Brian GeekTimor-Leste Passport Visa Free Countries
- Andorra (up to 90 days)
- Angola (up to 30 days)
- Anguilla
- Austria (up to 90 days)
- Barbados (up to 28 days)
- Belgium (up to 90 days)
- Bermuda
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (up to 90 days)
- British Virgin Islands
- Bulgaria (up to 90 days)
- Cook Islands
- Croatia (up to 90 days)
- Cyprus (up to 90 days)
- Czech Republic (up to 90 days)
- Denmark (up to 90 days)
- Dominica (up to 21 days)
- Ecuador (up to 90 days)
- Estonia (up to 90 days)
- Eswatini
- Faroe Islands
- Finland (up to 90 days)
- France (up to 90 days)
- French Polynesia
- Gambia (up to 90 days)
- Germany (up to 90 days)
- Gibraltar
- Greece (up to 90 days)
- Greenland
- Haiti (up to 90 days)
- Hong Kong (up to 7 days)
- Hungary (up to 90 days)
- Iceland (up to 90 days)
- Indonesia (up to 30 days)
- Italy (up to 90 days)
- Kiribati (up to 90 days)
- Kosovo (up to 90 days)
- Latvia (up to 90 days)
- Liechtenstein (up to 90 days)
- Lithuania (up to 90 days)
- Luxembourg (up to 90 days)
- Malaysia (up to 30 days)
- Malta (up to 90 days)
- Micronesia (up to 30 days)
- Moldova (up to 90 days)
- Monaco (up to 90 days)
- Montenegro (up to 90 days)
- Montserrat
- Netherlands (up to 90 days)
- New Caledonia
- Norway (up to 90 days)
- Poland (up to 90 days)
- Portugal (up to 90 days)
- Romania (up to 90 days)
- San Marino (up to 90 days)
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Singapore (up to 90 days)
- Slovakia (up to 90 days)
- Slovenia (up to 90 days)
- Spain (up to 90 days)
- St. Helena
- St. Pierre and Miquelon
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines (up to 90 days)
- Suriname (up to 90 days)
- Sweden (up to 90 days)
- Switzerland (up to 90 days)
- Thailand (up to 90 days)
- Vatican City (up to 90 days)
- Wallis and Futuna
Keep in mind that while no visa is required for short visits under the specified durations, travelers should verify any additional entry requirements (such as passport validity or onward travel) before departure
What Countries Do Timor-Leste Citizens Need A Visa For?
Timor‑Leste citizens enjoy relatively modest travel freedom—they can enter about 96 countries visa‑free or with visa on arrival. For most other nations (roughly 96–97 countries), however, they must obtain a visa in advance. In practical terms, this means that if you hold a Timor‑Leste passport you will need to secure a visa prior to travel for many of the major economies and regions. For example:
North America and Oceania
• United States and Canada – a visa is required
• Australia and New Zealand – visas must be arranged before departure
Europe
• While most Schengen countries allow visa‑free short stays (up to 90 days), countries outside the Schengen area—such as the United Kingdom and Ireland—demand visas. Additionally, non‑Schengen European states like Belarus and Russia require visas.
Asia
• Key destinations such as China, Iran, Iraq, and Turkey require visas (often available as an e‑visa in some cases), while even countries like India now offer e‑visas.
• Some neighboring countries (like Indonesia) allow visa‑free entry for limited stays, so the requirements vary by destination.
Africa and South America
• Many African nations (e.g. Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria) and several South American countries (such as Argentina, Brazil, and others) still require Timor‑Leste citizens to secure a visa in advance
Do Timor-Leste Need Visa For America?
Yes, citizens of Timor‑Leste must obtain a visa before traveling to the United States. Timor‑Leste is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, so if you plan to visit America—for tourism, business, or other purposes—you’ll need to apply for the appropriate nonimmigrant visa (typically a B‑1/B‑2 visa for tourism or business) at a U.S. embassy or consulate
Do Timor-Leste Need Visa For Europe?
Timor-Leste citizens generally do not require a traditional visa to visit most European countries in the Schengen Area for short stays. In fact, on 26 May 2015 the EU and Timor-Leste signed a visa waiver agreement that allows Timorese citizens to travel visa‐free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for purposes such as tourism, cultural visits, or business
Starting in 2025, however, travelers from Timor-Leste will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorization before boarding their flight to Europe. This online system is designed to enhance security screening and, while it isn’t a visa, it is a mandatory travel authorization for short-term stays.
It’s also worth noting that while the visa waiver covers the Schengen Area, non‑Schengen European countries (like Ireland) have their own entry requirements. Timor-Leste has, for example, signed separate arrangements with the United Kingdom.
