For the citizens of Tonga, visa requirements are administrative entry limitations by the governments of other countries. Tongan residents have visa-on-arrival or visa-free access to 123 nations and states, ranking the passport of Tonga 46th in terms of tour freedom as per the Henley Passport Index, excluding the United States. This means that they need a visa to enter the US. The category of visa you should get is defined by US immigration law and must relate to the reason for your tour. 

Visit their official website to see what visa category is most suitable for your travel purpose. For temporary or short-term tours to the US (for business, tourism, education, etc.), you will have to get a visitor visa, either an immigrant or non-immigrant (tourist visa). To do this, you need to submit the online DS-160 application form. If you are interested in learning the requirements for a US tourist visa, here is a detailed guide.

Read more about: Requirements for US Tourist Visa for the Citizens of the Isle of Man

Qualifications for a US Tourist Visa

Those applying for a tourist visa must prove to a consular officer that they qualify for a tourist visa according to the US INA (Immigration and Nationality Act). INA’s Section 214(b) states that each applicant is considering immigrating. It would help if you cleared this legal assumption by proving the following:

• You plan to stay in the United States of America for a specific, fixed period
• You have a home outside the US and other necessary social or economic connections that will guarantee your return at the end of your tour
• The purpose of your tour to the US is for a short-term goal, like business, tourism, or medical action
• Prove funds to bear your expenses while living in the United States

Documents Required for a US Tourist Visa for Tongan Citizens

Those applying for a tourist visa need to submit the below-mentioned documents:

1. A Non-immigrant Visa Online Application – DS-160 Form. 
2. One 5cm x 5cm picture taken within the past six months. You should upload this photograph in an accurate photo format.
3. A valid passport for a visit to the United States of America with a validity date at least six months above your planned period of living in the USA (unless nation-specific agreements give exemptions). If more than one individual is included in the passport, every person wanting a visa must submit a separate application.
4. A payment receipt showing you have paid your non-refundable tourist visa application processing charges in local currency. In case a visa is allotted to you, there might be an extra visa allowance reciprocity charges based on your country. 

The website of the Department of State can assist you in confirming if you need to pay visa allowance reciprocity charges and if yes, what the amount is.

How to Apply?

You need to follow some steps appropriately to get a visa. The sequence of these steps and process to complete them might differ by US Embassy or Consulate.

1- Fill out the Online Visa Application Form

Fill out the online visa application form and get a printout of its confirmation page to take to your visa interview. While filling out this online Form DS-160, you must upload your picture. Your picture should be in the format clarified in the Photograph Requirements.

2- Set a Date for a Visa Interview

You need to fix a date for your visa appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate in the nation where you reside. You can schedule your appointment at another US Embassy or Consulate, but keep in mind that it will be more complex to qualify for a tourist visa outside of the state where you live. 

Moreover, the waiting times for visa appointments differ by visa type, season, and location, so you must apply for your visa in advance.

3- Get Ready for Your Interview

Pay your visa application charges (non-refundable), if you have to pay it prior to your visa interview. Once your visa is allotted, you might likewise need to submit visa issuance charges, if needed according to your nationality.

4- Attend Your Visa Appointment

A consular officer at the US embassy will take your interview to decide whether you are eligible to get a tourist visa. You must fulfill the requirements under US rules to get a visa. 

• Digital, ink-free fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your visa application procedure. These scans are generally taken during your visa appointment, but it differed based on the area.
• Once you have given your visa interview, the officer will decide whether your application needs additional administrative processing and will tell you if needed.
• Once your visa is approved, you will need to pay the charges for visa issuance (if required) and make preparations for the return of the visa and passport to you.