A demand for passports from locals and Tongans living abroad has resulted in a shortage in the country.
Kaniva News quoted a spokesperson from the Foreign Affairs Ministry as saying the shortage is regrettable and the ministry doing all it can to minimise the inconvenience experienced by the public.
The next stock of new passports is expected to arrive mid-October.
Temporary passports are available at TOP$57.
The temporary travel document is hand written and not machine-readable.
The spokesperson says the Ministry is working with neighbouring countries including Australia and New Zealand to ensure no fraud is committed during the period of the shortage of passports.
Members of the public can contact the Ministry if they have any queries about travelling, lodging of visas or permanent residency applications because of the requirement for a certificate of identity.
Photo file. Caption: Passport of Tonga