The visa may be applied for and obtained on arrival where the criteria for the visa are satisfied. This may be done at all official border posts, air, land, or sea, which are open for foreign nationals and which have a presence of the Migration Service.

See: Details of relevant border control posts here.

Note: foreigners who are subject to separate visa waiver or visa exemption arrangements do not need to apply for a Tourist Visa on arrival.

See: Visa exemptions.

For foreigners who have previously been refused entry, or removed or excluded from the country, or those who have outstanding fine amounts, the visa must be applied for and obtained prior to seeking entry to the national territory at an official border control point.

See: Overseas offices here.

The person applying for the visa must satisfy the decision-maker that:

1. They intend a genuine visit for tourism or to visit friends and family
2. They will not engage in employment or professional activity
3. Have complied with conditions of any previous visas or visa exemptions
4. They will comply with any other visa decisions, including stay period.
5. Are of good character and health.

Applicants must also be able to demonstrate they have suffient funds to support themselves during they stay in the country. Article 15 of the Law on Migration & Asylum provides this amount is:

• US$100 dollars for each entry into national territory;
• US$50 dollars for each day of stay in national territory.

This may be waived upon presentation of a term of responsibility (sponsorship) guaranteeing food and accommodation during the stay of the foreigner, namely:

• a national citizen;
• a holder of residence permit;
• a holder of a diplomatic corps or consular card;
• Temporary stay visa holder for specialised activity development;
• a holder of a work visa;
• Business visa holder;
• holder of a residence visa;
• a holder of a Special Stay Authorisation; or a
• Registered corporate body in Timor-Leste.

Where the visa is applied for on arrival, the applicant must present:

1. An acceptable travel document, valid for at least 6 months at the date of entry
2. A completed arrival declaration
3. If requested, evidence of sufficient funds to support stay in the country
4. If requested, evidence of acccomodation arrangements
5. If requested, evidence of departure arrangements such as an onwards transportation ticket or booking.

Where the visa is applied for prior to arrival at an Embassy or Consulate of Timor-Leste abroad:

1. A completed and signed application form, located here.
2. An acceptable travel document and copy, which will be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
3. Colour photograph (3x4cm) on plain background
4. Evidence of sufficient funds to support stay in the country or family sponsorship, form located here.
5. Evidence of acccomodation arrangements, or family sponsorship.
6. Evidence of departure arrangements such as an onwards transportation ticket or booking.
7. Other evidence justifying the grant of the visa if applicable.

The fee is US$30, paid in US$ cash

Conditions applicable to the visa are:

1. Stay period 30 days
2. Holder may not undertake professional activity or employment, paid or unpaid
3. Single entry, unless the applicant informs the issuing officer that they intend to travel to Oecussi, in which case, multiple entry may be granted.
4. May be extended once only after entry, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

In normal circumstances, the Tourist Visa may be extended once only, for a further stay period of 30 days.

• Form: See forms here.
• Fee: US$40
• Place of Application: In person at the Migration Service Headquarters in Dili.
• Processing time: Up to 15 days.

Note: Where applications for extension are lodged more than 15 days prior to the current visa expiry, the counting of the validity of that visa is suspended. Where an extension application is lodged with less than 15 days remaining validity on the current visa, the counting of that validity is not suspended.

Further extensions are generally not permitted unless exceptional circumstances apply, such as for serious medical or humanitarian reasons, as well as genuine transportation issues which are not caused by the person concerned.