In addition, almost everyone who visits Timor-Leste, except nationals of Schengen nations, must apply for a Timor-Leste visa before traveling.
However, Timor-Leste has a lot to offer visitors, from gorgeous scenery to sandy beaches, as well as a laid-back lifestyle and friendly people. This page will explain the visa regulations in Timor-Leste if you are considering a vacation.
Who needs a Timor-Leste Visa?
Except for citizens of the Schengen Zone, Indonesia, and Cape Verde, almost everyone who wants to visit Timor-Leste needs a visa.
1) Indonesian and Cape Verdean nationals can visit Timor-Leste for up to 30 days without a visa. They have the option of extending their stay once for an extra 30 days.
2) Citizens of Schengen countries are allowed to stay in Timor-Leste without a visa for up to 90 days every 180 days.
Types of Timor – Leste Visa
The following are the most common visas issued by the Timor Leste government:
- Tourist visas are available for Timor-Leste. East Timor’s tourist visa is a Class I visa, which is provided to visa-required nationals who desire to visit for a short time.
- Timor-Leste Business Visa is a visa that allows you to travel to Timor-Leste This is a Class I visa that is provided to foreign citizens who wish to visit Timor-Leste for a short time for business purposes.
- Transit Visa for Timor-Leste (Class II). This visa is for visa-required nationals who need to change planes or pass through Timor-Leste on their way to another country. The validity is for 3 days.
- Student Visa for Timor-Leste (Class III). For international students interested in studying at an East Timor educational institution.
- Whether it’s cultural, scientific, sporting, or media-related (Class IV). Issued to members of the media on assignment, as well as international nationals traveling for the same reasons.
- Work Permit. Foreign nationals who have found work in Timor-Leste are given this card.
What are the required documents for a Timor-Leste Visa
The following are the documents you will need to apply for a visa in Timor-Leste:
- Visa application form. The form is available for download on the Immigration Service’s website as well as the websites of the relevant embassies.
- Evidence of lodging in Timor-Leste.
- Proof that you have enough money to live on.
- A return or onward travel ticket is required.
- The visa fee must be paid.
- Any other documentation that proves the reason for your visit.
Note that the documentation you need may differ depending on which embassy or consulate you apply to.
Applying for a Long-Term Visa
You must first enter Timor Leste with a standard Class I visa before applying for a long-term visa, such as a student or work visa. Once you’ve arrived in the nation, go to the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dili to apply for the appropriate visa (study, work, etc.).
You can request a visa extension at the Immigration Service Offices in Dili before your visa expires if you want to stay longer than your visa allows. You must pay a price that corresponds to the extension: The visa can be extended for 30 days for $35 or up to 60 days for $75.
A transit visa cannot be extended.
Can I get a Timor-Leste Visa on arrival?
When it comes to receiving an East Timor Visa on Arrival, there is contradicting information. Certain Timor Leste embassies claim that you can apply for the VOA at the Dili Airport and Sea Port, although the Visa Authorization is not mentioned there.
Travelers to Timor Leste only need to apply for prior Visa Authorization at the Timor Leste Embassy if they intend to enter the nation through one of its land borders, according to the US Department of State. They can receive the visa at the Dili Airport or the Dili Sea Port if they enter through Dili.
The Timorese Immigration Service, along with the IATA (International Air Transport Association), claims that the Visa Authorization is required even if applying at Dili Airport or Sea Port.
In any situation, the best course of action is to contact the nearest East Timor Embassy or Consulate to obtain more detailed information about your case. There may be variations depending on the country.