How to Enter Timor-Leste? Quick Answers
- Do I need special permission to enter Timor-Leste? No, citizens of most countries do not need special permission to enter Timor-Leste. Only proof of funds is required. ($100USD for each entry & $50USD for each day you remain in the country.)
- Do I need a visa to enter Timor-Leste? Unless you are a Portuguese passport holder, you will need a visa. The majority of citizens can obtain their tourist visa online (90 days) or upon arrival (30 days). If you are entering by land you must complete the visa form ahead of time. If you are entering by sea or air, you must obtain a visa on arrival. More details can be found here.
- Do I need proof of onward travel? Yes, you will be asked to show proof of onward travel, or that you have the necessary funds to cover your departure when you enter Timor-Leste.
- Do I need proof of COVID-19 vaccination? No.
- Do I need travel insurance? No, visitors are not required to show proof of a travel insurance policy. If you wanted to take out cover anyway, you can see popular insurers here.
Timor-Leste Visa Summary
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Visa exemption is only available to citizens holding a Portuguese passport.
If you are not visa-exempt, you must obtain a tourist visa. If you’re entering by land, you have to submit the application online. If you’re entering by air or sea, you can get a tourist visa on arrival.
The visa on arrival (VoA) is valid for 30 days once activated and is a single-entry visa. It can be extended once for another 30 days.
The tourist visa is valid for a total of 90 days and is a multi-entry visa. It cannot be extended!
Timor-Leste: COVID-19 Requirements
COVID-19 Vaccination Status
- Vaccinated travellers: No requirements
- Non-vaccinated travellers: No requirements
Entry Requirements & Documents
- A passport with six months validity and a minimum of two blank pages
- A valid visa
Travel Insurance Requirements
- No official requirements
Are you covered?
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Timor-Leste: Visa Exemption
Only citizens from Portugal are visa-exempt.
Timor-Leste: Type of Visas
Visa on Arrival (VoA): 30-Day Single-Entry Tourist Visa
- What is a VoA? A single-entry visa that allows you to stay for a maximum of 30 days. It can be extended once for an additional 30 days.
- How to apply: You can only obtain the VoA through the Dili air or seaport.
- Cost: The price of the VoA is currently approx. $30USD (Subject to change.)
What do you need to apply?
- A passport with six months validity and a minimum of two blank pages (plus a copy of your passport)
- Proof of funds ($100USD for each entry + $50USD for each day you remain in the country)
- You will need to submit a photo that meets the following conditions:
- Taken within the last six months
- 3x4cm in size, straight face, no hat, and no dark or tinted glasses
- Both ears must be shown
- Photo must be clear for identification
- Must not be edited
- The photo must be in colour
- The background must be white/bright
- Photos on a dark and or decorated background will not be accepted
Make Sure You’re Prepared!
Tourist Visa: 90-Day Multi-Entry Tourist Visa
- What is a Tourist Visa? A multi-entry visa that allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days.
- How to apply: You have to complete the official visa application form.
- Cost: The price of the tourist visa is currently approx. $30USD (Subject to change.)
What do you need to apply?
- A passport with six months validity and a minimum of two blank pages
- Proof of funds ($100USD for each entry + $50USD for each day you remain in the country)
- You will need to submit a photo that meets the following conditions:
- Taken within the last six months
- 3x4cm in size, straight face, no hat, and no dark or tinted glasses
- Both ears must be shown
- Photo must be clear for identification
- Must not be edited
- The photo must be in colour
- The background must be white/bright
- Photos on a dark and or decorated background will not be accepted
Timor-Leste: Extending your Visa
Currently, Timor-Leste offers only extensions to VoA holders. Your VoA can be extended once for 30 days for an additional charge of around $40USD. (Subject to change.)
See visa extension form here and contact details here.
Border Runs from Timor-Leste
If you’re getting close to your maximum allowed stay in Timor-Leste, you may want to do a ‘border run’. The obvious destination to do this is Indonesia.
Read more about doing visa runs in Southeast Asia here.
How many times can you re-enter Timor-Leste via a border run? Currently, there is no law against border runs. You can attempt this process as often as you need as long as you follow the local immigration laws and do not overstay or misuse your visa.
Timor-Leste: Overstaying your Visa
Penalties for Overstaying in Timor-Leste
Below is the official list of fines and penalties for overstaying your visa in Timor-Leste. Please note that the following penalties and charges are subject to change and more severe sentences may be executed.
- Overstaying by 30 days or less: $70USD to $150USD
- Overstaying by more than 30 days: $150USD to $270USD
- Overstaying by more than 90 days: $270USD to $500USD
You Must Contact the Authorities if You Overstay!
Louis Wilhelm
Life on Earth has way too many facets and adventures readily available to be wasting time working in an office 50 hours a week! With this mindset, Louis eventually quit his poor work/life balance job and headed off to Southeast Asia. Passionate about languages, wildlife and the beauty of this planet, he has been on the road ever since. Taking notes on his journey to support like-minded people on similar adventures and also capturing amazing memories with his camera, has become the missing piece of the puzzle.
Find him on: Instagram