Timor-Leste entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Timor-Leste. You'll pay $30 USD in cash at Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport and receive a 30-day stay. This has been the process since 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Dili Airport | Land at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport and go to the visa-on-arrival counter before immigration. Pay the fee in USD cash — $30 for a 30-day single-entry visa. Have your passport, a passport-sized photo, and the exact cash ready.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Kenyan passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Timor-Leste. Airlines at JKIA and Dili check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Timor-Leste | Immigration at Dili Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave Timor-Leste within the visa period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Timor-Leste. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this at the visa-on-arrival counter, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement ready. Immigration may ask to see proof of sufficient funds, though this is not always enforced. ATMs in Dili are unreliable, so bring enough USD cash for your entire trip. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards or ATMs at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. There is no ATM before immigration, and credit cards are not accepted. Bring $30 USD in crisp, undamaged bills. If you don't have exact change, you may get change in local currency (Timorese centavos) at a poor rate.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
If you think you might need more than 30 days, apply for a visa at a Timorese embassy before you travel. Overstaying costs $30 USD per day and can cause problems with future travel.
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. Have your passport, return ticket, and $30 USD ready.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll receive a small arrival card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your personal details, flight number, and accommodation address.
3
Pay the visa fee and get stamped
Hand over your passport, arrival card, and $30 USD. The officer will issue a visa sticker and stamp you in. Keep the receipt if given.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim (one carousel). Then walk through customs — usually a green channel for most tourists. No arrival declaration form needed.
Download Timor-Leste Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
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
Apply at Timor-Leste embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable once for 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD
Requires supporting documents and embassy application.
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 (application fee)
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
1 year, renewable annually
$50 USD
For enrolled students at recognized educational institutions in Timor-Leste. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash upon arrival at Dili airport or land borders. | $30 USD (no currency conversion needed) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Timor-Leste do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. 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 Migrasaun Timor-Leste (Immigration Service)
Avenida de Portugal, Dili, Timor-Leste
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Baucau
Immigration Office Baucau
Rua de Baucau, Baucau
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Limited services; may handle extensions for local visitors.
Practical information for KE 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
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a visa in advance at a Timorese embassy or consulate before traveling. Overstaying incurs a fine of about $30 USD per day.
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars. There is no ATM before the immigration counter, and credit cards are not accepted. If you don't have cash, you'll be directed to a currency exchange desk (if open) or risk being denied entry. Bring exact change to avoid issues.
Timor-Leste requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Kenya is not on that list, so you don't need it for direct travel. However, if you've recently visited a yellow fever endemic country (e.g., Brazil, Nigeria), you must show proof of vaccination.
Yes, the land border crossing at Motaain (between West Timor, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste) is open. The visa on arrival is also available there. The process is the same: $30 USD, valid passport, and return ticket. The crossing is about 2 hours from Dili by car.
No, the only international airport with visa on arrival facilities is Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL). If you arrive by sea (e.g., at the port of Dili), you may also get a visa on arrival, but it's less common. Always confirm with your ferry operator.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined $30 USD per day of overstay, payable at the immigration office in Dili before you leave. In extreme cases, you could be detained or banned from re-entry. Set a reminder to leave on time.
Yes, an onward ticket to any other country is accepted. It doesn't have to be a return to Kenya. Just show proof of a booked flight out of Timor-Leste within 30 days of arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.