The Philippine Embassy in Timor-Leste announced that an agreement waiving visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports between the two countries took effect on January 5.
In an advisory, the embassy said Timorese holders of diplomatic or service passports may now enter the Philippines visa-free for short-term visits.
The embassy described the agreement as a milestone reflecting friendly bilateral relations and growing cooperation between the Philippines and Timor-Leste.
However, Timorese nationals holding ordinary passports are still required to obtain a visa prior to traveling to the Philippines and are advised to coordinate with the embassy at least two weeks before departure. Katrina Manubay
The two countries established diplomatic relations in 2002, with ties further strengthened following Timor-Leste Foreign Minister Bendito Dos Santos Freitas’ visit to Manila in October 2025. Katrina Manubay
