When you decide to explore Timor-Leste’s rich culture, rugged coastline and lush mountains, the last thing you want is visa confusion. In this guide you’ll find everything needed—from deciding which visa suits you to navigating entry requirements and extending your stay. You’ll also learn insider tips that most sites don’t mention, so you arrive fully prepared.
Timor-Leste Visa Categories
Timor-Leste offers several visa types, but most visitors opt for the Tourist Visa or Visa on Arrival. Understanding your options helps you plan the smoothest entry.
Tourist Visa vs. Visa on Arrival
- Tourist Visa
- Applied for in advance at a Timor-Leste embassy
- Single entry, up to 30 days
- Visa on Arrival
- Issued at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport or Dili Sea Port
- Single entry, 30-day validity
- Available only to eligible nationalities
- Other Categories
- Business, student and transit visas (see the Embassy Worldwide guide for Timor-Leste visas).
Visa on Arrival: Eligibility & Process
If your country qualifies, you can secure a visa the moment you land.
Who qualifies?
Citizens of most European Union states, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and others (full list on the Timor-Leste Immigration and Border Control site).
How to apply:
1. Arrive at the airport or sea port.
2. Present:
– Passport valid for at least 6 months
– Return or onward ticket
– Proof of funds (minimum US $150 per day)[^1]
– One passport-style photo
3. Pay the visa fee in US dollars (exact amount) in cash.
4. Receive a 30-day single-entry sticker in your passport.
[^1]: See World Nomads’ requirements for proof of sufficient funds.
Visa-Free Entry for Select Nationals
Some passport holders need no visa for short stays up to 30 days.
Countries include:
– ASEAN members (e.g., Indonesia, Philippines)
– Schengen Area states
– South Korea, Russia, Ukraine, Malaysia, Singapore and others
Refer to the Visa policy of East Timor on Wikipedia for the complete list.
Transit & Land Border Entry Rules
If you’re passing through or coming by road, the rules differ:
- Transit Visa
- Up to 3 days, single entry
- Fee: US $20
- Land Borders
- No Visa on Arrival. You must obtain a Visa Application Authorization in advance from the Timor-Leste Consulate in Kupang, Indonesia.
Key Entry Requirements & Hidden Details
Beyond basic documents, certain rules often catch travelers by surprise:
- Financial Proof: At least US $150 per day in cash or bank statements.
- Passport: Two blank pages for stickers and stamps.
- Accommodation: Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter may be requested.
- Professional Activities: Tourist visa holders may not work or provide paid services.
- Special Oecussi Region Rule: Unlike the rest of the country, Oecussi (an exclave) allows multiple entries on a tourist visa (see Lonely Planet’s guide to Oecusse Special Administrative Region).
Extending Your Stay
If 30 days aren’t enough, you can apply to extend:
- Download the extension form from the National Directorate of Migration Service.
- Submit at least 15 days before expiry, with:
- Valid passport
- Completed form
- US $50 extension fee (may vary)
- Proof of onward ticket and funds
- Wait for approval at the Dili office.
Official forms and details are available on the U.S. Department of State’s East Timor country information page.
Final Boarding Call
You now have a clear path to secure your Timor-Leste tourist visa. From choosing the right entry permit to gathering documents—even for the Oecussi exclave—you’re set to dive into one of Southeast Asia’s most untamed destinations. Pack your bags, double-check those cash and documents, and get ready for an adventure off the beaten path.