Visitors to East Timor must obtain a visa, unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.
In accordance with the law, citizens of all countries except Indonesia, Cape Verde, and the Schengen Area must obtain a visa upon arrival or prior to arrival.[1]
In April 2019, the Interior Minister adopted an Order number 470 to be applied from 1 May 2019, requiring all non-visa-exempt visitors to obtain a visa from one of the East Timor diplomatic missions before arrival. However, this decision was subsequently suspended.[2][3]
All visitors who need a visa arriving at a land border post must apply in advance for a Visa Application Authorization which is then presented to an immigration official at the border. If other conditions are met a single or multiple entry visa valid for up to 90 days is granted for a fee of US$30. Visitors which are exempt from a visa (such as citizens from a Schengen country) do not need a visa (and hence no Visa Application Authorization) at any land border crossing.
Citizens of all other countries (Including Cyprus, Ireland & Britain) which are not visa-exempt may apply for a visa on arrival at the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport or at the Dili Sea Port. If other conditions are met a single entry visa valid for up to 30 days is granted for fee of USD30. Transit visas are available for stays less than 3 days for fee of USD20. There is no visa-free transit option.[7]
A visa application may be submitted at one of the East Timor diplomatic missions prior to arrival.
Aside from holding a passport valid for not less than 6 months from the date of entry all travellers also must meet strict conditions to be allowed entry to East Timor:
All nationals with a visa may extend their stay to a total cumulative stay of 90 days by submitting their application to the Immigration Department. The fees are US$35 for a 30-day extension, or US$75 for an extension between 30 and 60 days.[7]
Most visitors arriving to East Timor by air were from the following countries of nationality:[9]
Rank | Country | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Indonesia | 15,180 | 17,520 | 15,303 | 11,179 |
2 | Australia | 13,429 | 12,817 | 12,138 | 12,419 |
3 | Portugal | 6,185 | 5,894 | 6,130 | 5,916 |
4 | Philippines | 4,157 | 3,936 | 3,842 | 2,413 |
5 | China | 3,717 | 4,346 | 4,972 | 3,464 |
6 | United States | 1,666 | 2,130 | 2,211 | 2,207 |
7 | Malaysia | 1,665 | 1,455 | 1,944 | 1,829 |
8 | Singapore | 1,465 | 1,457 | 1,381 | 1,519 |
9 | Japan | 1,458 | 1,438 | 1,211 | 1,232 |
10 | New Zealand | 896 | 737 | 815 | 711 |
Total | 59,811 | 77,135 | 57,517 | 50,590 |