In April 2019, the Interior Minister adopted an Order number 470 to be applied from 1 May 2019, requiring all non-visa-exempt visitors to obtain a visa from one of the East Timor diplomatic missions before arrival. However, this decision was subsequently suspended.[2][3]
Visa policy map
Visa exemption
Citizens of the following countries and territories can visit Timor-Leste without a valid visa, for stays up to the duration listed:
In addition, nationals of Brunei holding diplomatic, official and service passports may enter East Timor without a visa.[9]
Timor-Leste has signed visa-waiver agreements with Angola, Philippines and Vietnam (for diplomatic passport holders). However, these visa-waiver agreements have yet to enter into force.[10][11][12][13]
Land border arrivals
All visitors who need a visa to enter East Timor must apply in advance for a Visa Application Authorization if they wish to enter East Timor through a land border post. If other conditions are met, a single or multiple entry visa valid for up to 90 days is granted for a fee of US$30. Visitors which are exempt from a visa (such as citizens from a Schengen country) do not need a visa (and hence no Visa Application Authorization) at any land border crossing.
Visa on arrival
Citizens of all other countries which are not visa-exempt may apply for a visa on arrival at the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport or at the Dili Sea Port. If other conditions are met a single entry visa valid for up to 30 days is granted for fee of USD30. Transit visas are available for stays less than 3 days for fee of USD20. There is no visa-free transit option.[14]
Prior application
A visa application may be submitted at one of the East Timor diplomatic missions prior to arrival.
Requirements on arrival
Aside from holding a passport valid for not less than 6 months from the date of entry all travellers also must meet strict conditions to be allowed entry to East Timor:
Intention of a genuine visit (as tourist or business trip).
Accommodation arrangements and a return or onward ticket.
US$150 per day expected to remain in the country (for tourist or business visas).
US$100 plus US$50 per day (for transit visas).
Visa extension
All nationals with a visa may extend their stay to a total cumulative stay of 90 days by submitting their application to the Immigration Department. The fees are US$35 for a 30-day extension, or US$75 for an extension between 30 and 60 days.[14]
Statistics
Most visitors arriving to East Timor by air were from the following countries of nationality:[15]
^"Tourist & Business Visa". Immigration Service of Timor-Leste. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
^"Tourist Visa and Requirements". Immigration Service of Timor-Leste. Archived from the original on 2019-05-06. Retrieved 2019-05-08.
^"Timor-Leste suspende novas regras para vistos de turismo e negócio". 8 May 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-05-08. Retrieved 2019-05-08.
^"Timor-Leste signs Agreements with Cape Verde and Sao Tome and Principe « Government of Timor-Leste". timor-leste.gov.tl. Archived from the original on 2017-08-24. Retrieved 2017-08-28.
^"Cabo Verde approves waiver agreement for ordinary visas with Timor-Leste". 14 April 2015. Archived from the original on 2 October 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
^"AGREEMENT between the European Union and the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste on the short-stay visa waiver". Archived from the original on 2015-05-27. Retrieved 2015-05-27.
^"Timor-Leste signs visa exemption agreement with the European Union « Government of Timor-Leste". timor-leste.gov.tl. Government of Timor-Leste. 27 May 2015. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
^"Resolução do Governo N.º 25 /2019 de 18 de Setembro - Dispensa de Visto de Turismo a Cidadãos da Indonésia" (PDF). Jornal da República - Ministério da Justiça (in Portuguese). 2019-09-18. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-05-08. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
^ a b"Meeting of the Council of Ministers on July 3rd, 2024 « Government of Timor-Leste". timor-leste.gov.tl. Government of Timor-Leste. 3 July 2024. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
^"Timor-Leste and Angola Strengthen Diplomatic and Cooperation Ties « Government of Timor-Leste". timor-leste.gov.tl. Government of Timor-Leste. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
^"Timor-Leste and Angola sign Visa Free Agreement for Diplomatic Service Passport". 10 July 2024.
^"TL and Vietnam sign Visa Waiver Agreement for Services and Diplomatic Passports".
^Philippines, Timor-Leste sign limited visa waiver deal