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Visa requirements · updated Aug 2026

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

Visa required

Timor-Leste citizens need a visa to enter South Africa. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.

VISAXSAug 2026
Visa required
Timor-Leste → South Africa
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Everything for your trip to South Africa

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Timor-Leste vs South Africa: passport comparison

Timor-Leste

56

visa-free countries

Global rank: #96 · mobility 113.5

South Africa

61

visa-free countries

Global rank: #97 · mobility 111.5
16

countries both Timor-Leste and South Africa can enter visa-free together

Timor-Leste + South Africa: passport compatibility

48%

of the world — where both passports have the same visa access

Where Timor-Leste and South Africa travel together — by entry type:

16 both visa-free
21 both visa on arrival
26 both e-visa / eTA
32 both need a visa
102 access differs

Where Timor-Leste and South Africa can travel visa-free together

Travelling as a pair with two different passports? Here is the full list of countries where BOTH of you can enter without a prior visa — plus where your access differs.

Both visa-free (16)

Sort by max stay or the destination's passport strength (tap a header), and filter by region.

How the entry rule changed: Timor-Leste → South Africa

We keep our own archive of visa-rule snapshots and diff them against each other. Here is what changed over the observed period.

The Timor-Leste → South Africa rule itself held steady over the observed period. The context around it did move:

1rule changes for the Timor-Leste passport, 1 of them easing
July 2024 — June 2026our archive observation window

Comparison is built from our own dataset snapshots; the date marks when we recorded the change, not the official decision date. See all changes →

South Africa: good to know

Pretoria

Capital

South African Rand (ZAR)

Currency

South Africa Standard Time (UTC+2)

Time zone

+27

Calling code

C, D, M, N

Power plug

230V / 50Hz

Voltage

Left-hand

Driving side

Where else Timor-Leste goes visa-free

Check another route

Documents you'll usually need for South Africa

The usual basics for the trip. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy or consulate.

Valid passport

Valid at least 6 more months

Return / onward ticket

Proof you will leave the country

Proof of funds

Enough money for your stay

Accommodation

Hotel booking or an invitation

Travel insurance

Recommended, sometimes required

Visa

Obtained at the embassy in advance

Frequently asked

Do Timor-Leste citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Timor-Leste citizens need a visa to enter South Africa. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.
Which passport is stronger — Timor-Leste or South Africa?
The South Africa passport is stronger: 61 visa-free countries versus 56. Global rank: Timor-Leste #96, South Africa #97.
Where can Timor-Leste and South Africa citizens travel together visa-free?
Both passports get visa-free access to 16 of the same countries.
What documents do I need for South Africa?
Usually: a valid passport (6+ months), a return ticket, proof of funds and accommodation. Plus a visa obtained from the embassy in advance. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy.
Can visa requirements change between Timor-Leste and South Africa?
Yes, visa rules change periodically. This data is current as of Aug 2026 — always confirm with the embassy before you travel.

Timor-Leste passport ranking

Where else the Timor-Leste passport can take you and how it ranks worldwide.

View the passport