Visa policy of East Timor

Visitors to East Timor must obtain a visa, unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.

In accordance with the law, citizens of all countries except Indonesia, Cape Verde, and the Schengen Area must obtain a visa upon arrival or prior to arrival.

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.

Visa exemption
Citizens of the following countries and territories can visit Timor-Leste without a valid visa, for stays up to the duration listed:

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.

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.

Statistics
Most visitors arriving to East Timor by air were from the following countries of nationality: