Area Code 76 – Vava’u

Overview of Tonga's +676 76 Geographic Prefix

The international dialing code +676 is assigned to the Kingdom of Tonga under the ITU-T E.164 international numbering plan. Within this national plan, the prefix 76 serves as a geographic area code for the Vava’u island group, one of Tonga’s five main administrative divisions. Vava’u is located approximately 300 kilometers north of the capital, Nuku’alofa, and comprises a cluster of over 50 islands, with the main island also named Vava’u. The prefix is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services within this region.

Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The 76 code covers all fixed-line telephone exchanges in the Vava’u group, including the primary town of Neiafu, which serves as the administrative and commercial hub. Other populated islands within the group, such as Pangaimotu, ‘Utulei, and Leimatu’a, also fall under this code. The jurisdiction is the Vava’u District, one of Tonga’s five electoral and administrative districts.

Dialing Formats and Number Structure

When dialing a Vava’u fixed-line number from within Tonga, the national significant number (NSN) is seven digits long, beginning with the area code 76 followed by a five-digit subscriber number. For example, a local number might be 76 12345. To call from overseas, you would dial +676 76 12345 (or the international access prefix of your country, then 676, then the NSN).

For callers within Tonga, it is essential to note that the area code is not omitted when dialing from another island group (e.g., from Tongatapu). The full seven-digit number must be dialed. There is no trunk prefix like '0' in Tonga; the number is dialed as it appears in the international format, minus the '+676'.

Overlay Considerations and Numbering Plan

Currently, Tonga’s numbering plan does not implement overlay codes for geographic areas. Each island group has a distinct area code: Tongatapu uses 2x, ‘Eua uses 3x, Ha’apai uses 6x, Vava’u uses 7x, and the Niuas use 8x. This structure ensures that the first digit after the country code clearly identifies the geographic region. No overlay or permissive dialing is in effect, so the area code is mandatory for all calls, even within the same island.

Caller Instructions

• Local callers (within Vava’u): Dial the full seven-digit number, e.g., 76 12345.
• Domestic callers from other Tongan islands: Dial the full seven-digit number as well, e.g., 76 12345.
• International callers: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 011 from North America, 00 from most European countries), then 676, then the seven-digit number, e.g., 011 676 76 12345.

All Tongan fixed-line numbers are seven digits long, and there are no mobile numbers within this prefix. Mobile services in Tonga use separate non-geographic prefixes (e.g., 8x for mobile).