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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Tonga"

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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/Flag_of_Tonga.svg/800px-Flag_of_Tonga.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Tonga.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/Flag_of_Tonga.svg/800px-Flag_of_Tonga.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/tn-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Tonga.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/tn-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/aus/tn_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Tonga].'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/aus/tn_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/Coat_of_arms_of_Tonga.svg/539px-Coat_of_arms_of_Tonga.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of Tonga.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/Coat_of_arms_of_Tonga.svg/539px-Coat_of_arms_of_Tonga.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/%27Atata_Island.JPG/800px-%27Atata_Island.JPG|410x579px|thumb|''' Royal Sunset Island Resort at 'Atata Island. Tonga.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/%27Atata_Island.JPG/800px-%27Atata_Island.JPG|410x579px|thumb|''' Royal Sunset Island Resort at 'Atata Island.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5188/5621767363_1d4f99aab4.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A group of Tongan children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5188/5621767363_1d4f99aab4.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A group of Tongan children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/The_Free_Church_of_Tonga_2.jpg/754px-The_Free_Church_of_Tonga_2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Free Church of Tonga.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/The_Free_Church_of_Tonga_2.jpg/754px-The_Free_Church_of_Tonga_2.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Free Church of [[Tonga]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Tonga_Royal_Palace_Oct_08.jpg/800px-Tonga_Royal_Palace_Oct_08.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Royal Palace of Tonga.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Tonga_Royal_Palace_Oct_08.jpg/800px-Tonga_Royal_Palace_Oct_08.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Royal Palace.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6122/6018417761_5e3bbf5946.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Tonga.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/10731103385_0e5cd8057f.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Two Tongan girls playing.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/10731103385_0e5cd8057f.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Two Tongan girls playing.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
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'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
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Tonga is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ( Hague Adoption Convention  ). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Tonga did not change.  
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The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
  
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=About Tonga=
  
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Tongan law states that prospective adopting parents must reside with the child for period of at least six months prior to the application for adoption of that child. In addition, under Tongan law, only illegitimate children may be [[adopted]].
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[[Tonga]] - unique among Pacific nations - never completely lost its indigenous governance. The archipelagos of "The Friendly Islands" were united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. [[Tonga]] became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900; it withdrew from the protectorate and joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1970. [[Tonga]] remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.
  
  
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The Tongan Government is proposing to pass a Dual Nationality Law in the near future. It is unclear, however, what this law may contain or how it may affect adoptions of Tongan children. The Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Suva, [[Fiji]] (which handles Tongan immigration issues on behalf of the U.S. Government) will monitor the progress of any such legislation and update this flyer accordingly.
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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[[Tonga]] is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ( Hague [[Adoption]] Convention  ). Therefore, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for [[Tonga]] did not change.
  
  
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==Residency==
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Tongan law states that prospective adopting parents must reside with the child for period of at least six months prior to the application for [[adoption]] of that child. In addition, under Tongan law, only illegitimate children may be [[adopted]].
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
 
  
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==Marriage==
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The Tongan Government is proposing to pass a Dual Nationality Law in the near future. It is unclear, however, what this law may contain or how it may affect adoptions of Tongan children. The Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Suva, [[Fiji]] (which handles Tongan immigration issues on behalf of the U.S. Government) will monitor the progress of any such [[legislation]] and update this flyer accordingly.
  
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==Income==
 
  
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==Other==
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=Who Can Adopt=
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Tonga]], you must be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Tonga]]. 
  
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
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[[Tonga]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot [[adopt]] a child in [[Tonga]] unless he or she meets the specific requirements. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Tonga]].
  
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
  
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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'''Tongan [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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==The Process==
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The Supreme Court of the Kingdom of [[Tonga]] is the [[adoption]] authority.
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
 
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
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==The Process==
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Tonga. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [https://pptform.state.gov/ Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.
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The process for adopting a child from [[Tonga]] generally includes the following steps:
  
  
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
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# Be Matched with a Child
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# [[Adopt]] the Child (or Gain [[Legal Custody]]) in [[Tonga]]
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
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# Bring Your Child Home
  
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Tonga, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].  
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Tonga]].
  
  
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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=Traveling Abroad=
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Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start.  The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information] for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Tonga]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Tonga]].
  
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When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Tonga, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
 
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
 
[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
  
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=Contact Information=
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Tonga]]'''
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The U.S. Embassy that has [[jurisdiction]] over the Kingdom of [[Tonga]] is located in Suva, [[Fiji]]. The Consular Section is located at:
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Embassy of the United States
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31 Loftus Street
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P.O. Box 21
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Suva, [[Fiji]]
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Tel: (679) 331-4466
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Fax: (679) 330-2267
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Recorded Information: (679) 330-3888
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Email: consularsuva@state.gov
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Internet: [http://suva.usembassy.gov/index.html U.S. Embassy Tonga]
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'''Tongan [[Adoption]] Authority'''
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P. O. Box 11
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Nuku'alofa, [[Tonga]]
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Tel: (676) 23599
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'''Embassy of [[Tonga]]'''
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Embassy of the Kingdom of [[Tonga]]
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250 East 51st Street,
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[[New York]], NY 10022
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Tel: (917) 369-1136
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Fax: (917) 369-1024
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'''Office of Children's Issues'''
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U.S. Department of State 
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CA/OCS/CI 
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SA-17, 9th Floor 
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[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel:1-888-407-4747
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E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
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Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
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For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
  
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=tonga
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 02:55, 24 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Royal Sunset Island Resort at 'Atata Island.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A group of Tongan children.
Source: flickr.com.

The Free Church of .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The Royal Palace.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Two Tongan girls playing.
Source: flickr.com.


Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.

About Tonga

Tonga - unique among Pacific nations - never completely lost its indigenous governance. The archipelagos of "The Friendly Islands" were united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. Tonga became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900; it withdrew from the protectorate and joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1970. Tonga remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.


Hague Convention Information

Tonga is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ( Hague Adoption Convention ). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Tonga did not change.


Tongan law states that prospective adopting parents must reside with the child for period of at least six months prior to the application for adoption of that child. In addition, under Tongan law, only illegitimate children may be adopted.


The Tongan Government is proposing to pass a Dual Nationality Law in the near future. It is unclear, however, what this law may contain or how it may affect adoptions of Tongan children. The Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji (which handles Tongan immigration issues on behalf of the U.S. Government) will monitor the progress of any such legislation and update this flyer accordingly.


Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Tonga, you must be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Tonga.


Who Can Be Adopted

Tonga has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. You cannot adopt a child in Tonga unless he or she meets the specific requirements. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Tonga.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Tongan Adoption Authority

The Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Tonga is the adoption authority.


The Process

The process for adopting a child from Tonga generally includes the following steps:


  1. Choose an Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Adopt the Child (or Gain Legal Custody) in Tonga
  5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
  6. Bring Your Child Home

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Tonga.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Tonga. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Tonga.


After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Tonga

The U.S. Embassy that has jurisdiction over the Kingdom of Tonga is located in Suva, Fiji. The Consular Section is located at:

Embassy of the United States 31 Loftus Street P.O. Box 21 Suva, Fiji Tel: (679) 331-4466 Fax: (679) 330-2267 Recorded Information: (679) 330-3888 Email: consularsuva@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Tonga


Tongan Adoption Authority

P. O. Box 11 Nuku'alofa, Tonga Tel: (676) 23599


Embassy of Tonga

Embassy of the Kingdom of Tonga 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022 Tel: (917) 369-1136 Fax: (917) 369-1024


Office of Children's Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel:1-888-407-4747 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)

1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)


SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=tonga