Timor-Leste entry requirements for Serbia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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

Serbian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport. The process is straightforward — just have your documents ready and pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism or short business visits.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Timor-Leste. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Timor-Leste
Immigration officers at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport in Dili routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they will check it before stamping your visa on arrival.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for your first night's address — having a booking confirmation avoids delays at the visa-on-arrival counter.Recommended
Proof of funds
Cash or bank statement
Have at least $100 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers rarely ask, but budget airlines flying into Dili (Citilink, Air Timor) sometimes check at check-in.Recommended
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD). No credit or debit cards accepted. Bring small bills and have exact change if possible.
Visa on arrival only at Dili Airport
This visa is only available at Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport. If you enter by land from Indonesia, you need to arrange a visa beforehand.

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' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Join the queue at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (USD). As of 2026, the fee is $30 for a 30-day stay. Have exact change if possible.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before you walk away.
5
Proceed to passport control
After getting the visa, go to passport control. They'll stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy in case they ask.
Download Timor-Leste Entry Checklist
PDF · Serbia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Download PDF

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
Cost$30 USD (VOA) or $30 USD (pre-arranged)

Available on arrival or via Timor-Leste embassy/consulate abroad.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable once per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$50 USD (estimated)

Must be applied for at a Timor-Leste embassy; not available on arrival.

Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$50 USD (estimated)

Requires invitation letter from a Timor-Leste company.

work visa
Work Visa (Trabalhador)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Timor-Leste employer. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$50 USD (estimated)
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Timor-Leste. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investment Visa
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000 USD) in a Timor-Leste business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD cash upon arrival at Dili airport or land borders.$30 USD
Visa extension (30 days, once only)Apply at the Immigration Department in Dili before your initial 30 days expire.$35 USD (estimated)
Overstay finePay at immigration upon departure; avoid overstaying to prevent complications.$10 USD per day (estimated, no official cap)

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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

Serbia passport holders transiting through Timor-Leste (e.g., at Dili Airport) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.

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 and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk

Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.

MalariaHigh risk

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

Typhoid feverModerate risk

Spread through contaminated food and water; practice good hygiene and consider vaccination.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all regions, including Dili. 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
Timor-Leste Immigration Department (Servisu Imigrasaun Timor-Leste)
Avenida de Portugal, Dili, Timor-Leste
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and overstay payments. Bring passport, visa, and cash.

Baucau
Baucau Immigration Office
Rua de Baucau, Baucau
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00

Limited services; may handle extensions for those in the eastern region.

Practical information for RS 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 Jun 3
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

The visa on arrival costs $30 USD for a 30-day stay. You must pay in cash — no cards accepted. Have exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel.
You will be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Keep a screenshot or printed copy handy.
No, the visa on arrival is only available at Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport. If you enter by land from Indonesia, you need to arrange a visa beforehand.
The fee must be paid in US dollars (USD). Timor-Leste uses USD as its official currency. Bring small bills — $20s and $10s — and have exact change if possible.
No, travel insurance is not required for entry. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs can be high. A hospital stay can cost hundreds per day.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.