Timor-Leste entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport. This is the standard way to enter Timor-Leste for tourism or short visits. As of 2026, the process is straightforward — just show up with the right documents and pay the fee at the immigration counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL) or at the Dili seaport. Have $30 USD in cash ready for the single-entry visa (valid 30 days). The immigration officer will issue a visa sticker in your passport — expect a short queue of 10–20 minutes.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Vietnamese 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 |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers in Dili routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. If you don't have one, you may be asked to buy a ticket at the airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Timor-Leste. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $100 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Immigration rarely checks this, but it's safer to carry cash — ATMs in Dili are unreliable. | Recommended |
Cash only — no ATM before immigration
There is no ATM or currency exchange before the immigration counter at Dili Airport. Bring $30 USD in crisp, undamaged bills. Old, torn, or marked notes may be refused.
Visa on arrival only at Dili Airport
If you're entering Timor-Leste by land from Indonesia, you must get a visa from a Timorese embassy or consulate before you travel. The visa-on-arrival facility is only available at the airport.
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'. The queue is usually short — Dili is a small airport.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and your return/onward ticket. Pay the visa fee in US dollars cash. The officer will issue a visa sticker and stamp you in.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. The whole process typically takes 20–40 minutes.
Download Timor-Leste Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 USD
Obtainable on arrival or in advance from embassy. Same as VOA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable once per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD
Available from Timor-Leste embassy in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 60 days
Validity3 months
Cost$40 USD
Requires invitation letter from Timor-Leste company.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (application fee)
For foreigners employed by a Timor-Leste company. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$50 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Timor-Leste. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investment Visa
2 years, renewable
$200 USD (application fee)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 in a Timor-Leste business. Requires business plan and registration.
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 (once, 30 days)Apply at Immigration Office in Dili before initial 30 days expire. | $35 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and possible deportation. | $50 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
Vietnam passport holders transiting through Timor-Leste (Dili Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., overnight layover), you must obtain a visa on arrival.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and sleep under nets.
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present nationwide, 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 Migrasaun Timor-Leste (Immigration Service)
Avenida de Portugal, Dili, Timor-Leste
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, and $35 USD for extension.
Practical information for VN 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 standard fee is $30 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa. Pay in cash at the immigration counter. Bring exact change if possible — officers may not have change for large bills.
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 traveling, such as a visa from a Timorese embassy or consulate.
No pre-approval is needed. Just show up at Dili Airport with your passport, return ticket, and cash. There's no online application or e-visa system for Vietnamese passport holders.
Visa on arrival is only available at Dili Airport. If you're entering overland from Indonesia (e.g., at the Mota'ain border crossing), you must have a visa arranged in advance from a Timorese embassy or consulate.
No. Only US dollars cash are accepted. No credit cards, no other currencies. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — old or torn notes are often refused. There is no ATM before immigration.
The standard visa on arrival grants a 30-day stay. The exact duration is stamped in your passport at immigration. Overstaying can result in fines.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), the completed arrival card (distributed on the plane), your return or onward flight booking (screenshot is fine), and $30 USD cash. Having your first night's hotel booking handy is a good backup.
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.