Ciitizens from Tonga and China are to be exempted from visa requirements for entry into, from or transit through the territories of the other for short stays, under an agreement that was signed today.

Tonga's Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva this afternoon signed with the Chinese Ambassador HE Mr Huang Huaguang, a Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement for ordinary passport holders.

This means that citizens from Tonga and China will be exempted from visa requirements for entry into, from or transit through the territories of the other for a period of stay not exceeding 30 days.

If citizens stay longer than the 30 days to study, work or reside, approval must be sought in advance.

The agreement is expected to come into force after domestic requriements are complied with, stated the Chinese Embassy in Nuku'alofa.

In 2012, both countries signed a similar agreement but was focused on visa exemption for diplomatic, official or service passports and passports for public affairs.