Get Your Timor-Leste Visa Online
Fast visa processing for Southeast Asia's hidden gem — from Dili to Atauro Island, your adventure starts here
TrustpilotHow to Get Your Timor-Leste Visa
Simple 4-step process — most applications approved within 24-72 hours
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our user-friendly application form with your personal and travel information. Our intelligent validation system checks every field in real-time, ensuring accuracy and catching common errors before submission to Timor-Leste immigration authorities.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan (bio page clearly visible with at least 6 months validity), a recent passport-sized photograph meeting specifications, and your confirmed flight itinerary. Our document specialists verify everything meets Timor-Leste Immigration requirements.
3
We submit to Timor-Leste Immigration
Your verified application is processed through the official visa system. We monitor processing status continuously and keep you informed via email and SMS notifications at every stage of the approval process.
4
Receive your Timor-Leste visa
Your approved visa arrives by email as a downloadable document. Print it clearly on A4 paper and present it at Timor-Leste immigration alongside your passport. Bem-vindo — welcome to one of Asia's youngest nations!
Timor-Leste Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Visa on Arrival
Up to 30 days
Available to most nationalities at Dili airport and land borders
Tourist Visa
Up to 90 days
Extended stay visa for tourism and cultural exploration
Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For business meetings, conferences, and professional activities
Transit Visa
Up to 7 days
Short-term visa for travelers transiting through Timor-Leste
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- Recent passport photo 4x6cm white background
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel booking or accommodation proof in Timor-Leste
- Proof of sufficient funds (USD 100 per day minimum)
- Yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic area
Visa Policy
Timor-Leste (East Timor) offers a straightforward visa policy for international visitors, with most nationalities eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili and at land border crossings from Indonesia.
Visa on Arrival Details
The VOA costs $30 USD for a 30-day stay and is available to citizens of most countries. Payment must be made in US Dollars cash — ensure you have exact change as credit cards are not always accepted at immigration. The VOA can be extended once for an additional 30 days at the Immigration Department in Dili, making a maximum initial stay of 60 days possible.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of Portugal, Indonesia, and several other countries may be eligible for visa-free entry or reduced fees. Portuguese citizens receive special consideration due to historical ties. ASEAN passport holders may qualify for reduced VOA fees. Check current requirements for your specific nationality before travel.
Visa Requirements
Extended Stay Options
For stays longer than 60 days, you must apply for a visa before arriving in Timor-Leste. The Authorization Visa allows stays of up to 90 days and must be obtained from a Timor-Leste embassy or consulate. This is recommended for long-term tourists, volunteers, researchers, and those with specific project requirements.
Business Visa Requirements
Business travelers need additional documentation including an invitation letter from a Timor-Leste company, proof of business activities, and sometimes approval from relevant government ministries. Business visas allow meetings, conferences, and professional activities but do not permit paid employment — a work permit is required for that.
Document Checklist
All visa applications require: passport with minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay; recent passport photo (white background, 4x6cm); proof of accommodation; return flight or onward travel ticket; proof of sufficient funds ($100 USD per day recommended); and completed application form where applicable.
Application Process
Visa on Arrival Process
Arriving at Dili airport, proceed to the VOA counter before immigration. Have your passport, $30 USD in cash, and return ticket ready. The process typically takes 10-20 minutes depending on queue length. You'll receive a stamp in your passport valid for 30 days.
Land Border Entry
Timor-Leste shares a land border with Indonesia (West Timor). The main crossing is at Batugade-Mota'ain on the northern coast. VOA is available at this crossing. The Oecusse enclave crossing connects to the isolated Timorese territory surrounded by Indonesia. Ensure you have all required documents as facilities are basic.
Visa Extension Process
To extend your VOA, visit the Immigration Department in Dili at least 7 days before your visa expires. Bring your passport, passport photo, proof of accommodation for extended stay, sufficient funds evidence, and the extension fee ($35 USD). Processing takes 3-5 working days. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration officials.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Timor-Leste has a tropical climate with a dry season (May-November) and wet season (December-April). The dry season offers the best conditions for trekking, diving, and general travel. The wet season brings heavy afternoon rains but also lush green landscapes and fewer tourists.
Currency and Payments
The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency. ATMs are available in Dili but limited elsewhere — bring sufficient cash for travel outside the capital. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and some restaurants in Dili only. Carry small denominations for local purchases.
Health and Safety
Malaria is present in Timor-Leste — prophylaxis is recommended. Dengue fever also occurs. Drink only bottled water and exercise caution with street food. Medical facilities are limited — comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential. The country is generally safe but road conditions can be challenging, especially in mountainous areas.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
500+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.6Customer rating
98%Approval rate
"Great service for my Timor-Leste trip! The visa guidance was spot on and I had no issues at Dili airport. Highly recommend for this less-traveled destination."
"Helpful information about the VOA process. Good to know about bringing USD cash. Support team answered my questions quickly."
"Planning an adventure trip to East Timor was made easier with DoVisa. Clear guidance on what documents to prepare for the visa on arrival."
"As a solo female traveler, I appreciated the detailed safety tips included with my visa information. Timor-Leste was an incredible experience!"
"Solid service. The extension process information was particularly useful as I ended up staying longer to explore the mountains."
"Excellent support for a destination that not many agencies cover. They knew the specific requirements and current procedures perfectly."
