Get your International Driving Permit for Tonga in 8 minutes

Before learning the process of getting an IDP, you need to know its uses. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that supports your valid driver’s license, whether if it’s in English or not, and translates the information within it into 12 of the widely used languages worldwide.

The application process for obtaining an IDP from us for Tonga is rather simple. You only need to follow these steps:

1. Anywhere on the page, click the "Apply For IDP" button.
2. Respond to the brief quiz. Before commencing the procedure, please review the page's instructions. This will take less than or equal to three minutes.
3. Prepare your valid driver's license. Before clicking "Next," please double-check that all the information you've supplied is accurate.
4. Enter every piece of information that appears on your driver's license on the application form.
5. Complete your information on the following page. Once more, please verify its accuracy.
6. Select your license class.
7. Upload a copy of your valid driver's license and a passport-sized photograph. Note that your passport-sized photo must be a photograph of you facing the camera. A group photo is not accepted.
8. Then, pay the IDP fee by using your credit card. Once you are finished, we will provide you with email updates regarding the shipment status of your IDP.

Our IDP is recognized in over 165+ countries worldwide, including the following:

• Portugal
• Panama
• Fiji
• South Africa
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom

The Kingdom of Tonga is home to many welcoming locals, national parks, authentic villages, and rich marine biodiversity. It is an archipelago with more than 170 islands divided into three main island groups. Due to the significantly less populated islands, tourists looking for solitude find their oasis in the country. Quench your thirst for nature with the pristine beaches, wildlife encounters, historical sites, and more as you explore Tonga.

Mapu'a 'A Vaea Blowholes

It is one of the most distinguished tourist attractions in the Kingdom of Tonga. Stretching five kilometers across the southern coast of Tongatapu are the famous Mapu'a' A Vaea Blowholes, which is located close to Houma's village. Once you reach the area, you will notice hundreds of blowholes stretch in several kilometers of the coast. You can hear its distinct whistling roar as it strikes upward. If you are fortunate, you can witness water catapulting 30 meters into the air.

Since the area is not densely populated, even if you are visiting with other tourists, you can still have the solitude you are looking for. You can enjoy watching the spectacle of the sunset as you lounge on the vast beach. This tourist destination is one of the things you should not miss when you visit Tonga. Even if you are a tourist, you can easily find this destination using a basic map. It would be best to visit from June to October.

Ha' Atafu Beach

One of the famous beaches in the country is Ha' Atafu Beach which is found in Tongatapu. It is home to Tonga's best surfing location that features safe all-tides surfing, so you can enjoy it even if you are a beginner. There are several beachside accommodations and restaurants. The unspoiled Ha'Atafu Beach is a paradise that every tourist in Tonga should visit. It has a vast where you can lounge and enjoy traditional Tongan cuisines.

You can swim with different tropical fish and admire the colorful corals around you. Between July and October, you can spot mesmerizing and colossal humpback whales on the beach. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you should not miss when you visit Tonga. If you want to experience calm waters and a temperate climate, visit between May and October.

'Anahulu Cave

If you want to explore a dark world and slightly eerie place, you can visit 'Anahulu Cave. It is the most popular cave in the country. Locals and tourists love 'Anahulu Cave. The fear of uncertainty will change to awe as you shine a light on the cave's mesmerizing natural limestones and stalactite caverns. It is advised that when you visit the place, you come with a local guide or join a scuba dive tour so that you can fully explore it.

The beautiful underground freshwater pool in the cave is what lures tourists to come back again to 'Anahulu Cave. It is truly a unique experience to dive deep into the inky void of the cave. You can book or join a scuba diving team. Venture to the deeper parts of the cave and discover what lies ahead of you. You can also bring your mask and flippers if you simply want to snorkel in the underground pool.

Tonga has its own South Pacific version of Stonehenge. The Ha'amonga 'a Maui Trilithon or Maui's Burden is nestled close to Niutoua. As you reach the place, you will notice the three colossal coralline stones that weigh 40 tons each. It resembles a trilithon gate. Some Archaeologists and folklore say that it was built for Tu'i Tonga, while others say old Chinese travelers built it. It is advised you book in advance and join guided tours.

