Timor-Leste entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders can get a 30-day visa on arrival in Timor-Leste. Pay $30 USD in cash at Dili airport or the Batugade land border crossing. This applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Timor-Leste. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Dili airport or land borders | Sri Lankan passport holders can get a 30-day visa on arrival at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport in Dili or at the Batugade land border crossing from Indonesia. Pay the $30 USD fee in cash — no card payments accepted. Have a passport photo ready.Check visa details | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Dili airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Timor-Leste. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — if you cannot show one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | While not always checked, having a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host in Timor-Leste speeds up the visa-on-arrival process. If you are staying with friends or family, ask them to send a signed invitation letter with their contact details. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Timor-Leste is a cash-based economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Dili. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The $30 USD visa fee must be paid in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. Bring exact change if possible. ATMs in Dili are unreliable, so carry enough USD for your entire stay.
Medical evacuation insurance recommended
Timor-Leste's healthcare system is basic. For serious medical issues, you'll likely be evacuated to Australia or Singapore. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Dili airport or Batugade border
Most travellers fly into Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL) in Dili. If coming overland from Indonesia, you'll cross at Batugade. Both locations issue visas on arrival.
2
Queue at the Visa on Arrival counter
Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' sign. Have your passport, a passport photo, and $30 USD in cash ready. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
3
Show your return ticket and accommodation
The immigration officer may ask for your onward ticket and where you're staying. Have these ready on your phone or printed. Answer clearly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your bags from baggage claim. There are no further checks. Welcome to Timor-Leste.
Download Timor-Leste Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD
Apply at Timor-Leste embassy or online; same as VOA but pre-approved.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD
Requires invitation letter from Timor-Leste company.
Multiple entry visa (tourist/business)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$50 USD
Available at embassy; good for frequent travellers.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$50 USD application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Timor-Leste employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$30 USD application fee
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Timor-Leste. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investment Visa
2 years, renewable
$100 USD application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Timor-Leste business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD cash at Dili airport or land borders. | $30 USD |
| Visa extension (30 days, once)Apply at Immigration Office in Dili before initial 30 days expire. | $35 USD |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap not specified; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day |
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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Timor-Leste do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and nets.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in some areas, especially rural; prophylaxis recommended for at-risk travellers.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food/water; vaccination and safe eating habits advised.
Malaria risk: moderate
Malaria risk exists in all areas, especially rural. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is recommended for travellers to rural regions.
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, 2 photos, and $35 USD.
Baucau
Immigration Office Baucau
Rua de Baucau, Baucau
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Limited services; best for simple extensions.
Practical information for LK 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, you can extend it once for another 30 days. Go to the Immigration Service in Dili (Servisu Migrasaun Timor-Leste) on Avenida de Portugal. Bring your passport, 2 passport photos, and $35 USD in cash. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
You'll be fined $10 USD per day for each day you overstay. There's no stated maximum cap, but it adds up fast. Pay the fine at the immigration office or at the airport before you leave.
No, only at Dili airport and the Batugade land border crossing from Indonesia. If you enter at another point, you'll need a pre-arranged visa from a Timor-Leste embassy.
No, if you stay airside and don't pass through immigration. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), you'll need a visa on arrival.
Yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine shots (MMR, DTP, polio). Consider Hepatitis B, Rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis depending on your plans.
Generally safe, but petty crime like bag snatching happens in Dili. Avoid walking alone at night. Medical facilities are very limited — a serious condition may require evacuation to Australia or Singapore. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly advised.
No. You need a Temporary Work Visa, which requires a job offer from a Timor-Leste employer and approval from the Ministry of Labour. The application fee is $50 USD, and the visa is valid for 1 year, renewable.
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.