Dili Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste (East Timor), welcomes international visitors through Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport and various land border crossings. Timor-Leste has a relatively straightforward visa policy, with most nationalities eligible for visa on arrival or visa-free entry. The country's immigration system is designed to facilitate tourism and business travel while maintaining border security. The entry process at Dili's international airport is generally efficient, though facilities are modest compared to larger international hubs. Travelers should be prepared with all necessary documentation, including a valid passport with at least six months validity, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds for their stay. Immigration officers are typically courteous and the process moves relatively quickly, especially during off-peak hours. It's important to note that Timor-Leste is a developing nation with evolving immigration policies. While the country is eager to promote tourism, infrastructure and services are still developing. Travelers should verify current requirements with official sources before departure, as visa policies, health requirements, and entry procedures can change with limited notice. Having backup copies of important documents and maintaining patience during the entry process will help ensure a smooth arrival.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Timor-Leste offers visa on arrival for most nationalities, making it accessible for international travelers. The country does not currently have a visa-free entry policy for tourist visits, but the visa on arrival process is straightforward and available at all official entry points.

Visa on Arrival

30 days (single entry)

Available to nationals of most countries at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport and land border crossings

Includes

How to Apply: No advance application required. Complete visa application form upon arrival and pay fee at immigration counter. Payment must be made in US dollars cash.
Cost: USD $30 for 30-day tourist visa

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. Proof of onward travel and accommodation may be requested. Extensions possible through Immigration Service in Dili for additional 30 or 60 days.

Pre-arranged Visa

30, 60, or 90 days depending on application

Visas can be obtained in advance from Timor-Leste embassies or consulates abroad

How to Apply: Apply at nearest Timor-Leste embassy or consulate. Processing time typically 5-10 business days. May be required for certain nationalities or visa types (business, work, residence).
Cost: Varies by embassy and visa duration (typically USD $30-75)

Recommended for those requiring longer stays, business visas, or if traveling from countries without visa on arrival facilities. Some nationalities may be required to obtain visa in advance - check with nearest embassy.

Visa Exemptions

Varies by bilateral agreement

Limited visa-free entry for diplomatic and official passport holders

Includes

Diplomatic passport holders from countries with bilateral agreements UN and certain international organization officials on official duty

Standard tourist passport holders from all countries require either visa on arrival or pre-arranged visa. No tourist visa-free entry currently available.

Arrival Process

The entry process at Dili's Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport is relatively straightforward. Upon arrival, travelers proceed through immigration control, collect baggage, pass through customs, and exit to the arrivals area. The entire process typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on flight loads.

Disembarkation and Health Screening

Exit aircraft and proceed to terminal. Health screening may be conducted depending on current health protocols. Temperature checks may be performed.

Immigration Hall

Proceed to immigration counters. Foreign nationals should queue at designated counters for visa on arrival processing. Fill out arrival card if not completed on aircraft.

Visa on Arrival Payment

Present passport, completed visa application form, and USD $30 cash (exact amount preferred) at immigration counter. Officer will process visa and stamp passport. Ensure you receive receipt for payment.

Immigration Interview

Answer brief questions from immigration officer about purpose of visit, accommodation, and departure plans. Process is usually quick and courteous.

Baggage Claim

Collect checked luggage from baggage carousel. Baggage handling can be slow, so be patient. Report missing or damaged luggage immediately to airline counter.

Customs Declaration

Proceed through customs checkpoint. Declare any items exceeding duty-free allowances or restricted items. Random bag inspections may occur.

Exit to Arrivals

Exit to public arrivals area where taxis, hotel transfers, and currency exchange are available.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. Must have at least 2 blank pages for stamps.

Visa Application Form

Available at airport immigration counter. Can sometimes be obtained on aircraft. Complete legibly with all required information.

USD $30 Cash

Exact payment for visa on arrival. Must be in US dollars cash - credit cards not accepted for visa fees. Bring small denominations.

Proof of Onward Travel

Return or onward ticket demonstrating intention to leave Timor-Leste within visa validity period. May be requested but not always checked.

Accommodation Details

Hotel reservation or address where you will be staying in Timor-Leste. Required on arrival card.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence of adequate financial means for your stay (cash, credit cards, bank statements). Rarely requested but advisable to have available.

Yellow Fever Certificate

Required if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries. Must be valid WHO-approved certificate.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Bring USD $30 in cash for visa on arrival - ATMs in arrivals area may not always be functioning, and credit cards are not accepted for visa payment

Complete arrival card and visa application form neatly and accurately to avoid delays at immigration

Have hotel booking confirmation and return flight details easily accessible on phone or printed

Arrive with patience - the airport is small and processes can be slower than larger international airports

Keep your visa receipt and entry stamp safe - you'll need to show them when departing

Exchange some currency at the airport if arriving outside banking hours, though US dollars are widely accepted

Take a photo of your passport data page and visa stamp as backup

Be respectful and patient with immigration officers - courtesy goes a long way

If planning to stay longer than 30 days, inquire about extension procedures at immigration or plan to visit Immigration Service office in Dili early in your stay

Customs & Duty-Free

Timor-Leste customs regulations are designed to prevent the import of prohibited goods while allowing reasonable personal items for travelers. The US dollar is the official currency, and there are specific allowances for alcohol, tobacco, and personal goods. Customs officers may conduct random inspections, and all travelers must complete a customs declaration form.

Alcohol

2 liters of alcoholic beverages (wine, spirits, or beer)

Must be 18 years or older. Alcohol for personal consumption only, not for commercial purposes.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. Tobacco products for personal use only.

Currency

No limit on amount that can be brought in or taken out

Amounts over USD $10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared on arrival and departure. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and penalties.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts up to USD $500 value

Goods for personal use during stay are generally duty-free. Commercial quantities subject to duty and import regulations.

