Singapore passport holders will soon benefit from visa-free travel to Timor-Leste for short-term stays, as per an agreement signed last month between the foreign ministers of both countries. This mutual visa waiver agreement covers diplomatic, official, service, and ordinary passport holders, allowing Singapore passport holders to visit Timor-Leste for up to 30 days without a visa. Conversely, Timor-Leste passport holders will maintain their current privilege of visa-free stays in Singapore for up to 30 days.
The Thai cabinet has also approved a mutual visa-free agreement with Timor-Leste, under which visitors would be allowed to stay in the country for 30 days upon entry. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the cabinet that the visa exemption is a condition for Timor-Leste to seek full membership in ASEAN, and the same reason persuaded Singapore government officials as well. ASEAN granted observer status to Timor-Leste in 2022 as part of a roadmap towards becoming the bloc’s 11th full member.
These visa waiver agreements should promote easier movement for travelers from and to Timor Leste, enhancing tourism, business, and corporate travel. The hope is that simplifying travel logistics can turn into frequent visits and stronger economic and cultural ties between Timor Leste and the rest of ASEAN.
