Tonga has allowed visas on arrival for Emiratis who came to Tonga on diplomatic, VIP, special mission and ordinary passports.
This was confirmed in an agreement which would take effect in May 24.
The Emiratis, after being issued with visas at Tonga international airport, could stay in the kingdom for up to 60 days during each visit.
The Gulf News report has quoted Ahmad Alham Al Daheri, the United Arab Emirates’ Assistant Undersecretary for Consular Affairs, as saying the move came “following the signing of a memorandum of understanding in this regard by the governments of the two countries on Monday, following a joint committee meeting in Abu Dhabi.”
Tongan passport holders could now travel to the United Arab Emirates on visa on arrival. They could also travel to countries such as China, Barbados, Dominica, United Kingdom, Peru, Fiji, Bahamas, Ireland, Hong Kong, Kenya and Bangladesh without getting a visa before their trip.
As Kaniva News reported in 2016, the Tonga government signed an agreement with the Chinese government in June to allow Chinese nationals to come to Tonga on visa on arrival.
They were allowed to stay in the country for a period not exceeding 30 days.
Other Pacific Island countries which have visa on arrival agreement included Fiji, Palau, Samoa and Vanuatu.
The Prime Minister’s office was contacted for comment.
For further information:
Chinese tourists enter Tonga on “visa on arrival” not “without visa” government clarifies
