PassportSouth Africa

Trip checklist: Timor-Leste

For South African passport holders. Last checked 5 October 2026.

Visa requirement

South Africans can get a visa on arrival in Timor-Leste.

Permitted stay

You can stay up to 30 days per visit, and you can apply to extend.

Before you go

  • Purpose of visit

    Tourist visa covers tourism. A separate business visa exists (not researched in detail).

  • Passport validity

    At least 6 months from the date of entry.

  • How to apply

    On arrival at Dili's Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, Dili seaport, or another official border post with a Migration Service presence. Fee USD 30, cash in US dollars. No e-visa. People previously refused entry or with unpaid fines must apply in advance at an overseas office.

  • Where South Africans apply

    On arrival in Timor-Leste. No Timor-Leste mission in South Africa was found.

  • Return or onward ticket

    Onward ticket or booking may be requested.

  • Proof of funds

    USD 100 for each entry plus USD 50 for each day of stay.

  • Accommodation or invitation

    Accommodation arrangements may be requested. No invitation needed.

  • Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa

    Timor-Leste requires a yellow fever certificate if arriving from a yellow fever risk country (relevant if routing via Africa or South America). Timor-Leste is not a yellow fever risk country, so South Africa does not require a certificate when you return directly.

  • Arrival forms

    Online customs e-Declaration (combined arrival card) is mandatory. Complete it at tilesw.customs.gov.tl up to 5 days before arrival; it gives a QR code to show on arrival. The Migration Service also lists a completed arrival declaration as a visa requirement.

  • Extending your stay and overstaying

    One extension of 30 days, fee USD 40, at the Migration Service in Dili. Apply at least 15 days before expiry (reported by a travel site).

  • Confirm with the embassy

    Rules change. Check the official source before you book.

Where to apply

Research sources

  1. 1. Migration Service of Timor-Leste (Official, migracao.gov.tl) https://migracao.gov.tl/wp/tourist-visa/
  2. 2. Migration Service of Timor-Leste (Official, migracao.gov.tl) https://migracao.gov.tl/wp/visa-exemptions/
  3. 3. Timor-Leste tourism website (timorleste.tl) (News and guides, timorleste.tl) https://www.timorleste.tl/plan-your-trip/arriving-in-timor-leste/
  4. 4. Rezerva.tl (News and guides, rezerva.tl) https://rezerva.tl/guide/visa-requirements

From doineedavisa.co.za/timor-leste. Always confirm with the embassy before you travel.