United States Visa RequirementsFor East Timor passport holders
Citizens of East Timor (Timor-Leste) must obtain a B1/B2 visitor visa before entering the United States. There is no US Embassy in Dili. Timorese applicants must apply at the US Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.
East Timor passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply online at ceac.state.gov using Form DS-160. Pay the $185 USD non-refundable MRV fee. Since there is no US Embassy in Dili, you must schedule and attend your interview at the US Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. Travel to Jakarta for your interview is required.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov before scheduling interview
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable visa application fee
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled via US Embassy website
Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, family ties, or enrollment
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended travel dates and purpose
Current Travel Situation
East Timor to United States: What You Need to Know
East Timor and the United States have a positive relationship, with the US having been a key supporter of Timorese independence in 1999 and 2002. The US provides development aid focused on governance, education, and capacity building. The Timorese diaspora in the United States is small. East Timor is one of Asia's youngest nations and its economy remains largely dependent on oil revenues.
How to Get There
From Dili (Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport), Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines connect via Jakarta (CGK) and Singapore (SIN) to US cities. Singapore Airlines has excellent connections via Singapore to JFK, LAX, and SFO. From Jakarta, China Eastern, Japan Airlines, and other carriers also connect to US destinations.
Money & Banking
The US dollar (USD) is the currency in the United States. Notably, USD is also the official currency of East Timor, so you are already familiar with it. Credit cards are widely accepted in the US. Budget around $100 to $150 per day for modest travel. Tipping is customary: 15 to 20% at restaurants.
Practical Tips
Plan your application at least 4 to 6 months in advance to account for travel to Jakarta and interview wait times. Interview wait times at the US Embassy in Jakarta typically range from 3 to 6 months. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes. Demonstrating stable employment, property, or family ties in Timor-Leste is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a US Embassy in East Timor? Where do East Timor citizens apply for a US visa?
There is no US Embassy in Dili. East Timor citizens must apply at the US Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. You will need to travel there for your visa interview after completing the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov and paying the $185 MRV fee.
How long are US visa interview wait times from East Timor?
Interview wait times at the US Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia for East Timor citizens are typically 3 to 6 months for a B1/B2 visitor visa. Wait times fluctuate based on demand and embassy staffing. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes before planning your application.
How far in advance should East Timor citizens apply for a US B1/B2 visa?
Given current interview wait times of 3 to 6 months, apply at least 7 months before your intended travel date. This allows time for scheduling your appointment, attending the interview, and receiving your passport with the visa. Applying early also gives you time to gather supporting documents.
What airlines and routes are available from East Timor to the United States?
There are no direct flights from Dili to the United States. Common routing options include Garuda Indonesia via Jakarta and Singapore Airlines via Singapore. Ethiopian Airlines is Africa's largest carrier and connects many African cities to JFK, IAD (Washington Dulles), ATL (Atlanta), IAH (Houston), and ORD (Chicago) via Addis Ababa.
How can I strengthen my US B1/B2 visa application from East Timor?
The key to a strong US B1/B2 application from East Timor is demonstrating strong ties to your home country and that you will return after your visit. Submit a stable employment letter, property ownership documents, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and evidence of family responsibilities. A clear travel purpose, realistic itinerary, and clean travel history also help.
What documents should I bring to my US visa interview as a citizen of East Timor?
Bring your valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay, your DS-160 confirmation page, your MRV fee payment receipt, your interview appointment confirmation, a 2x2 inch passport photo, bank statements, employment letter or proof of ties to East Timor, and any other supporting documents that demonstrate your intent to return home.
What is the US B1/B2 visa fee for East Timor citizens?
The US B1/B2 visa application fee is $185 USD, known as the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Pay the fee through the payment portal linked on the US Embassy website before scheduling your interview.
Can a East Timor citizen with a US B1/B2 visa work in the United States?
No. A B1/B2 visa only permits business visits (B1) and tourism or pleasure (B2). Working for a US employer is not permitted on a B1/B2 visa. Unauthorized work can result in deportation and future visa denials. If you intend to work in the United States, you must apply for an appropriate work visa such as H-1B, L-1, or O-1.