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Timor-Leste Visa Requirements for Australians

Australians get a 30-day visa on arrival in Timor-Leste for USD 30 cash at Dili airport or seaport. Rules, documents, extensions and Darwin flights.

Last verified: Checked against official sources and operators

By David

Quick answer · as of September 2026

Australians need a visa for Timor-Leste (East Timor), but can get it on arrival. As of September 2026, the visa on arrival costs USD 30 in cash and allows 30 days, at Dili airport or Dili seaport.

Visa type
Visa on arrival
Fee
USD 30 (cash)
Maximum stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months from arrival
On this page

Entry rules at a glance

Timor-Leste entry rules for Australian passport holders, September 2026
RuleDetails
VisaVisa on arrival
FeeUSD 30, US dollars cash only
Length of stayUp to 30 days
WherePresidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, Dili; Dili seaport
PassportValid 6 months from arrival, with blank pages
Arrival declarationOnline, before you fly; show the QR code

What you need at the border

Immigration officers at Dili can ask for any of the following. Have them ready on paper or on your phone.

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive, with at least one full blank page (two to be safe)
  • USD 30 in cash (US dollars) for the visa fee; cards are not accepted at the counter
  • Onward or return ticket, or proof you can pay for one
  • Accommodation booking for your stay
  • Online arrival declaration completed before you fly (QR code on your phone or printed)
  • Proof of funds may be requested: officially USD 100 per entry plus USD 50 per day

Details for Australians

  • Darwin is the gateway: Airnorth and QantasLink fly Darwin to Dili in about 1 hour 20 minutes, around ten times a week combined, and Aero Dili added a twice-weekly service in 2026.
  • Australia's Smartraveller advice for Timor-Leste is 'exercise a high degree of caution' (updated 23 July 2026), mainly because of crime and limited healthcare. Take out travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
  • Timor-Leste has an embassy in Canberra and consulates-general in Darwin and Sydney. Contact them if you plan to cross overland from Indonesia, because the visa on arrival is not issued at the land border.
  • There is no visa-free arrangement for Australians, so budget the USD 30 and carry it in US dollar notes: there is no ATM before immigration.

Extending your stay

The 30-day visa on arrival can be extended once, for up to 30 more days, at the Migration Service headquarters in Vila Verde, Dili. Apply at least 15 days before it expires with the signed form and documents.

Overstaying is expensive: the Migration Service lists fines from USD 150 to USD 580 depending on how long you overstay.

Flying from Australia

These are the usual ways to reach Dili from Australia. Each guide has airlines, flight times and tips.

  • Darwin to Dili: Darwin to Dili is the shortest route into Timor-Leste: about 1 hour 20 minutes, around ten flights a week on Airnorth and QantasLink, plus Aero Dili.
  • Bali (Denpasar) to Dili: Bali to Dili takes about 2 hours, with daily flights on Citilink and Aero Dili, around 14 a week in total. Schedules, tips and the time difference.

Timor-Leste embassy

Embassy of Timor-Leste, Canberra. Consulates-general also in Darwin and Sydney.

For the full picture, including transit visas and business visits, read the Timor-Leste visa guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do Australians need a visa for East Timor?

Yes, but you can get it on arrival. As of September 2026, Australians pay USD 30 cash for a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Dili airport or Dili seaport.

Can Australians get the visa on arrival at the land border from West Timor?

Not usually. At the Mota'ain/Batugade crossing you need a Visa Application Authorisation arranged in advance, for example from the Timor-Leste consulate in Kupang.

How long can an Australian stay in Timor-Leste?

30 days on the visa on arrival, extendable once in Dili for up to another 30 days.

Can Australians extend a Timor-Leste visa on arrival?

The 30-day visa on arrival can be extended once, for up to 30 more days, at the Migration Service headquarters in Vila Verde, Dili. Apply at least 15 days before it expires with the signed form and documents.

Can I pay the Timor-Leste visa fee by card?

No. The visa on arrival is paid in US dollars cash, and there is no ATM before immigration at Dili airport.

Sources

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

Related guides

Getting there

Darwin to Dili Flights

Darwin to Dili is the shortest route into Timor-Leste: about 1 hour 20 minutes, around ten flights a week on Airnorth and QantasLink, plus Aero Dili.

Getting there

Bali (Denpasar) to Dili Flights

Bali to Dili takes about 2 hours, with daily flights on Citilink and Aero Dili, around 14 a week in total. Schedules, tips and the time difference.

Visa

Timor-Leste Visa for British citizens

British citizens get a 30-day visa on arrival in Timor-Leste for USD 30 cash. UK passports are not covered by the Schengen visa waiver. Full rules here.