Timor-Leste entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport in Dili. This is the simplest way to enter Timor-Leste for tourism or short business visits in 2026 — no prior application needed, just show up with your passport and pay the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Saudi passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months 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 | You get a 30-day visa on arrival at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport in Dili or at the land border crossing from Indonesia. Pay the $30 USD fee in cash — they do not accept cards. Have a passport photo ready.Check visa details | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Timor-Leste | Immigration officers ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting entry. A bus or ferry ticket to Indonesia works if you are leaving overland. Without one, you may be refused boarding by the airline. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation for at least the first few nights. If staying with a local host, carry their contact details and address. Officers rarely check this but ask if you look unprepared. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card with a bank statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to pay for your stay. ATMs exist in Dili but are unreliable outside the capital. | Recommended |
Cash is king
Timor-Leste uses US dollars. Bring small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) — many places can't break $50 or $100 notes. ATMs exist in Dili but can run out of cash.
No visa on arrival at land borders
If you plan to enter Timor-Leste overland from Indonesia (e.g., from Kupang), you must get a visa from a Timorese embassy beforehand. The visa on arrival is only available at Dili Airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Dili Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main immigration booths. Queue there first.
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and $30 USD cash. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
3
Proceed to immigration
After getting the visa, walk to the main immigration counters. Present your passport with the visa sticker. They may ask for your onward ticket and accommodation proof.
4
Collect luggage and exit
Once through immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and exit into the arrivals hall. There's no customs declaration form for most items.
Download Timor-Leste Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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 (approx. $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$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Timor-Leste company.
Multiple entry visa (tourist/business)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Available from embassy; useful for frequent travelers.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. $150 USD) per year
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Timor-Leste employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$50 USD (approx. $50 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Timor-Leste. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investment Visa
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. $500 USD) initial fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Timor-Leste business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD cash upon arrival at Dili airport or land borders. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival extension (30 days)Apply at Immigration Office in Dili before initial 30 days expire. | $35 USD (approx. $35 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration upon departure; avoid overstay to prevent future bans. | $50 USD per day (max cap unknown) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Timor-Leste do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), you must obtain a visa on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different 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; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in some areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is higher in rural areas; consider prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline) if visiting outside Dili.
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 extension fee in USD cash.
Baucau
Immigration Office Baucau
Rua de Baucau, Baucau
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Limited services; best for simple extensions. Call ahead.
Practical information for SA 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
The visa on arrival costs $30 USD for a 30-day stay. You must pay in cash — US dollars are the local currency. Have exact change if possible.
Yes, you can extend your visa once for an additional 30 days. Visit the Immigration Department in Dili (near the port) before your initial 30 days expire. The extension fee is around $35 USD.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But Dili Airport is small — most transits require you to go through immigration anyway. Check with your airline.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the visa on arrival is only available at Dili Airport. If entering by land from Indonesia (Batugade or Mota'ain), you need to arrange a visa in advance at an embassy.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry, but yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended.
No, there is no e-visa system for Timor-Leste. The visa on arrival is the standard method for Saudi citizens.
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.