Timor-Leste Tourist Visa Checklist
Timor-Leste offers a tourist visa on arrival at official border posts, for a 30-day stay that can be extended once. The fee is US$30 in US$ cash, and you must complete an online arrival declaration first. This checklist sets out the documents, funds and conditions. Based on the official Migration Service pages.
Three quick facts
- Visa on arrival is available — the tourist visa can be applied for and obtained on arrival at official border posts open to foreign nationals (air, land or sea).
- 30 days, single entry, extendable once — a 30-day stay, extendable once for a further 30 days.
- Bring US dollars in cash — the on-arrival visa fee must be paid in US$ cash; EFTPOS and credit cards are not available, and ATMs or currency exchange may not be.
The checklist — what to prepare
| Check exemption first | EU and Schengen citizens (90 days in any 180) and ASEAN citizens of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand (30 days for tourism) may enter visa-free. Check the official Visa exemptions page for your nationality. |
| Visa route | If you need a visa, you can get it on arrival at official border posts, or in advance from a Timorese overseas mission. |
| Travel document | Passport, Laissez Passer, Seaman’s Passport or similar, valid for at least 6 months at the date of entry. |
| Arrival declaration | Submit the official declaration online before entry (up to 3 days before travel) and keep a screenshot of the QR code or the PDF. |
| Funds | US$100 per entry plus US$50 per day of stay, unless sponsored by family or a contact in the country (a term of responsibility). |
| Onward travel | If requested, evidence of departure arrangements such as an onwards ticket or booking. |
| Fee (if not exempt) | US$30 for a visa obtained in advance, paid in US$ cash. |
If you apply in advance (at a mission)
Applying before you travel adds a few items, per the official page:
- A completed and signed application form;
- A colour photograph (3×4 cm) on a plain background;
- Evidence of sufficient funds, or family sponsorship;
- Evidence of accommodation arrangements;
- Evidence of departure arrangements, such as an onwards ticket or booking;
- The fee of US$30, paid in US$ cash.
For the photo, check the photo size chart and verify the file with the passport photo checker. To crop it to 3×4 cm exactly, use the image cropper.
Conditions on the visa
- A 30-day stay, single entry (multiple entry may be allowed for travel to Oecussi if you tell the processing officer).
- No professional activity or employment, paid or unpaid.
- Extendable once, for a further 30 days; the extension fee is US$40 and is applied for in person at the Migration Service headquarters in Dili, with a processing time of up to 15 days.
Common reasons entry or a visa fails
- Passport under 6 months from the date of entry.
- No arrival declaration — the online declaration (with its QR code) is required before entry.
- Not enough US$ cash for the on-arrival visa fee — there may be no card facility or ATM.
- No evidence of funds, accommodation or departure when asked.
- A record of refusal, removal or outstanding fines — in that case the visa must be obtained before travelling, at a Timorese overseas mission.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Timor-Leste visa on arrival?
Yes — the tourist visa can be applied for and obtained on arrival at official border posts open to foreign nationals, by air, land or sea.
How long can I stay, and can I extend?
30 days, single entry, extendable once for a further 30 days (extension fee US$40, applied for in person in Dili).
How much cash do I need?
US$100 per entry plus US$50 per day of stay, unless sponsored by family or a contact in the country; the visa fee itself is US$30 in US$ cash.
How do I complete the arrival declaration?
Submit the official declaration online up to 3 days before travel, then keep a screenshot of the QR code or the PDF to show border officials.
Who is visa-exempt?
EU and Schengen citizens (90 days in any 180), and citizens of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand (30 days for tourism). UK and Irish citizens are not included in the EU arrangement.
How long must my passport be valid?
At least 6 months from the date of entry.
Source: Migration Service of Timor-Leste (migracao.gov.tl) — tourist visa, at the border and visa exemptions pages, retrieved 2026-09-28. Rules change, so confirm the current position on the official pages before you travel.