Timor-Leste entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Timor-Leste in 2026. The process happens at Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport — have your documents ready and pay the fee at the counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Timor-Leste | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from the day you leave Timor-Leste. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio page as backup. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Dili airport or land borders — $30 USD, 30 days | Hand over $30 USD in cash (exact change preferred) at the immigration counter. You get a 30-day single-entry stamp. The line moves fast — have your boarding pass and passport ready. No photo or form needed.Check visa info | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry — airline checks at departure | Immigration officers at Dili airport ask for proof of onward travel. A return flight or a ticket out of Timor-Leste within 30 days works. Budget airlines like AirAsia enforce this strictly — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Immigration rarely asks, but having a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host speeds things up. If you are staying with a local, get their contact details and address written down. No strict format required. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement showing $100–$200 per day | Officials may ask how you plan to support yourself. Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing available funds. ATMs in Dili are unreliable — bring enough USD for the entire trip. | Recommended |
Cash only at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. No credit cards, no other currencies. Bring USD 30 in small bills — change is rarely available.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Timor-Leste, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Dili Airport
After disembarking, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The queue moves quickly — typically 15–30 minutes.
2
Fill out arrival card
You'll receive a small arrival/departure card on the plane or at the counter. Fill it out with your passport details and accommodation address.
3
Present documents at counter
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card, and USD 30 cash. The officer will process the visa on arrival — a sticker is placed in your passport.
4
Receive visa and proceed
Once processed, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Then head to baggage claim and customs. Total time: usually under 30 minutes.
Download Timor-Leste Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 USD
Obtainable on arrival or in advance at embassy. Extension costs $35.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$50 USD
Available at embassy; allows multiple entries. Extensions possible.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$50 USD
Requires invitation letter from Timor-Leste company.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$100 USD
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Timor-Leste employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$50 USD
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Timor-Leste. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investment Visa
2 years, renewable
$200 USD
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 in a Timor-Leste business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at Dili airport or land borders. | $30 USD |
| Visa on arrival extension (30 days)Apply at Immigration Office in Dili before initial 30 days expire. | $35 USD |
| Overstay finePay at immigration before departure; overstay can lead to detention. | $50 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
South Korea passport holders transiting through Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural areas and during the rainy season (November–April). Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to those regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dili
Timor-Leste Immigration Service (SMI)
Avenida de Portugal, Dili
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photo, and fee.
Baucau
Baucau Immigration Office
Rua de Baucau, Baucau
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles extensions for eastern region. Limited services.
Practical information for KR 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
USD 30 for a 30-day single-entry visa. Only US dollars are accepted — have the exact amount ready. There is no change given, so bring small bills.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
Visa on arrival is available at Dili Airport and the land border with Indonesia (Batugade). The same USD 30 fee applies. Other entry points may not offer visa on arrival — check before traveling overland.
Yes, any onward ticket out of Timor-Leste works — it doesn't have to be a return to South Korea. A flight to Bali, Darwin, or Singapore is fine.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, only cash in US dollars. There is an ATM at Dili Airport, but it may not always work. Bring USD from home.
Not officially required, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation or treatment for serious illness can be very expensive in Timor-Leste.
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.