Timor-Leste entry requirements for India passport holders

Verified May 14, 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

Indian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL). The visa costs $30 USD, cash only, and is valid for 30 days. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Indian tourists.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get a 30-day visa on arrival at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL) in Dili. Pay $30 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — they don't accept cards. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready at the visa counter.Timor-Leste ImmigrationRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned departure from Timor-Leste. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Dili airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you're leaving Timor-Leste within 30 days. If you don't have one, they may deny entry or put you on the next flight out.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Timor-Leste ready. Immigration may ask for it at the visa-on-arrival counter — a simple Booking.com printout works.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely asks, but if you look like you're traveling on a shoestring, they might request proof.Recommended
Cash Only — No Cards
The visa on arrival fee is $30 USD cash only. No credit cards, no mobile payments. ATMs at Dili Airport are unreliable. Bring crisp, undamaged USD bills in exact change.
Visa on Arrival Only at Dili Airport
This visa is only available at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport. If you're entering by land from Indonesia or by sea, you need a pre-arranged visa from a Timor-Leste embassy.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Dili Airport
You'll land at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counter before immigration.
2
Fill Out Arrival Card
You'll receive a small arrival card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your details — passport number, flight info, accommodation address.
3
Pay the Visa Fee
Hand over $30 USD in cash. They prefer exact change. You'll get a receipt.
4
Receive Visa Sticker
The officer will place a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to Immigration
Join the immigration queue. Present your passport with the new visa, arrival card, and return ticket if asked. They'll stamp you in.
Download Timor-Leste Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 USD (estimated, same as VoA)

Obtain in advance from Timor-Leste embassy if preferred; VoA is simpler.

Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$30 USD (estimated)

Requires invitation letter from Timor-Leste company.

work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$50–$100 USD (estimated, plus employer sponsorship)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Timor-Leste employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$30 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Timor-Leste. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (30 days)Payable in USD at Dili airport or land borders.$30 USD (exact amount, no currency conversion needed)
Visa extension (30 days, single extension)Apply at Immigration Office in Dili before initial 30 days expire.$35 USD (estimated, plus processing fee)
Overstay finePay at immigration upon departure; avoid overstaying to prevent issues.$10 USD per day (estimated, no official cap)

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

India passport holders transiting through Timor-Leste (e.g., Dili Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • No exceptions; all India passport holders must follow standard transit rules.
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 common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and nets.

MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.

Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk

Common due to limited sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is strongly recommended for all travellers.

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

Immigration offices for extensions

Dili
Direcção Nacional de Imigração (National Immigration Directorate)
Avenida de Portugal, Dili, Timor-Leste
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.

Practical information for IN 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 13
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

No. The visa on arrival is only available at Dili Airport. If you're crossing the land border from Indonesia (Batugade) or arriving by ferry, you need to arrange a visa in advance at an embassy.
30 days from the date of issue. It cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You must pay in USD cash. There are no card payment facilities at the visa counter. ATMs at the airport are often out of service or charge high fees. Bring exact change.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need more than 30 days, you must apply for a tourist visa or other visa type at a Timor-Leste embassy before you travel.
Not required for Indian passport holders arriving directly from India. However, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you may need proof of vaccination. Check current WHO guidelines.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
No. The visa on arrival is only available at Dili Airport. For land or sea entries, you must obtain a visa from a Timor-Leste embassy in advance.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.