---
title: Timor-Leste visa for citizens of South Africa
description: "Citizens of South Africa can get a visa on arrival in Timor-Leste. Stay up to 30 days. Fee: $30. Processing: On arrival. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/timor-leste/south-africa
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Timor-Leste visa for citizens of South Africa

Citizens of South Africa can get a visa on arrival in Timor-Leste.

*Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.*

## Key facts

- **Entry route:** Visa on Arrival · Tourist
- **How to apply:** Get your visa at the border
- **Maximum stay:** Up to 30 days
- **Visa validity:** 30 days
- **Entries:** Single entry
- **Processing time:** On arrival
- **Government fee:** $30
- **Passport validity:** At least 6 months
- **Biometrics:** Not required
- **Appointment:** Not required
- **Interview:** Not required
- **Onward or return ticket:** Required

## How to apply

1. **Arrive at an international airport in Timor-Leste** — The visa on arrival is issued at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport in Dili.
2. **Go to the Visa on Arrival counter** — Before passport control, find the visa-on-arrival desk.
3. **Present your passport and documents** — Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and your return/onward ticket.
4. **Pay the visa fee** — Pay USD 30 in cash (exact change preferred).
5. **Receive visa sticker and proceed to immigration** — The officer will affix a visa sticker in your passport; then go to passport control.
6. **Pass through immigration and collect luggage** — After stamping, you may enter Timor-Leste for up to 30 days.

## Documents checklist

- **Valid passport** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival.
- **Completed arrival card** (Travel): Provided on the flight or at the airport.
- **Return or onward ticket** (Travel): Must show departure from Timor-Leste within 30 days.
- **Visa fee payment (cash USD)** (Supporting): Pay at the visa-on-arrival counter upon arrival.
- **Passport-size photograph** (Identity, optional): May be required – bring one just in case.

## Good to know

- Visa on Arrival is only available at Dili airport – not at land borders or seaports.
- Ensure you have USD cash for the fee – no credit cards accepted at the counter.
- Have a printed copy of your return ticket ready.

## Common refusal reasons

- **Passport validity less than 6 months** — Check passport validity before travel; renew if necessary.
- **No return or onward ticket** — Book and carry evidence of a flight out of Timor-Leste within 30 days.
- **Insufficient funds or no cash for fee** — Carry at least USD 30 in cash for the visa fee.
- **Previous overstay or immigration violation** — Ensure compliance with prior visas to Timor-Leste.

## FAQs

### Do citizens of South Africa need a visa for Timor-Leste?

Citizens of South Africa can get a visa on arrival in Timor-Leste. Visa type: Visa on Arrival · Tourist.

### How long can citizens of South Africa stay in Timor-Leste?

Up to 30 days.

### How much does the Timor-Leste visa cost for citizens of South Africa?

Government fee: $30.

### What documents do citizens of South Africa need for Timor-Leste?

Valid passport; Completed arrival card; Return or onward ticket; Visa fee payment (cash USD); Passport-size photograph.

### How long must my passport be valid for Timor-Leste?

At least 6 months.

## More

- [Timor-Leste visa for every passport](/visa/timor-leste)
- [Every destination for South Africa passport holders](/visa/passport/south-africa)