Timor-Leste entry requirements for Senegal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Senegalese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Timor-Leste. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry process for Senegalese travellers.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 30-day visa on arrival at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL) in Dili. Pay $30 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — no ATM at the visa counter. Have a passport photo ready; if you don't have one, they'll charge an extra $5 USD.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date in Timor-Leste. Airlines at departure check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Dili airport ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host in Timor-Leste. Officers rarely ask, but having it printed saves time if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Timor-Leste uses USD as its official currency — bring small bills ($1, $5, $10) for daily expenses. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. There are no ATMs or card terminals before immigration. Bring $30 USD in small bills to avoid issues.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Timor-Leste, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Dili Airport
After landing at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL), follow signs to the immigration hall. There's a dedicated visa-on-arrival counter before the main passport control booths.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll be given a small arrival/departure card on the plane or at the counter. Fill it out with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card, and $30 USD cash. The officer will process your visa on arrival — this usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Receive visa sticker and proceed
The officer will stamp a visa sticker into your passport. Check that the validity dates are correct before walking away. Then proceed to passport control for entry.
Download Timor-Leste Entry Checklist
PDF · Senegal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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 date
Cost$30 USD
Apply at Timor-Leste embassy or consulate abroad; same cost as VoA but pre-approved.
Business Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 USD
Requires invitation letter from Timor-Leste company; can be extended.
Multiple Entry Visa (business/tourism)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$50 USD
Available from Timor-Leste embassies; allows multiple entries within validity.
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. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
$50 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
$200 USD (application fee)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Timor-Leste. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at Dili airport or land borders. | $30 USD |
| Visa on Arrival extension (additional 30 days)Apply at Immigration Office in Dili before initial 30 days expire. | $35 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap; fines accumulate daily until departure. | $10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Senegal passport holders transiting through Timor-Leste (e.g., at Dili Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the transit area, a Visa on Arrival is required.
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., Senegal). Must present certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
TyphoidModerate 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
Servisu Imigrasaun Timor-Leste (Immigration Service)
Avenida de Portugal, Farol, Dili
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and fee.
Baucau
Immigration Office Baucau
Rua de Baucau, Baucau
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Limited services; best for simple extensions or inquiries.
Practical information for SN 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 the 30-day visa on arrival once for an additional 30 days. Go to the Immigration Department in Dili (near the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) before your initial visa expires. The extension fee is around $35 USD. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the fee in cash.
Visa on arrival is also available at the land border crossings with Indonesia (Batugade and Mota'ain). The process is the same — $30 USD, valid passport, and onward ticket. However, these crossings are less busy, so bring exact change and be prepared for a slower process.
No. Only US dollars are accepted at the visa counter. There are no ATMs or currency exchange desks before immigration. Bring $30 USD in cash — ideally small bills.
Timor-Leste requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission. Senegal is not on that list, so you generally don't need it. But if you've recently travelled to an affected country, carry your vaccination card.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Timor-Leste immigration. No exceptions. Renew your passport before travelling.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at Dili Airport, the Port of Dili (for sea arrivals), and the land borders with Indonesia. The same $30 fee and 30-day validity apply everywhere.
No. Timor-Leste does not offer an e-visa for Senegalese passport holders. The only option is visa on arrival at the border.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.