Timor-Leste entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
UAE passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Timor-Leste — no need to apply in advance. Just arrive at Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport with your passport and you'll be stamped in. This policy is current as of 2026.
Apply for Timor-Leste eVisaOfficial portal: Timor-Leste eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Timor-Leste. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport in Dili will ask to see a confirmed onward ticket. This can be a flight out of Timor-Leste or a ferry ticket to Oecusse or Indonesia. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Have a hotel booking or an invitation letter from a host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but if you arrive without a clear place to stay, they may question your plans. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry at least $100 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards, no ATMs before immigration
The visa-on-arrival counter at Dili Airport only accepts USD cash. There is no ATM before immigration, and they don't give change. Bring the exact USD 30. If you're arriving overland at Batugade, same rule applies.
Overland entry from Indonesia works the same way
If you're crossing from West Timor (Indonesia) at the Batugade border post, you can get the same visa on arrival. Same requirements: USD 30 cash, passport valid 6+ months, return ticket. The border post is small and can be slow — allow an extra hour.
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' — it's a small counter before the main immigration booths.
2
Pay the fee and get your visa
Hand over your passport and USD 30 cash. The officer will issue a visa sticker and stamp you in. This takes about 5–10 minutes.
3
Proceed to immigration
After getting the visa, walk to the immigration counters. Show your passport (now with the visa) and your return ticket if asked. You'll get an entry stamp.
4
Collect luggage and exit
Baggage claim is just past immigration. Grab your bags and walk through customs — usually a quick green channel unless you're carrying something to declare.
Download Timor-Leste Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD (approx. 110 AED)
Obtain on arrival; extension possible at Immigration Office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$50 USD (approx. 184 AED)
Apply at Timor-Leste embassy abroad; not available on arrival.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$40 USD (approx. 147 AED)
Requires invitation letter from Timor-Leste company.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 367 AED)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Timor-Leste employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
investor visa
Investment Visa
2 years, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 734 AED)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Timor-Leste business. Requires business registration and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$50 USD (approx. 184 AED)
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Timor-Leste. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD at Dili airport or land borders. | $30 USD (approx. 110 AED) |
| Visa extension (30 days, once)Apply at Immigration Office in Dili before initial 30 days expire. | $35 USD (approx. 129 AED) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; pay at immigration before departure. | $5 USD (approx. 18 AED) |
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
Transit visa is not required for UAE passport holders transiting through Timor-Leste for up to 24 hours, provided they remain airside.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and nets.
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present in all regions, including Dili. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is strongly recommended.
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
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For visa extensions and overstay payments. Bring passport, visa, and fee in USD.
Practical information for AE 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 visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days by visiting the Immigration Department in Dili (near the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). The extension costs about USD 35 and takes a couple of hours.
Yes, the visa on arrival is also available at the land border crossing at Batugade (from Atambua, Indonesia). The process is the same — USD 30 cash, passport valid 6+ months, and a return ticket. The border post is small, so expect a slower process than at the airport.
There is no ATM before immigration at Dili Airport, and the visa counter does not accept cards or other currencies. You must have USD 30 in cash. If you don't, you won't get the visa. Bring cash from home or withdraw at the airport before you fly (if your departure airport has USD ATMs).
Yes, you can extend once for an additional 30 days. Go to the Immigration Department in Dili (Rua de Caicoli, near the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Bring your passport, a passport photo, and USD 35. It's usually processed the same day.
If you're staying airside and not entering Timor-Leste, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the transit area for any reason (e.g., a long layover), you'll need the visa on arrival.
You will be denied the visa on arrival. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. There is no e-visa or online form to fill out before arrival. Just show up with your passport and cash.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.