Mu'a

The region of Mu'a is where you can discover a wide array of archaeological remains that makes the history of Tonga special. Your local travel guide will bring you to the 28 regal stone graves in Mu'a. These colossal stone graves are made with limestone blocks. You can also find the Stage of Tele'a in the main street. It resembles a pyramid stone monument. It is best to visit Mu'a during the dry season or from March and November.

Tongatapu

The epicenter of Tongatapu is Nuku'alofa and on its northern shore is the overlooking view of the Royal Palace. Venture to the lively Talamahu Market and find various tropical vegetables and fruits. You can also discover local masterpieces and crafts, you can bring home as gifts and souvenirs. Wherever you go in Tongatapu, there are beautiful beaches where you can swim or snorkel. Locals advise tourists to go from March to November.

Pangaimotu Island

You should know that all activities in Tonga halt on Sundays because the government enforces a Sabbath Law. Due to the country's conservative religious beliefs, businesses close on Sundays, and locals should worship, rest, and feast with their families. However, there are still a few places to explore during this day. Pangaimotu and the resort on it are exempted, so you can still have your taste of adventure while everybody is resting.

This city is known for its shipwrecks and beautiful beaches. The beach is also a great spot for swimming and snorkeling because of the colorful and healthy corals. There is also thriving marine biodiversity even on the narrow parts of the beach. Visit Pangaimotu during the dry season so that you can fully explore its beaches.

Tonga is considered safe for drivers, including tourists. The roads there are in good condition. For your safety and that of others, it's important to know and follow the driving rules in Tonga. Being familiar with these rules can help avoid accidents and issues with local officials. One important rule to remember is: they drive on the left side of the road in Tonga, which can be tricky if you usually drive on the right.

Have your local driver's license and IDP all the time

Tourists must purchase a local driver's license from the nearest police station, Tongan Principal Licensing Authority, or Land Transport Division upon arrival. It will be valid for three months. However, for you to have it, you need to take and pass a driving test. Unexpected situations may arise when you are on a road trip. Having an International Driving Permit in Tonga can be your valid proof of identification when local authorities ask for it at checkpoints.

Tourists with a valid driving license issued from their home country and an International Driving Permit in Tonga are allowed to drive for three months. Foreigners need to get a Tongan driving license issued by the Tongan Principal Licensing Authority or Land Transport Division. They may also ask the applicant to take and pass a driving test along with the prescribed fee. Always bring your valid driving license when driving around Tonga because your IDP is not a valid replacement for it.

Drunk-driving is prohibited in Tonga

Based on the Head of Road Safety report in Nuku'alofa, most of the road accidents in 2020 were caused by drunk-driving. Even if there is a decline in the number of road accidents recorded, they are still upholding zero tolerance and strong enforcement of the law to people not following the road rules because there is an increase in the number of road fatalities that year.

Tonga is strict in imposing a 0.08% blood alcohol limit on both local and tourist drivers. Do not drink and drive because if you are under the influence of alcohol. Do not settle your life in danger along with the other people on the road with you. It is best to avoid alcohol and not risk it because drunk-driving only brings trouble. If you're caught drunk driving, you will be brought to the nearest police station to take a breathalyzer test and settle your fines.

Observe the maximum speed limit in Tonga

Tonga has a very conservative speed limit compared to urban states. The speed limit on pedestrian areas and roads around schools is 30 Kph. On main roads, the speed limit is 50 Kph, while in rural areas, it is 70 Kph. If you abide by these speed limits, you will not face any problems with the local authorities, and you will avoid getting into any unfortunate road accidents.

You can observe speed limits signposted in regular intervals along the country's roadsides, so you will have no excuse not to follow them. Some local drivers are also observed to drive very slowly, so you have to be patient and only overtake safely. Drive below the speed limit, especially if you're not used to driving on the left hand side of the road.