General Requirements
To enter Timor-Leste as a tourist or on business, you must obtain an appropriate visa. In most cases, you can obtain a visa upon arrival.
Travelers must complete an arrivals card (available at the border post). If questioned, you must also be able to demonstrate:
- The intention of a genuine visit (as a tourist or business trip).
- Sufficient funds to support yourself for the period of a proposed stay without breaching visa conditions.
- That you have made appropriate accommodation arrangements.
In addition, you must:
- Hold a passport, or travel document, with an expiry date not less than 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Timor-Leste. The passport must have at least a whole unused page for the visa sticker.
- Hold a return or onward ticket or show the ability to fund your departure.
- Pay $30 visa fee in cash. Note that there may be no ATM or money change facilities so you should always try and ensure you have $30 with you.
There are different methods for obtaining the visa depending upon whether you are entering via a land border, or by air or sea.
Arrival by Land Border
Except for Indonesian nationals and Portuguese and United States of America nationals, anyone arriving at a land border post must apply in advance for a “Visa Application Authorization.” When you arrive at the border, the “Visa Application Authorization” must be presented to an immigration official. If you meet the relevant requirements, a visa will then be granted to you upon payment of $30.
Arrival by Air or Sea
Indonesian nationals may apply on arrival at any border post, including land border crossings and Dili International airport, and Dili Sea Port. Portuguese and United States of America, or Timorese traveling on Portuguese passports are subject to visa exemption arrangements when traveling for tourism.
Nationals of other countries may only apply for a visa on arrival at Dili International Airport or Dili Sea Port.
As long as you meet the relevant requirements, a visa will then be granted to you upon payment of $30.