Timor-Leste Visa Guide (2026): Rules, Fees and Visa on Arrival

Do you need a visa for Timor-Leste?

Most travellers need a visa, but can buy it on arrival for USD 30. A handful of nationalities can enter without one. Either way, you must fill in an online arrival declaration before you fly.

As of September 2026, the rules fall into three groups:

For your own passport, see the pages for Australians, New Zealanders, British citizens, US citizens, Portuguese citizens, Indonesians, Singaporeans, Malaysians and Chinese citizens.

The visa on arrival

You pay USD 30 in US dollar notes at the immigration counter and get a 30-day, single-entry tourist visa. It is issued at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili and at Dili seaport.

The Migration Service is clear that card payments are not available, and there is no ATM or money exchange before immigration. Bring the exact amount in clean notes.

At the counter you may be asked for:

• a passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival, with a blank page (the UK Foreign Office advises two)
• a return or onward ticket
• details of where you are staying
• proof of funds: officially USD 100 per entry plus USD 50 for each day of your stay

In practice, officers rarely ask for everything, but have it on your phone just in case.

The online arrival declaration

Every traveller must complete an online declaration before arriving. It replaces the paper arrival and customs cards and covers immigration, customs, quarantine and health in one form.

You fill it in on the Customs Authority's single-window website, tilesw.customs.gov.tl, and get a QR code. Keep a screenshot or a printout and show it at immigration. The Migration Service says you can submit it up to three days before travel, so do it in the three days before your flight.

Extending your stay

You can extend the 30-day visa on arrival once, for up to 30 more days. Apply in person at the Migration Service headquarters in Vila Verde, Dili, at least 15 days before your visa runs out, with the signed application form and supporting documents.

Overstaying is costly. The Migration Service lists fines of USD 150 to 230 for overstays of up to 30 days, USD 230 to 350 for 30 to 90 days, and USD 350 to 580 for longer. Fines are collected when you leave, and you cannot re-enter until they are paid.

Crossing by land from West Timor

The visa on arrival is not issued at the land border for most nationalities. If you are coming overland from Kupang or Atambua in Indonesian West Timor, arrange a Visa Application Authorisation in advance at a Timor-Leste embassy or consulate, for example the consulate in Kupang, then pay USD 30 at the Batugade border post.

The process, documents and bus times are in our Kupang to Dili overland guide.

Oecusse

Tell the officer if you plan to visit Oecusse. The enclave is surrounded by Indonesia, and the Migration Service can issue a multiple-entry visa on arrival for travellers going there, so you can re-enter after crossing Indonesian territory.

Business visits

Short business trips such as meetings and conferences normally use the same visa on arrival. For paid work or longer assignments, you need the right visa before you travel; your employer or host organisation should arrange it. See our business travel guide.

Money you should carry into the country

Cash of USD 20,000 or more needs Central Bank authorisation before you arrive, according to the UK Foreign Office. Customs also expects cash to be declared on the arrival form.