Timor-Leste entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Timor-Leste. This is the standard entry method for tourists and short-term visitors. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport.
Apply for Timor-Leste eVisaOfficial portal: Timor-Leste eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL) in Dili. Pay $30 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — they don't accept cards. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready at the visa counter.Check visa details | Required |
| 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 validity from the day you leave Timor-Leste. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Dili airport ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have handy | Visa officers may ask for your hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host. A printed confirmation or a screenshot on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have handy | Carry at least $100 USD in cash or show a bank statement on your phone. Immigration rarely checks, but it's better to have it ready. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is the standard entry method
There is no need to apply for a visa before traveling. Just show up at Dili Airport or a land border with your passport, $30 USD, and a return ticket. The process takes about 15-20 minutes.
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in USD cash. There are no ATMs before immigration, and credit cards are not accepted. Bring $30 USD in good condition (no torn or old bills).
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Dili Airport
After landing at Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's a dedicated queue for visa on arrival.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll be given a small arrival card on the plane or at the immigration counter. Fill it out with your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address.
3
Present documents at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card, and return/onward ticket. The officer will process your visa on arrival. Payment is in USD — have cash ready (exact amount).
4
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival fee is $30 USD for a 30-day stay. Pay in cash — credit cards are not accepted. Keep the receipt.
5
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker to a blank page in your passport. Check that the dates are correct before leaving the counter.
6
Proceed to passport control
After getting your visa, join the passport control queue. The officer will stamp your passport. You're now cleared to enter Timor-Leste.
Download Timor-Leste Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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 date
Cost$30 USD
Obtainable on arrival or in advance from embassy.
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$30 USD
Requires invitation letter from Timor-Leste company.
Multiple entry visa (tourist/business)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$50 USD
Available from embassy; not issued on arrival.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx.)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Timor-Leste employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$50 USD (approx.)
For enrolled students at recognized educational institutions in Timor-Leste. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investment Visa
2 years, renewable
$200 USD (approx.)
For investors making a significant economic contribution. Requires business registration and investment proof.
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 extension (30 days, once only)Apply at Immigration Office in Dili before initial 30 days expire. | $35 USD (approx.) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No maximum cap mentioned officially; avoid overstay. | $5 USD per day |
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL) do not require 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent throughout the country, especially during rainy season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in all areas, including Dili; prophylaxis recommended.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Timor-Leste, including urban areas. 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, Timor-Leste
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Practical information for MG 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 visa on arrival for Timor-Leste costs $30 USD for a 30-day stay. You must pay in cash — credit cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to speed things up.
Yes, you can extend your visa once you're in Timor-Leste. Visit the Immigration Department in Dili (near the airport). Extensions are typically granted for an additional 30 days and cost around $30 USD. Start the process before your initial visa expires.
Yes, you must have a confirmed return or onward ticket. Immigration may ask to see it. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable, but a printed copy is even better.
You will be denied the visa on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, the visa on arrival is also available at the land border crossings with Indonesia (Batugade and Mota'ain). The same $30 USD fee and 30-day validity apply. The process is similar to the airport.
No, travel insurance is not a legal requirement for the visa on arrival. However, it's strongly recommended because medical facilities in Timor-Leste are basic and evacuation to Australia or Indonesia can be very expensive.
Overstaying your visa in Timor-Leste incurs a fine of $30 USD per day. You'll need to pay this at the immigration office before leaving the country. Avoid overstaying — it's costly and can cause problems with future travel.
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.