UK Visa for Tongan Citizens

The United Kingdom is well-renowned for its historical landscapes and green scenery. Travellers visiting the UK will have a great time exploring the landscape or the seashores. Before arriving in the UK travellers are required to have an entry permit or UK visa according to their eligibility and nationality. The UK has various categories of UK visas and traveller’s eligibility to apply for it also differs. Traveller’s nationality is a major factor that determines the type of UK visa or travel permit they are eligible to apply for.

Tongan citizens visiting the United Kingdom are mandated to get UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for their UK trip. The UK ETA is an electronic entry permit for the United Kingdom, not a visa.

UK ETA for Tongan Citizens

The UK government introduced the ETA to enhance border security protection and offer a seamless entry process for travellers. Getting a UK ETA is mandatory only for citizens of countries. As mentioned above, nationals of Tonga will require a UK ETA from January 2025. The UK ETA allows Tongan citizens to travel to the UK for the below reasons.

• Short-term academic course
• Any permitted paid engagements
• Business
• Creative Worker Visa Concession (stay up to 90 days)
• Transit purposes
• Tourism
• Visiting friends or family members

The UK ETA benefits travellers in various ways. The initiative made the UK entry permit acquiring process simpler. Tongan citizens travelling to the UK for the above-listed reasons must get a UK ETA before their arrival.

UK ETA Requirements for Tongan Citizens

The requirements for UK ETA are different from those for other UK visa categories. Adhering to the requirements is crucial. Tongan citizens applying for UK ETA should make sure to check the eligibility according to the travel date and purpose. It is important to note that UK ETA is designed to permit only short stays in the United Kingdom, but it offers multiple entries. Tongan citizens must be aware that they are allowed to visit, stay or explore the country for six months. If using multiple visits then travellers can stay up to six months (which is 180 days) each time they enter the United Kingdom.

The UK ETA application is open to Tongan citizens and travellers can apply for it online. If Tongan citizen's trip requirements do not suit the UK ETA requirements, they must check the other UK visas or travel permits to continue their UK trip.

Documents Needed by Tongan citizens to Apply for UK ETA

Tongan citizens must submit all the necessary documents when applying for UK ETA. Submitting the documents is an important process because they determine the outcome of the traveller’s application. All eligible Tongan citizens checking the requirements to apply for UK ETA must have the following documents.

• Valid and original passport (it must have two blank pages and travellers are not allowed to submit their passport photocopy or digital passport)
• Email ID
• Digital photo of the applicant
• A debit card or credit card

The documentation process for UK ETA is easier than traditional or other UK visas. Once the documents are ready make sure to check their validity.

How to Apply for a UK ETA?

An advantage of UK ETA is that it is designed to provide a convenient and simplified application process for travellers. Tongan citizens can get their UK ETA by submitting an online application form. The convenient part of the application process is that travellers can complete it online within a few minutes. Applicants who are ready to apply for UK ETA must know the steps below.

Verifying the UK ETA Requirements

All the travellers must verify the UK ETA requirements which include the stay duration, documents required, validity and entry option to ensure every requirement aligns with the UK trip. Overlooking the requirements might lead to last-minute issues. Check the need for additional documents, if any are required, gather the document first and then start the UK ETA application process.

UK ETA Website

Visit the UK ETA portal and get to the UK ETA application form online. Start filling out the UK ETA application form and complete it. Enter the passport information and personal details correctly. The UK ETA application form also has security-related questions which travellers must answer correctly and honestly. Submitting an incomplete application form will delay the application process.

Documents Upload

The UK ETA process involves minimal documents. Travellers are advised to have scanned copies of their passports and their photos (digital colour photos). High quality photos taken from phone are also acceptable. The passport-sized photo of the applicant must be recently taken, and the acceptable types are PNG, JPG or PDF. Make sure the photo has a plain and light-coloured or white background. Upload the documents and check their clarity.

Review and Make Payment

Check the UK ETA application form and submit it. Proceed to the fee payment process. Use online payment methods or debit or credit cards. Arrange sufficient funds by verifying the UK ETA fee structure. It also helps to avoid unsuccessful payments because of insufficient funds. The UK ETA fee is standard for everybody who applies to UK ETA (including kids and infants).

