Timor-Leste Visa Requirements

Any nationality that is not visa-exempt can get a 30-day, single-entry tourist visa on arrival at the official border posts, including Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport and Dili seaport. The fee is $30, payable only in US dollar cash: there are no card machines, and ATMs and currency exchange may not be available, so bring the correct amount. US, UK and Australian citizens get this visa on arrival; they are not visa-exempt.

You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date, the online arrival declaration (see below) and the $30 fee. Officers may ask to see an onward ticket, where you are staying and enough money for your stay.

Queues vary. When a single flight arrives, you can be through quickly; when several land at once, allow 30 to 60 minutes.

Citizens of EU countries (except Ireland), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for any purpose except paid work, under the 2015 EU agreement. UK and Irish citizens are not covered and use the visa on arrival.

Citizens of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand can enter visa-free for tourist stays of up to 30 days, with a passport valid for 6 months. Timor-Leste joined ASEAN in October 2025, but there is no ASEAN-wide visa exemption yet.

The Migration Service says other agreements are being negotiated but are not in force. If your nationality is not listed here, plan on the visa on arrival, and check migracao.gov.tl before you fly.

A tourist visa can be extended once, for another 30 days, for $40, at the Migration Service headquarters in Vila Verde, Dili. Apply in person at least 15 days before your visa expires, because processing can take up to 15 days.

Further extensions are only granted in exceptional cases, such as medical, humanitarian or transport problems.

For longer stays you need a visa arranged in advance through a Timorese embassy or consulate. Options include business visas, work permits, and study visas. These require supporting documentation and sponsor letters.

Timor-Leste has land borders with Indonesian West Timor. The main crossing is at Mota'ain/Batugade on the north coast road between Kupang and Dili. A southern crossing exists at Salele.

The rules for tourists at the land border are unsettled. The Migration Service's newest pages (June to August 2026) list Batugade/Mota'ain among the posts that issue the tourist visa on arrival. The US State Department (June 2026) and Australia's Smartraveller still say to arrange a visa, or a Visa Application Authorization, before you reach the border. Confirm the current rule with the Migration Service (migracao.gov.tl) or a Timor-Leste consulate before you set out. The Migration Service lists immigration attachés in Atambua, Bali and Jakarta.

If entering from Indonesia, make sure your Indonesian visa allows re-entry, or you won't be able to return. A multiple-entry Indonesian visa or visa-free arrangement (for eligible nationalities) is essential if you plan a round trip.

The Oecusse exclave (Timor-Leste territory surrounded by Indonesia) has its own border crossings. Traveling between mainland Timor-Leste and Oecusse by road requires transiting through Indonesia, so you need appropriate Indonesian visa arrangements. Tell the officer on arrival if you are going to Oecusse: the tourist visa can then be issued for multiple entry.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Immigration officers do check this, and airlines will also verify before boarding.

Officers may ask for a return or onward ticket, where you are staying, and proof of funds (the law sets US$100 per entry plus US$50 a day, unless someone sponsors you). These are required "if requested", so carry printouts rather than counting on not being asked.

Complete the online arrival and departure declaration before you travel, through the Customs Trade Single Window (tilesw.customs.gov.tl), up to 3 days ahead. Keep the QR code or PDF to show at the border.

Travel insurance is not a formal entry requirement but is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from Timor-Leste to Darwin or Bali costs $10,000+ and is the only option for serious medical emergencies.

Overstaying your visa in Timor-Leste results in tiered fines under the Migration and Asylum Law: $150-230 for overstays up to 30 days, $230-350 for 30 to 90 days, and $350-580 for overstays beyond 90 days. Fines are payable on departure.

If you realize you will overstay, visit the Migration Service in Dili at least 15 days before your visa expires to extend it. The $40 extension is far cheaper than an overstay fine.

Repeat overstayers may face entry bans.