Timor-Leste entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can visit Timor-Leste visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa is needed for tourism or business visits. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Timor-Leste. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Timor-Leste | Immigration officers at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely ask, but if you arrive without a clear place to stay, they may question your plans. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to around $500 USD for shorter stays. Immigration doesn't always check, but budget airlines flying into Dili sometimes ask at check-in. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Timor-Leste. If it expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry. Check your passport now.
No visa needed, but keep documents ready
You don't need a visa, but immigration may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Have them accessible on your phone or printed.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL)
Most visitors fly into Dili's main airport. After landing, follow signs to Immigration. There's usually one queue for all foreign passports.
2
Present your documents at the immigration counter
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and your return/onward ticket. The officer may also ask for your hotel address. Answer clearly and politely.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa-free entry valid for up to 90 days. Check the stamp says the correct duration before leaving the counter.
4
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually straightforward — declare any items if required.
Download Timor-Leste Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already available)
Swiss passport holders do not need a visa for 90 days. For longer stays, apply for a visa at the embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already available)
Not needed for standard visits. For multiple entries, apply at embassy.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already available)
Swiss passport holders can enter visa-free for business. For longer stays, apply for a business visa.
work visa
Trabalhador Estrangeiro (Foreign Worker Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For Swiss nationals employed by a Timor-Leste company. Requires a job offer and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable annually
~$50 USD (processing fee)
For Swiss nationals enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Timor-Leste. Requires proof of enrollment and funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Visto de Reforma)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For Swiss nationals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay without work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not applicable for visa-free stays; if needed for longer stay, apply at embassy. | Free (visa-free entry applies) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not applicable for visa-free stays; if needed for longer stay, apply at embassy. | Free (visa-free entry applies) |
| Overstay fineOverstaying the 90-day limit incurs a fine. Pay at immigration before departure. | $10 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Swiss passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL) in Dili. However, if leaving the airport, visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days.
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 mosquito nets.
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
TyphoidModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food and water; practice good hygiene and consider vaccination.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present in all regions, 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
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Baucau
Immigration Office Baucau
Rua de Baucau, Baucau
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Regional office for visa-related services. Limited hours; call ahead.
Practical information for CH 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
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Timor-Leste and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your 90 days expire.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced from your date of entry.
If you are transiting and will not leave the airport, you generally do not need a visa. However, if you plan to enter the country (even for a few hours), the visa-free rules apply.
No, Swiss passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 90 days. There is no need to apply for a visa on arrival.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Travel insurance is recommended but not mandatory.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa before traveling.
The official currency is the US dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants, but cash is king in smaller shops and markets.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.