Most visitors to Timor-Leste must obtain a visa on arrival unless they are citizens from one of the visa-exempt countries.
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 Timor-Leste diplomatic missions before arrival. However, this decision was subsequently suspended.
Visa policy map
Visa exemption Ordinary passports Citizens of the following countries and territories may enter Timor-Leste without a visa for the following period:
90 days within any 180 days European Union member states (except Ireland)
30 days
Date of visa changes 15 June 2010: Cuba (diplomatic, official and service passports) 15 April 2015: Cape Verde 26 May 2015: Schengen Area member states 24 June 2015: China (travelling on duty, diplomatic, official and service passports) 19 September 2019: Indonesia 5 September 2022: Cambodia (diplomatic, official and service passports) 3 July 2024: Singapore, Thailand, Brunei (diplomatic, official and service passports) 2 October 2024: India, Philippines, Vietnam (diplomatic, official and service passports) 8 October 2024: Laos (diplomatic, official and service passports) 15 August 2025: Laos 16 August 2025: Malaysia 15 October 2025: Angola (diplomatic and service passports)
Non-ordinary passports Citizens of Angola, Brunei, Cambodia, Cuba, India, Mainland China, Philippines and Vietnam holding a diplomatic, official or service passport may enter Timor-Leste without a valid visa for up to 30 days. Citizens of mainland China holding a passport endorsed for “public affairs” may enter Timor-Leste without a valid visa for up to 30 days. In addition, all holders of a United Nations Passport or Interpol Passport may enter Timor-Leste without a valid visa for up to 90 days.
Future changes Timor-Leste has signed visa exemption agreements with the following countries, but they have not yet entered into force:
Country Passports Agreement signed on Ordinary 9 June 2026
Land border arrivals Visitors and long-term visa holders are able to enter (and exit) Timor-Leste through the land border in Batugade. This includes Visas on Arrival, which are USD30 per person and valid for 30 days (extendable one time in-country). Batugade is accessible by air through the airport in Atambua or by land with buses from other destinations in West Timor, such as Kupang. Visitors who are exempt from a visa (such as citizens from a Schengen country) do not need a visa 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 Timor-Leste 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 Timor-Leste:
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.
Visitor statistics Most visitors arriving in Timor-Leste by air were from the following countries of nationality:
Rank Country 2014 2013 2012 2011 1 15,180 17,520 15,303 11,179 2 13,429 12,817 12,138 12,419 3 6,185 5,894 6,130 5,916 4 4,157 3,936 3,842 2,413 5 3,717 4,346 4,972 3,464 6 1,666 2,130 2,211 2,207 7 1,665 1,455 1,944 1,829 8 1,465 1,457 1,381 1,519 9 1,458 1,438 1,211 1,232 10 896 737 815 711 Total 59,811 77,135 57,517 50,590
See also
Visa requirements for East Timorese citizens
References