Embassy/Consulate Addresses | Foreign Relations | Travel Advisories | Travel Tips | Customs/Duties



EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in the US:
Ambassador: Sonatane Tu'akinamolahi Taumoepeau-Tupou
Embassy: 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10011
Telephone: (917) 369-1136
Fax: (917) 369-1024

Consulate(s) General are in:
San Francisco
360 Post St., Unit 604,
San Francisco, CA 94108.
(415) 781-0365

US Diplomatic Representation:
The US does not have an embassy in Tonga; the ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga

Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Tonga


Consulate of Tonga in the USA


FOREIGN RELATIONS

Tonga maintains cordial relations with most countries and has close relations with its Pacific neighbors. It is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum. In 1998, it recognized China and broke relations with Taiwan.

In 1972, Tonga laid claim to the tide-washed, isolated Minerva Reefs, some 480 kilometers southwest of Nuku'alofa, to forestall efforts by a private Anglo-American group to establish an independent Republic of Minerva on the reefs. The reefs are regularly patrolled by the Tonga Defense Service.

DEFENSE
The Tonga Defense Service (TDS) has more than 500 personnel. The force is comprised of a headquarters platoon and a light infantry company. A coastal naval unit of four small patrol boats and amphibious landing craft operates as a component of the TDS. The force's mission is to assist in maintenance of public order, to patrol coastal waters and fishing zones, and to engage in civic action and national development projects. The main base of operations is the capital, Nuku'alofa.

The TDS is partially supported by defense cooperation agreements with both Australia and New Zealand, which support the TDS with small in-country detachments of military technicians. The United States military provides training to the TDS and conducts humanitarian civic action projects in Tonga. Since 2002, TDS soldiers have been deployed as part of a multi-national regional peacekeeping force in the Solomon Islands. In the period 2004-2008, Tonga deployed four contingents of soldiers to Iraq for durations of 6 months. Since the November 2006 riots, the TDS has had authority to maintain law and order and assist the police within a declared restricted area of Nuku'alofa.

In 2010, Tonga deployed the first contingent of 55 soldiers to Afghanistan in support of the British Armed Forces’ efforts in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). It is expected that over the next 2 years a total of 220 Tongan soldiers will deploy to support the U.K. forces in Afghanistan.

U.S.-TONGA RELATIONS
The United States and Tonga enjoy close cooperation on a range of international issues. Officers of the American Embassy in Suva, Fiji, are concurrently accredited to Tonga and make periodic visits since the United States has no permanent consular or diplomatic offices in Tonga. Peace Corps Volunteers teach and provide technical assistance to Tongans. Tonga has no embassy in Washington, DC, but has a permanent representative to the United Nations in New York who also is accredited as ambassador to the United States. A large number of Tongans reside in the United States, particularly in Utah, California, and Hawaii.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
Ambassador--C. Steven McGann
Deputy Chief of Mission--Richard K. Pruett
Political/Economic/Commercial Affairs--
Consul--Debra J. Towry
Management Officer--Ila Jurisson

The U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji is located at 31 Loftus Street (P.O. Box 218), Suva (tel. (679) 331-4466, fax (679) 330-2267).


TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Tonga check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving TBA
Currency (TOP) Pa'anga
Electrical 240 Volts
Telephones Country Code 676, City Code, Tongatapu Island Group 87+5D, Vava'u Island Group 88+5D



Climate: Tonga's climate is pleasant and slightly cooler than that of most tropical areas. Mean annual temperature in Nuku'alofa is 23.7 C, with a mean humidity is 76%.

Electricity: Electricity is 240 volts AC

Tipping: Tongans do not expect tipping, though no offense will be caused if special service is rewarded in this way.

Currency: The Tongan dollar or Pa'anga equals 100 seniti (cents). Foreign exchange is available at banks and major hotels. , US$1 = Tonga $1.98 -- subject to change.

Medical Facilities: Government provides comprehensive medical and dental facilities for residents and visitors, including modern hospitals in Nuku'alofa, Ha'apai and Vava'u. There are also dispensaries, chemists and pharmacies available. There are no major communicable diseases.

Clothing: Although slightly cooler than most other tropical islands, casual attire is recommended for most occasions. Brief shorts, bathing suits, bikinis are fine for the beaches and pool-sides, but are frowned upon if worn in public. Tonga law prohibits any person from appearing in a public place without a shirt.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco....................500 cigarettes or 100 cigars

Liquor.......................2.25l of spirits; 4.5l of wine; 335ml of beer

Gifts..........................No duty free allowance

Cameras...................1 camera

Currency...................No restrictions

Agriculture items......Refer to Consulate

Note: The import of arms, ammunition and pornography is prohibited. Birds, animals, fruit and plants are subject to quarantine regulations. There are several duty-free shops in Tonga. The export of valuable artefacts and certain flora and fauna is restricted.



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