Getting there
Kupang (West Timor) to Dili Overland: Bus, Border and Visa
Kupang to Dili overland takes 12 to 14 hours by bus via the Mota'ain border. You need a visa authorisation in advance, not a visa on arrival.
Last verified: Checked against official sources and operators
By David
Quick answer · as of September 2026
As of September 2026, buses run from Kupang (West Timor) to Dili daily and take 12 to 14 h, crossing at Mota'ain/Batugade. Most nationalities must arrange a visa authorisation in advance, as the visa on arrival is not issued at the land border.
- Bus fare
- About USD 15 to 25
- Visa fee at border
- USD 30 cash
On this page
Route options
| Operator | Type | Duration | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damri, Bagong and other bus companies | overland via Atambua and the Mota'ain/Batugade border | 12 to 14 h | Daily, early-morning departures | About IDR 250,000 to 400,000 (roughly USD 15 to 25) from Kupang's Bimoku terminal, as reported in April 2026. |
Step by step
- Apply for a Visa Application Authorisation (VAA) at the Timor-Leste consulate in Kupang. Bring your passport, a copy, the form, an onward ticket and a bank statement. Official processing can take up to 10 days; in-person applications are sometimes faster.
- Take an early bus towards Atambua and the border. The border is only open in daytime.
- Get your Indonesian exit stamp, walk across, show the VAA at Batugade and pay USD 30 in cash.
- Continue to Dili by the same bus or a connecting one (about 3 to 4 hours from the border).
Tips
- Timor-Leste's visa on arrival is not issued at the land border for most nationalities. Without the authorisation you will be turned back.
- Indonesian, Malaysian, Singaporean and Schengen passport holders are visa-exempt, but check the land-border rules for your passport.
- Bring US dollars; rupiah is not accepted in Timor-Leste.
- A Kupang–Dili flight by Wings Air was announced for 2026 but was not confirmed as operating when we checked.
Visa on arrival in Dili
Most nationalities pay USD 30 in cash for a 30-day visa on arrival at Dili airport or seaport. Schengen-area, Indonesian, Malaysian and Singaporean passports are visa-exempt. See the visa guide or the rules for Indonesians.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Timor-Leste visa on arrival at the land border?
Not usually. Most nationalities need a Visa Application Authorisation arranged in advance, for example at the consulate in Kupang, then pay USD 30 at the border.
How long is the bus from Kupang to Dili?
About 12 to 14 hours including the border crossing.
Sources
Official sites, operators and references we checked for this page.
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