Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to visit Timor-Leste?

Most nationalities can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival (VOA) for USD 30, paid in US dollar cash, at Dili's Nicolau Lobato Airport or Dili Seaport. Citizens of Schengen countries (including Portugal) enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and citizens of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism. Everyone must file an online arrival declaration before travelling. The visa can be extended once for another 30 days (USD 40 fee). For land borders, the Immigration Service says the VOA is issued at official posts, but some government travel advice still recommends getting a visa in advance, so check before crossing. See our Visa & Immigration guide for more entry details. For other essentials before you go (currency, plugs, time zone, phone code), see our Timor-Leste facts page.

How much does the Timor-Leste visa cost?

The visa on arrival costs USD 30 and is valid for 30 days. It can be extended once for an additional 30 days at a cost of USD 40 — extensions should be requested at least 15 days before your visa expires. A transit visa costs USD 20 and is valid for a stay of up to 72 hours.

How do I get to Timor-Leste?

The main entry point is Dili's Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL). Direct flights currently come from Darwin (Qantas, Airnorth and Aero Dili), Bali (Citilink and Aero Dili) and Kuala Lumpur (Batik Air and Aero Dili), and Aero Dili lists a Sunday flight from Singapore as of October 2026 (the route was suspended in April 2026, so check with the airline before booking). Schedules change seasonally, so confirm on the airlines' own websites. You can also travel overland from Kupang in Indonesian West Timor, crossing at Mota'ain–Batugade; check the land-border visa rules before you go. For connections from your region, see our guide on how to get to Timor-Leste; once you arrive, explore our destinations guide to plan where to go.

What currency is used in Timor-Leste?

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are available in Dili and accept Visa cards (not Mastercard) with a USD 7 fee and a USD 300 per-transaction limit. Outside Dili, ATMs are rare or non-existent — bring plenty of cash. Credit cards are only accepted at larger hotels, dive operators, and some tour companies. Bring small denomination notes for markets and transport. See our Timor-Leste money guide for ATMs, coins and daily costs.

Is there malaria in Timor-Leste?

No. On 24 July 2025 the World Health Organization certified Timor-Leste as malaria-free — the third country in WHO's South-East Asia Region to achieve this, after the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Most travellers no longer need antimalarial tablets, but some advice pages have not yet been updated, so confirm with your travel doctor. Dengue and chikungunya remain present year-round, so use insect repellent and wear long sleeves, especially at dawn and dusk.

What vaccinations do I need for Timor-Leste?

The CDC recommends Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Typhoid for most travellers, Japanese encephalitis for long stays or rural travel, and suggests considering pre-exposure rabies vaccination. Routine vaccines — including MMR (measles), polio and COVID-19 — should be up to date. Rabies cases in humans have risen since 2024 and the CDC reports a rabies vaccine shortage in Timor-Leste; Australia's Smartraveller warns that treatment after a bite may require urgent travel to Australia. Avoid contact with dogs and other animals, and if bitten or scratched, wash the wound and get medical help immediately. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential.

When is the best time to visit Timor-Leste?

The dry season runs from May to November and is the best time to visit. June to October offers the most reliable weather, passable roads, and excellent diving visibility. Whale season runs from October to December, when pygmy blue whales and other species migrate through the Ombai-Wetar Strait. The wet season (roughly December to April on the north coast, and longer on the south coast) brings heavy rain and limited access to remote areas. See our month-by-month weather guide and browse our activities to plan around seasonal highlights.

What languages are spoken in Timor-Leste?

The official languages are Tetum and Portuguese. Bahasa Indonesia is widely spoken by all generations, and English is understood in Dili, at hotels, dive operators, and by younger people. Outside of Dili, English is rarely spoken — knowing a few words of Tetum or Indonesian is very helpful. There are also 37 indigenous local languages spoken across the country.

Is Timor-Leste good for diving?

Timor-Leste is one of the world's premier dive destinations, located within the Coral Triangle. The reefs host over 600 coral species, 2,000+ reef fish species, and six species of sea turtle. Top sites near Dili include Dili Rock, Tasi Tolu (excellent for muck diving), and The Cave. Atauro Island offers some of the best wall diving in Southeast Asia. Water temperature stays between 26–28°C year-round. See all water activities for dive operators and tour options.

Is Timor-Leste safe for tourists?

Most visits are trouble-free, but take normal precautions seriously: as of October 2026, Australia and Canada advise a high degree of caution and the US increased caution (level 2 of 4), because of crime, occasional unrest and limited healthcare. Gang fights and robberies happen mostly at night, and demonstrations can turn violent — avoid crowds and protests, particularly around Comoro, Becora and Tasi Tolu in Dili. Harassment of women has been reported: avoid walking alone at night and use transport booked through your hotel rather than street taxis after dark. Roads outside Dili are poor — a 4WD is recommended for travel to the municipalities. For more detail, read our guide Is Timor-Leste safe? and our health and safety guide.

Is there internet and mobile coverage in Timor-Leste?

Yes. Three mobile operators — Telemor, Timor Telecom and Telkomcel — sell prepaid SIM cards in Dili and most municipal capitals (Telemor and Timor Telecom also offer eSIMs). A SIM costs about USD 1 and must be registered with your passport, and a week of data costs from about USD 1–5 (for example, 5 GB for 7 days for USD 1 at Timor Telecom). Buying a local SIM is far cheaper than international roaming. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels in Dili but speeds can be slow. Coverage varies a lot outside Dili, especially in mountain valleys and on the south coast. See our SIM card and internet guide for prices and where to buy.

How do I get around Timor-Leste?

In Dili, taxis are the most practical option — negotiate the fare before you get in. Mikrolet (shared minivans) run between towns at very low cost (e.g. Dili to Baucau is about USD 5). For the districts, a 4WD is essential as many roads are unpaved. 4WD hire costs around USD 85/day, motorbikes USD 25–35/day. An international driving licence is required. Check our destinations guide for access tips per region.

What is the food like in Timor-Leste?

Timorese cuisine reflects Portuguese, Indonesian, and indigenous influences. Local dishes include Batar Da'an (corn, pumpkin and beans), Ikan Sabuko (mackerel in tamarind and chilli), Tukir (slow-cooked marinated meat in bamboo), and Bibinka (grilled coconut cake). Seafood is excellent and shrimp is considered a national delicacy. Dili has a range of international restaurants. Timor-Leste's organic coffee is world-class. Find restaurants and local businesses on our businesses directory.

Where can I stay in Timor-Leste?

Dili has the widest range of accommodation, from hostel dorms (around USD 15/bed) and guesthouses (USD 15–35/night) to mid-range and business hotels. Atauro Island has dedicated dive resorts. Outside Dili, expect simple guesthouses or camping. Always carry cash when travelling outside Dili as card payments are not accepted. Browse our accommodation listings to find options by municipality and type.