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Dili Airport Guide: Arrival, Visa, Taxis and Departure

Last verified: Checked against the Migration Service, Tourism Timor-Leste and airport data

By David · Updated

Quick answer · as of September 2026

Dili's Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL) is small and about 15 minutes west of the centre. On arrival, show your arrival declaration QR code, pay USD 30 in cash for the visa on arrival if you need one (there is no ATM or card payment before immigration), then take a taxi to town for USD 15 or more. The runway is being extended until about 2028.

Airport code
DIL (ICAO: WPDL)
To the centre
About 15 min
Taxi fare
USD 15 or more
Visa counter
USD 30, cash only
On this page

About the airport

Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport is Timor-Leste's only major international airport, in the Comoro area of western Dili. It is small and easy to navigate. Direct flights arrive from Darwin, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and China, and small domestic planes fly to Atauro, Oecusse and district towns.

The runway is being lengthened. Work began in October 2025 and the plan is to extend it from 1,850 m to 3,000 m in phases by 2028, funded by the Asian Development Bank, Japan and Australia, so larger aircraft can land.

Arriving step by step

  1. Before you fly: complete the online arrival declaration and save the QR code.
  2. Visa on arrival: if your passport needs it, pay USD 30 in cash at the visa counter. Cards are not accepted.
  3. Immigration: show your passport, QR code and, if asked, your onward ticket and hotel booking.
  4. Baggage and customs: declare cash and restricted goods on the arrival form. The duty-free allowance for personal goods is USD 300 for travellers aged 17 and over, according to Tourism Timor-Leste.
  5. Into town: take a taxi or your hotel's pick-up.

Getting into Dili

A taxi to central Dili costs USD 15 or more and takes about 15 minutes. Agree the fare before you get in. Many hotels offer pick-ups for a similar price, which is easiest if you land after dark. Hotels in Comoro, such as Timor Lodge and Hotel Dongshan, are only a few minutes away.

Departing

Arrive about two hours before international flights. Airport charges are normally included in your ticket. If you overstayed your visa, fines are collected when you leave.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an ATM at Dili airport?

There is no ATM or money exchange before immigration, so bring the USD 30 visa fee in cash. Once through, use an ATM in the city if none is working at the terminal.

How early should I get to Dili airport for my flight?

Two hours before international flights is sensible. The airport is small, but check-in and security queues can build up when several flights leave close together.

Sources

Official sites, operators and references we checked for this page.

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