Timor-Leste tourist visa on arrival

The tourist visa is for genuine visits for tourism or to see friends and family. Travellers of all nationalities can obtain it on arrival except those covered by a separate visa exemption, such as Schengen citizens (90 days in 180) and citizens of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand (30 days). Everyone else can obtain the visa at the border. People who were previously refused entry, removed or excluded, or who have unpaid fines, must obtain the visa from an embassy or consulate before travelling.

You must satisfy the decision-maker that the visit is genuinely for tourism or family, that you will not work, that you complied with earlier visas and will respect the stay period, and that you are of good character and health. Entrants on tourist, transit and Business Class I visas must be able to show USD 100 for each entry and USD 50 for each day of stay. This can be waived if a Timorese citizen, a resident permit holder, a diplomatic or consular card holder, the holder of a work, business, residence or specialised temporary stay visa, a Special Stay Authorization holder or a company registered in Timor-Leste signs a term of responsibility covering food and accommodation.

If you apply before travelling, the embassy or consulate needs the signed application form, a passport valid six months from entry and a copy, a 3x4 cm colour photo on a plain background, proof of funds or a family sponsorship form, accommodation, an onward ticket and any other supporting evidence. Only the missions in Australia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Portugal and Singapore have immigration attachés; other missions refer visa matters to them or to headquarters in Dili.

Visas on arrival are issued at all official air, land and sea border posts staffed by the Migration Service, including Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, the land crossings at Batugade (Mota-ain), Salele and the Oecusse posts, and the Dili and Tibar Bay ports. Bring USD 30 in cash: card payment is not possible, and cash machines or exchange may not be available on arrival. Before travelling, complete the online arrival declaration via the Customs Authority Trade Single Window, up to three days in advance, and keep the QR code or PDF.

The tourist visa can be extended once for another 30 days by applying in person at the Migration Service headquarters in Dili with the extension form and USD 40. Processing takes up to 15 days. Apply more than 15 days before expiry: then the validity of your current visa is suspended while the application is decided; later applications do not stop the clock. Further extensions are only possible in exceptional circumstances outside your control, such as serious medical or humanitarian reasons or transport problems. Overstaying is fined between USD 150 and USD 580.