Timor-Leste entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport. This is the standard way to enter Timor-Leste for tourism or short business trips in 2026. No need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and cash for the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Dili Airport | You get a 30-day visa on arrival at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport in Dili. Pay $30 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — no card accepted. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready at the visa counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Timor-Leste. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Dili Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Timor-Leste. Immigration may ask for it at the visa counter — having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Officers may ask to see you have enough cash for your stay. Bring at least $100 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing available funds. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. There is no ATM or card machine at the immigration counter. Bring crisp, undamaged $30 USD bills — torn or marked notes may be refused.
Visa on arrival is the standard entry method
You do not need to apply for an e-visa or visit an embassy beforehand. Just show up at Dili Airport or the Batugade land border with your passport, return ticket, and $30 USD.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Dili Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The queue is usually short — Dili is a small airport.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll get a small form on the plane or at the immigration counter. Fill in your personal details, flight number, and accommodation address.
3
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card, and return ticket (if asked). The officer will process your visa on the spot.
4
Pay the visa fee in cash
Pay $30 USD in cash. Keep the exact amount ready — change may be limited. You'll receive a receipt and a visa sticker in your passport.
5
Collect your passport and proceed
Once the visa is stamped, collect your passport and head to baggage claim. Total time: usually 10–20 minutes.
Download Timor-Leste Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD
Apply at Timor-Leste embassy or online before travel.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$50 USD
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$50 USD
Requires invitation letter from Timor-Leste company.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$100 USD
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Timor-Leste employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
$50 USD
For enrolled students at recognized educational institutions in Timor-Leste. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investment Visa
2 years, renewable
$200 USD
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Timor-Leste. Requires business registration and investment proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (30 days)Payable in USD at Dili airport or land borders. | $30 USD |
| Visa extension (30 days)Apply at Immigration Office in Dili before initial 30 days expire. | $35 USD |
| Overstay fine (per day)No official cap; avoid overstaying. | $50 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Transit visa is not required for China holders transiting through Timor-Leste for up to 72 hours, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent year-round; use repellent and mosquito nets.
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
TyphoidModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present in all regions, including Dili. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is strongly recommended.
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 Imigrasaun Timor-Leste (Immigration Service)
Avenida de Portugal, Dili
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photo, and fee.
Baucau
Baucau Immigration Office
Rua de Baucau, Baucau
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Limited services; extensions may require Dili.
Practical information for CN 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
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
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only at the official border crossing at Batugade (near the town of Mota'ain). The fee is the same $30 USD, and you need the same documents. The crossing is open daily 8am–5pm. No visa on arrival is available at other land borders.
30 days from the date of issue. It's a single-entry visa — if you leave Timor-Leste, you'll need a new visa to re-enter.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 30 additional days. Go to the Immigration Department in Dili (near the Government Palace). The extension fee is $35 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
Immigration may deny you entry. It's a standard requirement. Book a refundable onward ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But there are very few connecting flights through Dili — most travellers enter the country.
No vaccinations are required for entry. But the CDC and WHO recommend hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccines. Malaria is present in some areas — bring repellent and consider prophylaxis.
No. The official currency is the US dollar. Some hotels and shops may accept Australian dollars at poor rates, but always carry USD cash. ATMs exist in Dili but can run out of cash.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.