There has been no new progress on the U.S. visa ban affecting Tonga, Prime Minister Nōpele Fakafanua told Fetu´u ´Esiafi News today.
When I asked him for an update this morning, the Prime Minister responded:
“No update. Our next high-level meeting is in February in America.”
The United States reactivated visa restrictions on Tonga in June 2025 under Proclamation 10949, a Trump-era immigration policy. Tonga was named among countries considered to have “serious deficiencies” in passport screening and information-sharing.
The visa ban currently affects most categories, including tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F, M), and exchange (J) visas. U.S. data cited a 6.45% overstay rate for tourist/business visas and 14.44% for student/exchange visas.
On January 5th, Prime Minister Fakafanua confirmed to Fetu´u ´Esiafi News that he is preparing for a private phone call with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, as part of Tonga’s diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue.
“Nobody knows about my call with the Deputy Secretary of State,” the Prime Minister told me.
He also rejected public speculation that Tonga’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme was the cause of the U.S. decision.
“You can see that the passport is not the issue with the United States,” he said.
“His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service is working closely with the U.S. State Department to resolve the visa issue. The previous requirements were met under the last government. The latest conditions for Tongan travellers are a priority for the current government.”
While diplomats, athletes, and certain categories remain exempt, many Tongans abroad have had travel and study plans disrupted, especially students, family visitors, and cultural exchange participants.
With other Pacific nations also affected by the visa proclamation, Tonga’s approach could shape wider regional efforts to challenge immigration policies that treat all nations the same, regardless of past cooperation.
The February meeting in America will be a key moment in those discussions.
