Timor-Leste entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Timor-Leste. The process happens at Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport. As of 2026, you get the visa at immigration after landing, with no prior application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your New Zealand passport needs to be valid only for the time you plan to stay in Timor-Leste. Immigration officers at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport in Dili check this at the visa-on-arrival counter. Airlines may ask for at least 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Timor-Leste | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket when you apply for the visa on arrival. Have your flight booking ready — either a return ticket to New Zealand or a ticket to your next destination. Airlines at departure airports also check this before issuing your boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A simple booking confirmation from Booking.com or Agoda works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry enough cash in US dollars — Timor-Leste uses USD as its official currency. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your trip. Having $100–$200 per day in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds is enough. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival costs USD 30 and must be paid in cash. No credit cards, no other currencies. Have the exact amount in small bills — change may not be available.
Land border entry requires pre-arranged visa
If you're entering Timor-Leste overland from Indonesia (e.g., at Batugade), you cannot get a visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Timor-Leste embassy or consulate before travel.
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 Immigration. There's usually one queue for all foreign arrivals.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll be handed a small arrival card on the plane or at the immigration desk. Fill it out with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address.
3
Present documents at immigration
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card, and USD 30 cash. The officer will process your visa on arrival — it takes about 5–10 minutes. They may ask for your return ticket or accommodation details.
4
Receive visa sticker and proceed
The officer will place a visa sticker in your passport and stamp it. Collect your passport, double-check the validity dates, then head to baggage claim.
Download Timor-Leste Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 USD (same as VoA)
Apply at Timor-Leste embassy or consulate before travel. Same cost as VoA but may reduce wait at border.
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 USD
Requires invitation letter from Timor-Leste company. Apply at embassy.
Multiple entry visa (1 year)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$100 USD
For frequent travellers. Apply at Timor-Leste embassy with supporting documents.
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 Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$50 USD application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized educational institution in Timor-Leste. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Timor-Leste business. Requires business registration and investment proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD at Dili airport or land borders. Cash only. | $30 USD (exact amount) |
| Visa on arrival extension (30 days, once only)Apply at Immigration Office in Dili before first visa expires. | $35 USD (exact amount) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration upon departure. Overstay may affect future visits. | $50 USD per day, no cap |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete or expired passport20%
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur year-round, especially in urban areas.
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, including Dili. Prophylaxis recommended.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present in all regions, including Dili. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Use insect repellent and bed 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 Imigrasaun Timor-Leste (Immigration Service)
Rua de Caicoli, Dili, Timor-Leste
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, 2 photos, and $35 USD.
Baucau
Immigration Office Baucau
Near Baucau Airport, Baucau
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Limited services; best for extensions if already in Baucau.
Practical information for NZ 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. You must leave before the 30 days expire. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at the Dili airport only. If you're entering overland from Indonesia (e.g., at the Batugade border post), you must have a pre-arranged visa. Check with the Timor-Leste embassy in Jakarta or your nearest consulate.
No, only US dollars are accepted. Have the exact USD 30 in cash. Credit cards are not accepted for the visa fee. ATMs at the airport dispense USD but may not give small bills.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you may not need a visa. But since Dili Airport is small and there are no sterile transit facilities, you'll likely need to clear immigration. Check with your airline for transit rules.
You will be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travel. There are no exceptions.
No, it's not a legal requirement. But it's strongly recommended because medical facilities are limited and evacuation costs can be very high. Some travel insurance policies specifically cover Timor-Leste.
Usually 5–10 minutes at the immigration desk. The queue can be longer if multiple flights arrive at once. Allow 20–30 minutes total from landing to clearing immigration.
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.