In summary:
• Schengen Area: No traditional visa is needed for stays up to 90 days within a 180‑day period, but ETIAS authorization will be required from 2025.
• Non‑Schengen Countries: Check specific entry rules, as different arrangements may apply
Countries That Gives Visa On Arrival For Timor-Leste Passport Holders?
Timor‑Leste passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in about 30 countries. In most cases, you’ll receive your visa at the airport or border crossing upon entry. Common destinations offering this facility include:
Asia & Oceania:
• Bangladesh
• Bolivia
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cape Verde
• Comoros
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Guinea‑Bissau
• Jordan
• Laos
• Macao
Africa & Others:
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Maldives
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Nepal
• Niue
• Palau
• Rwanda
• Saint Lucia
• Samoa
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Sri Lanka
• Tanzania
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tuvalu
Keep in mind that visa on arrival conditions (fees, length of stay, and entry requirements) may vary by country and can change over time
Traveling To UK For Timor-Leste Passport Holders?
Traveling to the United Kingdom has undergone significant changes for Timor‑Leste passport holders in recent years. Whereas Timorese citizens once enjoyed visa‑free access for short stays, concerns over non‑genuine visits and fraudulent applications have led the UK Home Office to add Timor‑Leste to the list of visa national countries. This change means that anyone holding a Timor‑Leste passport now needs to obtain a visitor visa before traveling to the UK.
On 19 July 2023, the UK government officially announced that citizens of Dominica, Honduras, Namibia, Timor‑Leste, and Vanuatu would now be required to apply for a UK visitor visa as well as a direct airside transit visa when transiting through the UK. The decision, detailed in the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules, was driven by an increase in non‑genuine visits—specifically, cases where Timorese nationals were arriving at the UK border with the intent to work illegally or fraudulently claim family status under schemes such as the EU Settlement Scheme. This update marks a departure from the previous arrangement, where Timor‑Leste passport holders were allowed short‑term stays of up to six months without a visa.
For those planning a visit now, the process begins with an online application through the official UK government portal or via an approved visa application centre. Applicants must complete the required forms, upload recent passport‑sized photographs, and provide evidence supporting the purpose of their visit—typically tourism, business, or short‑term study. Additionally, they must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover their stay, secure travel itineraries, and proof of onward travel. Biometric data (fingerprints and a digital facial image) will also be collected during an appointment at a visa application centre. Standard visitor visas generally permit stays of up to six months, though the specific visa’s validity and entry privileges depend on the applicant’s circumstances and the supporting documentation provided. Processing times are usually around three weeks, but delays can occur if additional information is requested.
Transit and Additional Considerations
For Timorese citizens merely transiting through the UK, it is important to note that the new rules also require a direct airside transit visa if the traveler intends to pass through UK border control. If you are changing airports or need to collect baggage, you may also require a landside transit visa. It is essential to verify your travel plans and make sure that the correct type of visa is applied for based on your itinerary.
In addition to securing a visa, travelers must ensure that their passport meets the UK’s validity requirements. Generally, the passport should be valid for the entire duration of the stay, with many countries requiring additional validity beyond the planned departure date. Although some information online—such as details from certain travel advisories—may still suggest visa‑free travel for Timor‑Leste citizens, the most recent government announcements have clearly revised these rules. Always double‑check current requirements on the official UK government website before planning your trip.
Why the Change?
The policy update was largely motivated by migration control and border security considerations. In recent years, the UK observed a rise in the number of Timorese nationals entering the country under suspicious circumstances. In some instances, individuals used the visa‑free regime to facilitate unauthorized work or to access benefits illegally. By requiring a visa, the Home Office aims to conduct thorough pre‑travel assessments—screening applicants against security databases and verifying their intentions before they even board a flight. This pre‑clearance helps ensure that only genuine visitors enter the UK, thereby safeguarding both the country’s immigration system and broader national interests.
Planning Your Trip
For Timor‑Leste passport holders, preparing for a UK visit now involves more planning and documentation than in the past. It is advisable to begin your visa application well in advance of your planned travel dates, particularly because you will need to gather several supporting documents and may have to attend a biometric appointment. Since visa fees and processing times can change, monitoring the latest updates on the official GOV.UK website or consulting with a trusted immigration advisor is highly recommended.
In summary, while the prospect of traveling to the UK remains open to Timor‑Leste passport holders, the recent policy changes necessitate a more rigorous visa application process. By understanding and adhering to these new requirements, travelers can ensure a smooth entry into the United Kingdom. Always stay informed by checking official sources prior to departure to avoid any last‑minute surprises
Related
Conclusion
Keep in mind that visa on arrival conditions (fees, length of stay, and entry requirements) may vary by country and can change over time.