Vietnam and Timor-Leste sign 30-day visa waiver but current rules remain

Vietnam and Timor-Leste signed a bilateral waiver replacing visa requirements with 30-day visa-free stays for ordinary passport holders, but current rules remain until both governments complete their legal procedures.

Signed, but not yet in force

The agreement will allow Vietnamese and Timorese citizens holding ordinary passports to enter the other country without a visa for up to 30 days. No implementation date had been published by July 30.

Both countries must ratify or otherwise approve the agreement, publish the required legal notices and update border procedures before travelers can use it, government notices said. An earlier agreement already covers diplomatic and work or service passports.

Current visa rules still apply

Timorese ordinary passport holders currently need a visa for Vietnam, with a 30-day e-visa among the available routes. Travelers can find broader entry and residence information in the Vietnam guide.

Timor-Leste’s present system doesn’t list Vietnamese ordinary passport holders among its visa-exempt nationalities. Most travelers outside its exemption list can obtain a visa on arrival at Dili airport or eligible land borders for $30, generally payable in cash.

Travelers with departures booked before an effective date is published must follow those existing requirements, meaning Timorese citizens still need to obtain a Vietnam visa and Vietnamese citizens should confirm Timor-Leste’s applicable visa-on-arrival process before leaving.

The waiver stops at 30 days

The agreement covers short visits, including tourism, family trips and some nonpaid business activity. It doesn’t authorize paid employment in the destination country.

Stays longer than 30 days, local employment, study and residence will still require the appropriate visa or permit. Final passport-validity, onward-ticket and proof-of-funds conditions will become clear when the two governments publish implementation guidance.