Tonga (Kingdom of)

Tonga (Kingdom of)

History of Relations

Diplomatic relations on a non-residential basis were established on 1 September 1999. Tonga is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum, the South Pacific Forum, the South Pacific Commission, the Commonwealth and the Asian Development Bank. It has not joined the United Nations but is a member of several UN specialised agencies, including the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

The Kingdom of Tonga consists of about 170 widely-dispersed volcanic and coral islands, of which only 36 are inhabited, with a land area of about 747 sq kms and an estimated population of about 105 600.

For further information on Tonga, go to http://www.pmo.gov.to

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Tonga

South African High Commissioner to be accredited from Canberra, Australia as non-resident High Commissioner.

H E Mr M C J Van Schalkwyk
High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

South African High Commission

Tonga Representation in South Africa

No Representation

Travel Info

Visa Requirements for South Africans

Refer to the South African High Commission in Canberra, Australia.

Health Requirements

The preventative measures you need to take while travelling in the South Pacific region depend on the areas you visit and the length of time you stay. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain of these countries if you are coming from a tropical South American or sub-Saharan African country. For detailed information see Yellow Fever Comprehensive Vaccination Requirements.

Recommended Vaccines (as appropriate for Age and Area visited)

Hepatitis A or immune globulin(IG)
Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation
Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region
As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles, and a one-time dose of polio for adults. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children 11-12 years of age who did not receive the series as infants.

See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect.
For more health information for travellers to the South Pacific, go to http://www.cdc.gov/travel/austspac.htm

Climate Info

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

For up-to-date weather information, go to www.cnn.com/WEATHER/ or www.wunderground.com.

Currency Info

The Tonga Dollar or Pa'anga (TOP) equals 100 seniti (cents). Foreign exchange is available at banks and major hotels.

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No Information

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) at 012 351 1000.

Trade Info

Trade is negligible.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Tonga, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

No Information