Timor-Leste entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 30, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Ivory Coast passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Timor-Leste. The process is straightforward — you'll fill out a form at the airport in Dili, pay the fee in cash (USD), and receive your visa right there. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Ivorian travellers.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your entry date. Timor-Leste immigration checks this at the border. Airlines also enforce this rule before boarding.Required
Visa on arrival
Obtain at Dili airport or land borders
Get a 30-day visa on arrival at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport or at the land border crossings from Indonesia. Pay $30 USD in cash — bring exact change as change may not be available. Have a passport photo ready.Check visa detailsRequired
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Timor-Leste
Immigration officers ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. A flight out to Indonesia, Australia, or elsewhere works. Airlines check this before boarding your outbound flight.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask for your accommodation address on arrival. A printed booking confirmation or a screenshot on your phone works.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during your stay
Carry at least $100 USD in cash or have a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but having cash on hand helps if questioned.Recommended
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in USD cash. There are ATMs at Dili Airport but they are often out of order or charge high fees. Bring enough USD for the visa fee and a few days of expenses.
Visa on arrival is single-entry only
The visa on arrival allows one entry into Timor-Leste. If you leave (even to Indonesia), you'll need a new visa to re-enter.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The queue moves quickly — there's usually a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll receive a small white form on the plane or at the immigration counter. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and flight number. Keep your passport and pen handy.
3
Pay the visa fee and get your visa
Hand over your passport, completed form, and $30 USD cash. The officer will process the payment, stamp your passport, and hand back your passport with the visa sticker. This takes about 2-5 minutes.
4
Proceed to passport control
After receiving your visa, join the main passport control queue. Present your passport (with the new visa) and your boarding pass. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and accommodation details.
5
Collect luggage and exit
Once through passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration form for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Timor-Leste Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD

Obtainable on arrival or in advance from embassy. Extend once for another 30 days.

Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per visit)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$50 USD

Available from embassy; allows multiple entries. Each stay can be extended once.

Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD

Requires invitation letter from Timor-Leste company. Extendable once.

work visa
Trabalhador Estrangeiro (Foreign Worker Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year
For those with a job offer from a Timor-Leste company. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visto de Estudante (Student Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable
~$50 USD per year
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Timor-Leste. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Visto de Investidor (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD per year
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Timor-Leste business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Includes family members.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at Dili airport or land borders.$30 USD
Visa on arrival extension (additional 30 days)Apply at Immigration Office in Dili before first 30 days expire.$35 USD
Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure; overstay may affect future visits.$5 USD per day, max $100 USD

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete documents20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Timor-Leste

No transit visa needed

Ivory Coast passport holders transiting through Timor-Leste do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsPresidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL)

Health & vaccines for Timor-Leste

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (Ivory Coast is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk

Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.

MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.

Typhoid feverModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.

Malaria risk: high

Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for all travellers. Use mosquito repellent and nets.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Dili
Servisu Migrasaun Timor-Leste (Immigration Service)
Avenida de Portugal, Dili
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and overstay payments. Bring passport, visa, and $35 USD for extension.

Baucau
Immigration Office Baucau
Rua de Baucau, Baucau
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Limited services; best for basic inquiries. For extensions, go to Dili.

Practical information for CI travellers

Country basics
CapitalDili
LanguageTetum, Portuguese
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days.
Money
CurrencyUnited States dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
updated May 30
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h
vs Los Angeles+17h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,E,F,ITypes C, E, F, and I are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The visa on arrival fee is $30 USD for a 30-day stay. You must pay in cash (USD) at the immigration counter. Credit cards are not accepted. Have exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before the 30 days expire. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travelling.
Yes, you need a booked onward ticket (flight out of Timor-Leste). Immigration may ask to see it. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at Dili Airport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Timor-Leste. Renew your passport before travelling.
No, travel insurance is not a legal requirement for the visa on arrival. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Timor-Leste can be very high — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day.
No, the visa on arrival is only available at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport in Dili. If you enter by land from Indonesia, you need to arrange a visa beforehand.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), the completed arrival form, your return/onward ticket (screenshot is fine), and $30 USD cash. Accommodation proof is not always asked but good to have.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.