"Diving trip to Atauro Island was unforgettable. DoVisa made the visa part simple so I could focus on planning the adventure."
"Good guidance for the land border crossing from Indonesia. Everything went smoothly at Batugade thanks to their preparation tips."
"Professional service with quick responses. The travel tips about carrying cash and health precautions were invaluable."
Timor-Leste Visa FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Timor-Leste?
Most nationalities require a visa to visit Timor-Leste. However, the good news is that a Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available to citizens of most countries at Dili airport and land border crossings. The VOA costs $30 USD and allows a 30-day stay. Some nationalities, including Portuguese and Indonesian citizens, may be eligible for visa-free entry or reduced fees due to special agreements.
What is the Timor-Leste Visa on Arrival?
The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is the most common entry method for tourists visiting Timor-Leste. It's obtained upon arrival at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili or at land border crossings from Indonesia. The VOA costs $30 USD (cash only), is valid for 30 days, and can be extended once for an additional 30 days at the Immigration Department in Dili.
What documents do I need for a Timor-Leste visa?
For the Visa on Arrival, you need: passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay with 2+ blank pages; $30 USD in cash for the visa fee; proof of return or onward flight; and proof of accommodation (hotel booking). It's also recommended to have evidence of sufficient funds ($100 USD per day). For pre-arranged visas, additional documents may include invitation letters and application forms.
How long can I stay in Timor-Leste?
The Visa on Arrival allows an initial stay of 30 days, which can be extended once for another 30 days at the Immigration Department in Dili, giving a maximum stay of 60 days. For longer stays, you need to apply for an Authorization Visa before arrival, which can permit stays of up to 90 days. Overstaying your visa results in fines and potential difficulties with future entry.
Can I extend my Timor-Leste visa?
Yes, the Visa on Arrival can be extended once for 30 additional days at the Immigration Department (Servico de Migrasaun) in Dili. Apply at least 7 days before your visa expires. Bring your passport, a passport photo, proof of accommodation for the extended period, evidence of sufficient funds, and the extension fee of $35 USD. Processing takes 3-5 working days.
Can I work in Timor-Leste on a tourist visa?
No, tourist visas and the Visa on Arrival do not permit employment. To work legally in Timor-Leste, you need a work permit and appropriate visa authorization. Business visas allow meetings and conferences but not paid employment. Violating visa conditions can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.
Do I need to print my visa for Timor-Leste?
If you obtain a Visa on Arrival, you don't need to print anything in advance — the visa is stamped directly into your passport at the border. However, if you obtain a pre-arranged Authorization Visa from an embassy or through an online service, you should print the approval letter to present at immigration. Always carry printed copies of your accommodation booking and return flight as backup.
How long does Timor-Leste visa processing take?
The Visa on Arrival is processed immediately at the airport or land border, typically taking 10-20 minutes depending on queue length. Authorization Visas applied for at embassies take 5-10 working days. Visa extensions at the Immigration Department in Dili take 3-5 working days. We recommend applying for extensions well in advance of your visa expiration date.
What if my visa application is rejected?
Visa rejections are uncommon for Timor-Leste's VOA if you have proper documentation. Common reasons for issues include: insufficient passport validity, inability to prove onward travel, lack of sufficient funds, or prior immigration violations. If rejected, you may be denied entry and required to return on the next available flight. Ensure all documents are in order and you have sufficient cash before traveling.
Which airports accept Timor-Leste visa on arrival?
The Visa on Arrival is available at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, the country's only international airport. VOA is also available at land border crossings with Indonesia, including the main crossing at Batugade-Mota'ain on the northern coast and the Oecusse enclave crossing. Ferry arrivals at Dili port also process VOA.
Can I enter Timor-Leste from Indonesia by land?
Yes, you can enter Timor-Leste from Indonesian West Timor at the Batugade-Mota'ain border crossing on the north coast. The Visa on Arrival is available here. Ensure you have already obtained Indonesian visa/re-entry if planning to return to Indonesia. The border is typically open 8am-5pm daily. Facilities are basic, so bring all required documents and USD cash for the visa fee.
What currency should I bring to Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency, with local centavo coins for small change. Bring USD in various denominations — large bills can be difficult to break outside Dili. ATMs are available in Dili but unreliable elsewhere. Credit cards are accepted only at major hotels and some restaurants in the capital. For travel outside Dili, carry sufficient cash.
Is Timor-Leste safe to visit?
Timor-Leste is generally safe for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is rare. Exercise normal precautions: avoid displaying valuables, be cautious at night, and stay aware of your surroundings. Road conditions can be challenging, especially in mountainous areas during wet season. Political stability has improved significantly since independence, though occasional civil unrest can occur in Dili.
What vaccinations do I need for Timor-Leste?
No vaccinations are legally required unless arriving from a yellow fever endemic country, in which case proof of vaccination is mandatory. Recommended vaccinations include: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Japanese Encephalitis (if visiting rural areas). Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended as malaria is present throughout the country. Consult a travel health specialist 4-6 weeks before departure.
When is the best time to visit Timor-Leste?
The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to November. Weather is pleasant, roads are more passable, and outdoor activities like diving, trekking, and exploring are ideal. The wet season (December-April) brings heavy afternoon rains, potential flooding, and challenging road conditions, but also fewer tourists and lush green landscapes. Diving remains excellent year-round.
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