Do UAE passport holders need a visa to visit TL?
UAE ordinary passport holders are not visa-exempt for Timor-Leste, but they can obtain a single-entry tourist visa on arrival (VOA) at Dili's Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, the Dili seaport, or the Batugade land border. The VOA costs USD 30, is valid for a stay of up to 30 days, and is extendable once for another 30 days inside the country. The fee must be paid in US dollars cash. Timor-Leste (TL) maintains a short visa-exemption list limited to EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (90 days) and five ASEAN states (Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, 30 days). United Arab Emirates (AE) is not on this list, so an Emirati ordinary passport holder needs a visa. The standard and easiest route for a short tourist visit is the visa on arrival (VOA): a single-entry tourist visa granted at recognized entry points (Dili airport, Dili seaport, and the Batugade land border with Indonesia) for USD 30, valid for up to 30 days. It can be extended once for a further 30 days (extension fee USD 40) if applied for at least 15 days before expiry. There is currently no government e-visa portal; travelers who prefer to pre-arrange a visa can apply at a Timor-Leste diplomatic mission, but for tourism the VOA is the practical choice. Travelers must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months with at least two blank pages, a confirmed return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds. The VOA fee is collected in US dollars (the national currency), so carry exact cash. Timor-Leste is not part of the Schengen area, so Schengen 90/180 and ETIAS rules do not apply.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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