Requirement for Timor-Leste Passport Holders
Yes, nationals of Timor-Leste must obtain an electronic visa before travelling to Madagascar. The application is fully online - no embassy visit required. After approval, the permit is emailed as a PDF for you to print and show at the border.
This requirement applies to all Timor-Leste citizens, including children with their own passport. The eVisa is linked to the passport used in the application. Confirm your eligibility here before you begin.
How the Online System Works
The Madagascar eVisa is a digital authorisation that replaces the traditional embassy visit. You fill in an online questionnaire, attach the required files, and pay the processing fee. A team reviews your submission and issues the permit electronically. The approved document is emailed to you - no courier or postal service is involved at any stage.
Entry Permissions
Your electronic permit carries binding conditions. Violating any of them may result in denied entry, fines, or complications on future visits.
- Single entry - if you leave Madagascar (even to a nearby island), you need a new permit to return.
- You must depart before the expiry date on your permit.
- Each trip requires a separate, new application.
- Carry a printed copy of the approval for immigration inspection.
- The passport you travel with must be the one used in the application.
Note: Validity starts from the issue date, not your date of arrival. Factor this into your travel planning.
Visa Categories
Madagascar issues several categories of short-term permits. The eVisa system supports holiday and short transit authorisations. Choose the category and duration that fits your travel purpose - changes are not possible after submission.
| Category | Max Stay | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Visa | 30 Days | Tourism, sightseeing, and family visits |
| Extended Holiday | 60 Days | Longer trips across multiple regions |
The 30-day holiday visa is the most common choice for Timor-Leste travellers. If you plan to explore beyond the capital, the 60-day extended option offers a more relaxed schedule.
Documentation Checklist
Prepare the following before starting the form. Incomplete submissions are the leading cause of processing delays.
- Passport: valid for at least 180 days from arrival, with two blank pages.
- Passport Scan: clear digital image of the information page.
- Photograph: recent passport-size photo, white or light background.
- Travel Booking: confirmed flight reservation with dates.
- Stay Proof: hotel booking or invitation letter from a host.
- Active Email: address where the approved visa will be delivered.
Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, or PDF. Maximum 5 MB per file. See the visa requirements page for complete specifications.
Application Steps
The online form takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Follow these stages carefully to avoid errors.
Complete Form
Enter personal, passport, and trip details.
Upload Docs
Attach passport scan and recent photo.
Process Payment
Pay through a secure online gateway.
Receive Visa
Approved eVisa sent directly to your inbox.
Start at the online form. The system is accessible from any device. After submitting, note your reference number - you will need it to track the progress of your application.
Tip: Type all names and numbers exactly as printed in your passport. Even a single wrong character can cause the application to be returned.
Financial Considerations
The fee is determined by the permit duration and the speed of processing you select. All charges are displayed transparently on the payment screen before you confirm. No hidden costs will appear later.
| Tier | Turnaround | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| normal | 4 - 6 Working Days | Trips booked well in advance |
| Urgent | 2 - 4 Working Days | Departure within the next week |
| Super Fast | 1 - 3 Working Days | Urgent or last-minute departures |
- Standard processing has the lowest fee.
- Express and Immediate tiers include a priority charge.
- The 60-day permit costs more than the 30-day permit.
- Pay securely via credit card or online payment method.
Visit the current rates page for a full fee schedule.
Avoiding Rejection
Most applications are denied due to preventable mistakes. The top issue is a name that does not match the passport exactly - check for extra spaces, wrong middle names, or reversed order. Poor-quality document scans and missing accommodation proof are also common causes. Always preview your uploads and review every field before you submit.
Tracking Your Request
After payment is confirmed, you receive a reference number by email. Use it along with your passport number on the tracking page to see where your application stands in the review queue.
Look Up Status
Enter your reference code and passport number.
Receive Decision
Approved permit emailed as a downloadable PDF.
No Repeat Filing
Wait for a result before starting another application.
24/7 Support
Contact our team any time for assistance.
Most submissions are processed within the selected tier’s timeframe. If a public holiday or peak season falls during the review period, expect a brief additional wait.
After Approval
The approved visa arrives as a PDF email attachment. Open the document and carefully verify your full name, passport number, nationality, and the permitted travel dates. If any detail is incorrect, contact support before your departure date.
Print two copies of the approval. Place one inside your passport and the other in a separate bag. Store a digital copy on your phone as well - it can be useful if a physical copy is lost.
- Download the PDF immediately after approval.
- Confirm every detail matches your passport.
- Note both the start and end dates of validity.
- You will present this document at the immigration counter.
Arrival Reminders
Check these before you depart from Timor-Leste.
- Print your approved eVisa.
- Keep two blank passport pages free.
- Carry USD or Ariary for local expenses.
- Save a digital copy of your eVisa on your phone.
Reminder: Airlines may request your eVisa at check-in. Have a physical copy within reach before you queue.
Arriving in Madagascar
When your flight touches down, head to the immigration hall and join the queue for international arrivals. Hand over your passport along with the printed eVisa. The officer will confirm the details and stamp your passport. The process is typically brief. After clearance, collect your baggage and pass through customs. Keep the eVisa accessible throughout your stay.
Madagascar at a Glance
Useful facts for Timor-Leste nationals preparing for a Madagascar trip.
Currency
Malagasy Ariary (MGA). USD is widely accepted in tourist areas.
Climate
Tropical climate. April to October offers dry, cooler weather.
Languages
Malagasy is the national language; French is used in official settings.
Time Zone
Madagascar is 6 hours behind Timor-Leste time.
Banking facilities are available in major cities but scarce in rural villages. Bring cash in USD or Ariary for areas without ATMs. Tipping is welcomed but not expected everywhere.
Staying Safe
Madagascar is a hospitable country, but prudent habits help ensure a trouble-free visit. Travel in groups after dark, use only official transport services, and drink bottled or purified water. Keep photocopies of your passport and eVisa in a separate location from the originals. Clinics in Antananarivo can handle most medical issues, but travel insurance is strongly recommended for visitors from Timor-Leste making the long journey.
What to Do If Your Visa Expires
If you need more time in Madagascar, apply for an extension at the nearest immigration office before your current permit expires. Do not wait until the last day - begin the process at least three days in advance.
- Extensions are processed in person only.
- Apply at least three days before the permit end date.
- Bring passport, current visa, and proof of accommodation.
- Overstaying leads to fines and potential travel restrictions.
Benefits of Our Service
Our platform is built to assist Timor-Leste nationals through every step of the Madagascar eVisa process. Each application is screened for common errors before it is forwarded for review.
- Guided Form: step-by-step instructions throughout.
- Error Screening: catches mistakes before submission.
- Any Device: mobile, tablet, or desktop compatible.
- Real-Time Tracking: monitor your application status live.
- 24/7 Support: reach us any time by email.
FAQs
Fees are generally non-refundable once processing of the application has begun. Make sure all details are correct before submitting.
No. The eVisa is strictly for tourism or short-term visits. It does not authorise long-term employment in Madagascar.
You receive a digital confirmation which you present at the border. The immigration officer will then place a physical entry stamp in your passport upon arrival.