ETA Approval Confirmation

Travellers will receive a UK ETA application confirmation message. After the approval travellers can receive their UK ETA via their email ID provided while filling out the UK ETA application form.

Tongan citizens travelling with their family and kids should have a separate UK ETA for each family member. The requirement also applies to friends or group travel, each member must have a UK ETA to enter and stay in the United Kingdom. Travellers can submit a UK ETA application form on behalf of their family members (including kids or infants) or friends, but the processing time might vary for each application.

What is the UK ETA Processing Time for Tongan Citizens?

UK ETA is said to offer a quick processing time, which is usually three days (72 hours). Mostly, the UK ETA application outcome will be processed within the timeframe but there can also be delays. The UK ETA application processing time might take a little longer during the holiday or peak tourist seasons. Other reasons that delay the UK ETA application process include mismatching information, incomplete application forms, additional verification, etc. Calculating the processing time, travellers must apply three days before their travel date. It helps manage the delays (if any) without stress.

UK ETA Validity for Tongan Citizens

From the approval or issuance date, the validity of the UK ETA extends for up to 2 years. The validity of UK ETA is linked to the traveller’s passport. When the traveller's passport expires within the UK ETA's validity, the UK ETA will no longer be valid. In such cases, travellers are mandated to get a new UK ETA. Obtaining a new UK ETA is mandatory under the following conditions.

• If the passport expires before their UK ETA validity
• Getting a new passport
• Changing information on the passport (like citizenship, name, etc.)

Do all Tongan Citizens Require a UK ETA for their UK Trip?

As per the UK ETA requirement, travellers are exempted from getting a UK ETA if they have a valid and appropriate UK visa or permit. A few other UK ETA requirement exemptions include the following list.

• British or Irish passport holders or citizens
• Ireland nationals travelling to the UK from Isle of Man, Guernsey, Ireland or Jersey
• Travellers who have proper permits or valid UK visas to reside, study or work in the United Kingdom
• British Overseas Territories Citizen

How to Check UK ETA Application Status?

Checking the UK ETA application status online is an easy task. Click on the “Check UK ETA Application Status” tab after visiting the website. Enter the UK ETA application reference number. There will be an additional entry field for entering the date of birth and passport details of the applicant. After submitting the details travellers can track their UK ETA application status.

How to Deal with UK ETA Application Rejection or Denial?

Dealing with UK ETA application denial might be a concerning situation for many travellers. Rejection of UK ETA implies that the applicant is not eligible to get a UK ETA, they can still enter the United Kingdom by obtaining a valid UK visa. Travellers must take steps to address the rejection issue. Before choosing to apply for other UK visas, read the UK ETA application rejection letter and work on addressing the issue.

UK ETA Restricted Activities

The UK ETA also has restrictions and travellers must comply with them. Working (including self-employment in any UK company or organization) or studying (for more than 6 months) in the United Kingdom is not allowed under the UK ETA. Travellers are allowed to stay only for six months, overstaying will cause legal issues. Utilizing the multiple visits of UK ETA is not an issue, but residing or living in the UK through multiple entries is restricted. During their stay in the UK, travellers cannot get married or claim any benefits or public funds. Engaging in restricted activities leads to legal action and denial of entry.

Can Tongan Citizens Extend their UK ETA?

UK ETA is a short-term entry permit, so it cannot be extended or renewed. If the current UK ETA expires, travellers must apply for a UK ETA again before entering the United Kingdom. Travellers must check the validity each time they plan to re-enter the UK with their UK ETA.

READ MORE:
The Frequently Asked Questions about UK ETA helps travellers to understand the travel requirements and the important details of UK ETA.

Tourist Activities in the UK for Tongan Citizens

• Go on a record shopping spree
• Take a ride on the Volks Electric Railway
• Get your culture fix at Brighton Dome
• See world treasures at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
• Bring out your inner big kid at Brighton Toy and Model Museum
• Sing-along to the jukebox at Shuffle
• Get all the chocolate box village feels at Arlington Row
• Pick up organic treats at Daylesford farm shop
• Go antique shopping in Stow-on-the-wold
• Explore Westonbirt Arboretum’s rare and exotic foliage
• Have a cuppa at trad Tisanes Tea Room

Embassy of Tonga in London, United Kingdom

Please apply for a UK visa application 72 hours before your flight to UK.