Perfume

Reasonable quantity for personal use (typically up to 250ml)

Excessive quantities may be considered commercial and subject to duty.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives - without proper permits and authorization
Pornographic materials - subject to confiscation
Counterfeit goods and pirated media - subject to confiscation and potential fines
Endangered species products - items made from protected wildlife (ivory, certain shells, etc.)
Materials deemed subversive or threatening to national security
Certain chemicals and hazardous materials without proper documentation

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - must be accompanied by valid prescription and in original packaging; carry only reasonable quantities for personal use
Plants, seeds, and plant products - require phytosanitary certificate and inspection to prevent introduction of pests and diseases
Animals and animal products - require veterinary health certificate, import permit, and quarantine inspection
Drones and radio transmission equipment - may require special permits from relevant authorities
Professional camera and video equipment - may need to declare for temporary import; journalists should obtain proper credentials
Cultural artifacts and antiques - export of Timorese cultural property is restricted and may require special permits

Health Requirements

Health requirements for entering Timor-Leste are relatively minimal for most travelers, though certain vaccinations are required depending on your travel history. It's essential to check current health requirements before travel, as these can change based on global health situations.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days prior to arrival. Valid WHO-approved certificate must show vaccination at least 10 days before arrival.

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to potential exposure through food and water
Typhoid - Recommended for most travelers, especially those visiting smaller cities or rural areas
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical treatment
Rabies - Consider for travelers spending extended time outdoors, working with animals, or in rural areas
Japanese Encephalitis - May be recommended for travelers spending extended periods in rural areas during transmission season
Routine vaccinations - Ensure up-to-date with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and annual flu shot
COVID-19 - Stay current with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations

Health Insurance

Comprehensive travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Timor-Leste are limited, and serious medical conditions may require evacuation to Darwin, Australia or another country with advanced medical care. Ensure your insurance covers emergency evacuation, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers easily accessible.

Current Health Requirements: Check current health entry requirements before travel, as these can change rapidly based on global health situations. COVID-19 testing, vaccination certificates, or quarantine requirements may be in effect. Consult your country's travel health advisory website, the Timor-Leste Ministry of Health, and the World Health Organization for the most current information. Some requirements may apply based on your vaccination status or countries visited in the 14 days prior to arrival.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Dili or the nearest regional office (often in Jakarta, Indonesia or Darwin, Australia)

Register with your embassy before travel. Check your government's travel advisory website for current safety and entry information for Timor-Leste.

Immigration Service Timor-Leste

Direcção Nacional de Migração - Located in Dili for visa extensions and immigration inquiries

Visit in person for visa extensions. Bring passport, visa receipt, proof of accommodation, and extension fee in USD cash. Processing typically takes 1-3 business days.

Emergency Services

Police: 112 | Ambulance: 110 | Fire: 115

Emergency response capabilities are limited. For serious medical emergencies, contact your embassy for evacuation assistance.

Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport

Main international gateway to Dili

Small airport with limited facilities. Arrive at least 2 hours before international flights.

Ministry of Tourism

Timor-Leste Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry

For tourism-related inquiries and official information about visiting Timor-Leste.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children require their own passport and visa on arrival (USD $30, same as adults). Minors traveling without both parents should carry notarized letter of consent from non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing travel, including contact information and copies of parents' identification. Single parents should carry child's birth certificate showing parental relationship. Adoption papers should be carried for adopted children. While not always checked, these documents prevent potential issues at immigration.

Traveling with Pets

Importing pets to Timor-Leste requires advance planning. Requirements include: valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival), veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, import permit from Timor-Leste Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (apply at least 30 days in advance), and microchip identification. Pets may be subject to quarantine inspection upon arrival. Some breeds may be restricted. Contact the Ministry of Agriculture well in advance of travel. Note that facilities for pets are very limited in Timor-Leste.

Extended Stays

Tourist visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. Extensions can be obtained from the Immigration Service (Direcção Nacional de Migração) office in Dili. Two extension options: 30-day extension (approximately USD $35) or 60-day extension (approximately USD $75). Apply before current visa expires - overstaying results in fines of approximately USD $10 per day. Required documents: passport, original entry visa receipt, proof of accommodation, passport photos, completed application form, and fee in USD cash. Processing takes 1-3 business days. Maximum total stay on tourist visa extensions is typically 90 days. For longer stays, consider applying for business visa, work permit, or residence permit through appropriate channels.

Business Travelers

Business visitors can enter on visa on arrival for short business trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations). For extended business activities or work, a business visa is required - apply at Timor-Leste embassy abroad or convert tourist visa to business visa through Immigration Service in Dili. Required documents include business invitation letter from Timor-Leste company, company registration documents, and purpose of business visit. Employment requires work permit from Ministry of Labour. Business visa fees are higher than tourist visas and vary by duration.

Journalists and Media

Journalists, photographers, and film crews should obtain media accreditation before arrival. Contact Ministry of State Administration and relevant government departments for filming permits. Professional camera equipment should be declared at customs. Working as journalist on tourist visa is not permitted. Obtain proper credentials and permissions to avoid equipment confiscation or deportation.

Overland Entry

Travelers can enter Timor-Leste overland from Indonesia (West Timor) at official border crossings including Batugade-Mota Ain and Salele-Wini Memo. Visa on arrival is available at land borders (USD $30 cash). Ensure you have proper exit stamp from Indonesia before entering Timor-Leste. Border facilities are basic with limited services. Carry sufficient USD cash as ATMs may not be available at borders. Border hours may be limited - check current operating hours before travel. Some crossings may close during bad weather or local holidays.