Nuku‘alofa — Tonga is joining the regional effort to modernise border security, boost tourism, and meet international travel standards through the introduction of electronic passports, known as e‑passports.
The Government of the Kingdom of Tonga convened the inaugural meeting of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) for the Tonga e‑Passport Project, a multiyear initiative designed to introduce secure, internationally compliant electronic passports for Tongan citizens.
The project will also help advance public‑sector digitalisation and enhance the integrity of Tonga’s legal identity framework.
Chaired by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala, the meeting brought together senior representatives from key government ministries, the Embassy of Japan, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Discussions focused on the rollout of the new biometric passport system, security features, and implementation timelines.
Funded by the Government of Japan, the project reflects a shared commitment to improving governance, bolstering national resilience, and supporting safe, dignified mobility for people across the Pacific.
IOM said it is proud to partner with Tonga on this transformative effort, emphasising that secure identity systems are essential for protecting borders while enabling citizens to access global travel opportunities.
The launch of the e‑Passport project marks a significant milestone in Tonga’s digital development pathway and positions the kingdom to meet international travel and security standards in the years ahead.
