Timor-Leste travel advisory today

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Timor-Leste’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Timor-Leste set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Timor-Leste Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Timor-Leste, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have 2 blank pages.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Timor-Leste for tourism.

You will be issued a single-entry tourism visa, valid for up to 30 days, when you arrive at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, or Dili seaport. The visa costs 30 US dollars, payable only in cash.

Travelling to Oecussi overland

If you plan to travel overland, rather than by ferry, to the exclave of Oecussi, you will need to apply for a separate visa on arrival. This visa is available at the Wini border checkpoint. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa for Oecussi in advance. To do this, you must show your round-trip ticket and complete the required forms at your nearest Timor-Leste embassy or consulate, or at the Office of the Ministry of the Interior in Dili, before you travel.

Entering at the Atambua-Batugade border crossing

If you’re entering Timor-Leste through Indonesia at the Atambua-Batugade border crossing, you can purchase a visa on entry. Alternatively, you can purchase a tourism visa in advance from a Timor-Leste embassy or consulate in either Denpasar or Kupang. These visas are usually single-entry and last for 30 days.

See travel advice for Indonesia for more information.

Extending your tourism visa

You can apply to extend a tourism visa for 30 days. If possible, apply at least 15 days in advance of the tourist visa’s expiry date.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Timor-Leste guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Timor-Leste. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Timor-Leste

If you’re planning on bringing cash or travellers cheques worth 20,000 US dollars or more you must get authorisation from the Central Bank of Timor-Leste before you arrive.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Timor-Leste. It must contain at least one blank page for the placement of a visa.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Work visa: required

Tourist visas

Entering by air or by sea

You can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Dili’s international airport and the Port of Dili. You must pay an entry fee for a visit of up to 30 days. You can apply to extend your visa, for a fee, past the 30-day limit at the Immigration Service in Dili.

Entering by land

If you plan to enter by land, you need to apply in advance for a Visa Application Authorization online, or in person at an Embassy or Consulate of Timor-Leste.

Once at the border, you must present the document. If you meet all of the requirements and pay the fee, you can obtain a single or multiple-entry visa valid for a stay up to 90 days.

There are no currency exchange facilities at Dili’s international airport or at border crossings. Carry the exact amount for the entry fee in cash.

Work or business visas

You must obtain business or work visas in advance.

Useful links

• More about visas - Immigration Service of Timor-Leste
• Apply for a visa extension - Immigration Service of Timor-Leste

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to pay for your stay and departure from the country.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).