USA agrees to a Nukua'ofa visa processing office [1]
Sunday, July 5, 2009 - 22:22. Updated on Thursday, July 30, 2015 - 16:58.
The Agreement for the US Remote Visa Processing Project between the Governments of Tonga and the United States of America was signed today by Mr. Busby Kautoke, Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet of the Government of Tonga, and Mr. Scott Gallaway of the US Embassy in Suva. The Agreement governs the operation of the new Office at the Fa‘onelua Convention Centre for the consular and diplomatic purposes of the United States of America.
The conclusion of the "Agreement" marks the beginning of the implementation of the favourable changes to the procedures for "Remote US Visa Processing" of visa applications by citizens of Tonga, here in Nuku‘alofa, as agreed to by the Government of the United States in the absence of a full Embassy in Nuku‘alofa.
To date, US visa applicants from Tonga were required to lodge their application through the internet, and then travel to the United States Embassy in Suva, Fiji, to appear in person for an interview. This process was very costly in terms of airfares and accommodation in Suva for Tongan applicants, estimated to cost over TOP$ 1,500 per person. There will still be a visa application fee reflecting the new circumstances. It is estimated that approximately 1,500 Tongans visit Suva per year in order to lodge US visa applications, so the Agreement will mean a total estimated savings of over TOP$ 2 million per annum for the people of Tonga.
The facilitating of visa applications at the new US Consular Office at the Fa‘onelua Convention Centre is scheduled to begin in the second half of August 2009. It is important to note that the US visa application criteria and screening process remain the same and appointments for interviews in Nuku‘alofa will be facilitated by application, further details for which will be announced publicly in the next few weeks.
This agreement is concluded as part of the celebration of the 233rd Anniversary of American Independence here in Nuku...alofa which will include a reception at Vakaloa Beach Resort on Friday evening. Prime Minister's Office, 03/07/09.