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Frequently asked questions

Ramelau

I want to travel to Timor Leste as a tourist. Do I need to get a visa before I travel?

Travellers of any nationality may obtain a Tourist & Business Visa on arrival if arriving at Dili International Airport or Dili Seaport. Visas on arrival are granted for 30 days stay, single entry.

Land Border Crossings : Only nationals of Indonesia and Portugal may obtain a visa or entry clearance on arrival at a land border. All other nationalities are required to apply for a “Visa application Authorisation” prior to entering at a land border crossing.

See : Tourist & Business Visa (Common Visa Class I)

My passport will expire soon. Can I still use it to enter Timor Leste?

All foreigners seeking to enter Timor Leste on a temporary visa (including a Tourist Visa) are required to have a valid national passport with an expiry date not less than 6 months from the date of entry into Timor Leste.

I want to stay longer. How do I extend my visa after I arrive in Timor Leste?

See : Visa Extensions.

Can I work on a Class 1 Tourist Visa?

Generally not. The visa is for tourism, family visits, and for business visits. It is not designed for work as an employee, and work of this kind is not permitted to holders of this class of visa. Those wishing to visit Timor Leste on business (e.g., to explore business opportunities, conduct negotiations etc.), may enter and stay for this purpose on a Class I visa. Persons wishing to work in Timor Leste should apply for the appropriate Work Permit or Residence visa.

I work for the United Nations in Timor Leste, or a UN Agency in Timor Leste. Do I need a visa?

No. You are granted a special stay authorization by operation of the Migration and Asylum Law 2003 whilst you remain an employee of the UN or a UN Agency in Timor Leste. If you cease working for the UN you will need to depart the country or obtain the appropriate visa should you wish to extend your stay.

I have overstayed my visa. Will there be a penalty?

Yes. You should contact the Immigration Service to regularize your status as soon as possible. Do not let the situation wait longer than necessary. Article 116 of the Migration and Asylum Law 2003 provides the following fines per person for those who have overstayed their visa in Timor Leste :

a) US$ 70 to US$ 150, if the overstay period does not exceed 30 days;

b) US$ 150 to US$ 270, if the overstay period exceeds 30 days, but is less than 90 days;

c) US$ 270 to US$ 500, if the overstay period exceeds 90 days.

Visa extensions cannot be authorized without proof of payment of any applicable fine for overstay.

Important Note : Fines may be levied upon departure from the country.

See : Immigration Service contact details.

I have become aware of a case of human trafficking or possible breaches of immigration law. Where do I report this?

The Immigration and Asylum Law provides severe penalties for human trafficking and other organized breaches of immigration controls such as people smuggling and employment breaches. These penalties include lengthy prison terms and large fines. The Immigration Department is responsible for investigating these matters. You should report the facts to the Immigration Service as soon as possible.

See : Immigration Service contact details.

I am the holder of a Portuguese passport. Do I need to apply for a Visa on arrival or before I travel if I am travelling as a tourist?

No. According to the terms of a bilateral agreement between Timor-Leste and Portugal, Portuguese nationals of good health and character who present a Portuguese passport on arrival and who seek to enter for tourism are exempted from having to obtain a Class 1 visa on arrival.

They may stay up to 90 days from the date of arrival, and have the same status as the holder of a Class 1 Tourist Visa.

The stay period may be extended up to a further 90 days after arrival on application to the Department of Immigration, where that further stay is justified on exceptional grounds.