The Tongan government says bilateral relations with the United States remain robust despite new U.S visa requirements that will affect Tongan passport holders from later this month.
Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, Minister for His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services, told reporters on Friday that cooperation with the United States continues “to progress well” even as nationals face increased financial and procedural hurdles to travel. The comments were made at the first press briefing of the new Cabinet.
The United States has expanded its visa bond pilot programme to include more countries, requiring some applicants for B-1/B-2 visitor visas to post refundable bonds of up to USD$15,000 – a measure aimed at reducing visa overstays.
Tonga is among 38 countries now subject to these requirements, which take effect from 21 January 2026.
Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua said the inclusion of Tonga in the programme reflects statistical overstay rates rather than a deterioration in diplomatic relations.
“This directive does not arise from a fault in our diplomatic relations but rather a decision by the U.S government in a move to strengthen border safety,” he said.
The Crown Prince acknowledged that the Ministry has not yet released a formal statement on the issue, noting that further “private discussions” are underway.
Lord Fakafanua confirmed he has invited the U.S Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, to visit Tonga for high-level talks, and that the invitation has been accepted. The precise date of the visit will be discussed at an upcoming meeting in Hawaiʻi later this month.
Some Tongans have raised concerns that the bond requirements could restrict family travel and study opportunities, though officials have not publicly detailed any specific community impacts.
Discussions between Tongan officials and U.S counterparts are expected to continue as authorities seek clarity and possible mitigations.
