Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to plan your trip to Timor-Leste (East Timor): visa requirements, flights, getting around, accommodation, health, safety, and essential travel tips.
Is Timor-Leste right for you?
We'd rather you arrive with the right expectations than the wrong ones. Timor-Leste is raw, real, and still finding its feet as a destination — and for the right traveller, that is exactly the appeal.
You'll love it here if you…
- Want reefs and trails without the crowds — often you’ll have them to yourself
- Travel for culture and nature, not resorts and nightlife
- Don’t mind rough roads, simple guesthouses, and occasional cold showers
- Like meeting people more than ticking off attractions
- Are happy to slow down and let plans flex around the weather and the ferry
It might not be for you (yet) if you…
- Expect polished infrastructure, fast Wi-Fi, and lots of choice everywhere
- Want every hour planned to a fixed, guaranteed schedule
- Rely on international chain hotels and ATMs on every corner outside Dili
- Need step-free access — many of the best sites are remote, steep, or reached by boat
If that sounds like you, Timor-Leste will reward you — the rest is straightforward to plan.
Visas & Documentation
Entry requirements for Timor-Leste depend on your nationality and the type of passport you hold. Many travellers are visa-exempt, while everyone else can obtain a visa on arrival.
Visa Exemption — Ordinary Passports
Ordinary passport holders from the following countries and territories may visit Timor-Leste without a visa for short stays:
- Europe — All 29 Schengen Area countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
- Southeast Asia (ASEAN) — Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
- Africa — Cabo Verde.
Special Passports
Separate arrangements apply to holders of diplomatic, official, service and other special passports:
- Holders of a diplomatic, official or service passport of Brunei, Cambodia, Cuba, Mainland China or the Philippines may enter without a visa for up to 30 days.
- Diplomatic passport holders of Angola and Vietnam may enter without a visa for up to 30 days.
- Mainland China passport holders whose passport is endorsed for “public affairs” may enter without a visa for up to 30 days.
- Holders of a United Nations or Interpol passport may enter without a visa for up to 90 days.
Visa on Arrival
All other nationalities and passport holders not listed above must apply for a visa on arrival when they enter Timor-Leste. Travellers arriving by air at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili can generally obtain a 30-day visa on arrival for USD $30 (cash only).
For a visa on arrival you will typically need:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Return or onward ticket
- Visa fee of USD $30 (cash only)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or address)
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area
All incoming passengers must complete the Timor-Leste e-Declaration Form online up to 5 days before departure. A QR code will be generated; print it or have it ready on your device for Immigration and Customs on arrival.
Step-by-step arrival card guideTourist visas issued on arrival are valid for 30 days and can be extended in Dili up to a total stay of 90 days.
International Border Gates
- Airport: Nicolau Lobato International Airport, Dili
- Sea Ports: Dili Port and Tibar Bay Port
- Land Ports: Batugede (Mota Ain), Salele (Mota Masin), Sakato, and Bobometa
International Flights
Direct flights connect Dili to major cities across the region.
Routes and airlines can change seasonally. Check carriers directly before booking. · Last verified August 11, 2026
Travel Essentials
Practical information to help you make the most of your visit.
Currency & Money
The US Dollar is the official currency (note: $1 bills are not accepted). Timor-Leste centavo coins circulate alongside US banknotes. ATMs are available in Dili and major towns at banks and some supermarkets. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at major businesses, but carry sufficient cash when travelling outside Dili. Major currencies can be exchanged at local banks.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season (May–November) is warm and sunny, ideal for travel and trekking. October–December is whale watching season. The wet season (November–April) brings lush green landscapes and warm waters for diving, though rural roads may become impassable. Temperatures hover 25–33°C on the coast; the highlands are cooler, so pack warm layers for Mount Ramelau.
Safety & Health
Peaceful and stable since 2008, Timor-Leste is one of Asia's safest and least-crowded destinations. In independent visitor surveys, 94% rated their personal safety as good or very good. Health services are limited outside Dili, so consult your doctor regarding vaccinations before visiting. Timor-Leste was certified malaria-free by WHO in July 2025, but dengue remains a risk, so apply repellent and cover up. Bring a good medical kit and stay hydrated (25–35°C). Be aware of crocodiles near the coast (except Atauro) and strong ocean currents at dive/snorkel sites. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential.
Getting Around
Hiring a vehicle and driver through a tour operator is recommended for flexible, comfortable travel. Roads outside Dili can be rough. In Dili, taxis are plentiful during daylight ($3–$6), and blue metered taxis run 24 hours. Colourful microlets run set routes. Ferries connect Ataúro Island and Oecusse. See the detailed transport section below.
Language
Tetun and Portuguese are official languages. Indonesian is widely understood. English is spoken at hotels and by tour operators in Dili but less common in rural areas. Learning basic Tetun greetings (bondia, obrigadu) goes a long way.
SIM Cards & Internet
Bring an unlocked phone and buy a local SIM card and credit on arrival or in Dili. Mobile coverage is generally good in main centres, while reception and internet speeds can be patchy in remote areas. Wi-Fi is available at many hotels, but speeds are often slow.
Power & Plugs
Timor-Leste uses Type C, E, and F plugs (European-style, 220V). Bring a universal adapter. Power outages can occur outside Dili, so a portable battery pack is useful.
Water & Food Safety
Drink bottled or filtered water only. Ice at reputable restaurants is usually safe. Street food is generally fine in Dili, but use common sense. Outside the capital, eat at guesthouses or established eateries.
Transport Options
From city taxis to ferries between municipalities, here's how to navigate Timor-Leste.
Taxis
Taxis are common in Dili during daylight hours. City fares range $3–$6 depending on distance. Yellow taxis require fare negotiation before travel. Blue taxis (+670 774 7777) operate 24 hours with meters. From the airport, expect at least $15; fixed prices are posted for each area.
Buses & Microlets
Ornate, vividly painted buses run daily from Dili to Maliana, Suai, and via Baucau to Viqueque and Lospalos. Most leave early morning once full. In Dili, numbered microlets run set routes: hail one from the roadside and tap a coin on the handrail to stop. Departure points: Becora (east), Taibessi (central/south), Tasi Tolu (west). See all 13 routes on the interactive Dili microlet map.
Boats & Ferries
APORTIL runs three passenger ferries from Dili: Berlin Ramelau (Dili–Oecusse, Tue/Fri, $8), Berlin Nakroma (Dili–Atauro, Wed/Thu/Sat/Sun, $4), and Success (Dili–Atauro Tue/Fri $5, Dili–Oecusse Sun/Wed $10). See the full timetable, ports, and tips on the Ferries page. Jaco Island is reached by small boat from Valu Beach ($10/person return).
Domestic Flights
MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) operates scheduled flights 2–3 times weekly to Atauro Island, Baucau, Lospalos, Maliana, Same, Suai, and Viqueque, plus charter flights.
Public Holidays 2026
Government offices, banks, and many businesses close on public holidays. Islamic dates may vary.
Useful Numbers
Emergency services, medical facilities, and essential contacts for travellers.
Get in Touch
Have questions about visiting Timor-Leste? Our team can help with itineraries, local recommendations, and practical advice.
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Check out our suggested itineraries for 3, 5, 7, and 10-day trips across Timor-Leste.