Visa policy of East Timor
Visa policy of East Timor differentiates between several different groups of passengers and arrival points. In accordance with the law, citizens of all countries except the Schengen Area must obtain a visa upon arrival or prior to arrival.[1]
Visa policy map
Visa exemption
Timor-Leste signed a mutual visa-waiver agreement with the European Union on 28 May 2015 which was applied on a provisional basis as from the date of signature and ratified on 15 December 2015.[2] This agreement allows all citizens of states that are contracting parties to the Schengen Agreement to stay without a visa for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period.[3]
There is also a visa exemption for holders of diplomatic or service passports of China.
Land border arrivals
All visitors (except for citizens of Indonesia who can apply on arrival at any border post) 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.
Visa on arrival
Visitors may apply for 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 a fee of US$30. Transit visas are available for stays less than 3 days for a fee of US$20. There is no transit without a visa option in East Timor.[3]
Prior application
Visa application may also be submitted online or at one of the East Timor diplomatic missions prior to arrival.
Requirements on 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:
- Intention of a genuine visit (as tourist or business trip).
- Accommodation arrangements and a return or onward ticket.
- US$150 per day expected to remain in the country (for tourist or business visas).
- US$100 plus US$50 per day (for transit visas).
Visa extension
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.[3]
Statistics
Most visitors arriving to East Timor by air were from the following countries of nationality:[4]
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 |
See also
References
- ↑ "Tourist & Business Visa". Immigration Service of Timor-Leste. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
- ↑ AGREEMENT between the European Union and the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste on the short-stay visa waiver
- 1 2 3 "Visa Information". Timatic. IATA. Retrieved 30 March 2014.
- ↑