately 68,000 Tongans.
Tonga and the US
Tonga and the United States’ relations date back to October 1886 when the two countries signed a Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation in Nuku’alofa.
In May 2023 the new United States Embassy to Tonga was opened in the kingdom.
