Timor-Leste entry requirements for Malaysia 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
Malaysian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport and the Dili Seaport. The visa costs US$30 and is valid for up to 30 days. This has been the case since 2025.
Apply for Timor-Leste eVisaOfficial portal: Timor-Leste eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Dili Airport | Get your visa on arrival at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport in Dili. Pay $30 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — they accept US dollars, no credit cards. The visa is valid for 30 days and is not extendable.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Malaysian passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Timor-Leste. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Timor-Leste | Immigration officers at Dili Airport ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they check this before stamping your visa on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Timor-Leste. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $100 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely checks this, but it is better to be prepared. | Recommended |
Cash is king
ATMs are available at Dili Airport and in Dili city, but they can run out of cash. Bring enough USD for your entire stay — especially if you're heading outside Dili where cards are rarely accepted.
Land border entry requires a pre-arranged visa
If you plan to enter Timor-Leste overland from Indonesia (e.g., at Mota'ain), you must have a visa arranged in advance through an embassy or consulate. Visa on arrival is not available at land borders.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Dili Airport or Seaport
At Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after passport control. At the Dili Seaport, the process is similar — look for the immigration desk.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll receive a small arrival card on the plane or at the airport. Fill it out with your personal details, flight number, and accommodation address.
3
Queue at the Visa on Arrival counter
Join the queue at the designated counter. Have your passport, arrival card, and US$30 ready. The officer will process your visa and affix the sticker.
4
Proceed to passport control
After getting your visa sticker, go to the passport control booth. Hand over your passport and arrival card. The officer may ask about your return ticket or accommodation.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
Once stamped, collect your bags from the carousel and exit into the arrivals hall. The whole process usually takes 20–40 minutes.
Download Timor-Leste Entry Checklist
PDF · Malaysia 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 USD
Obtainable on arrival; extension possible once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD
Apply at Timor-Leste embassy abroad; not available on arrival.
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 (processing fee)
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
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$50 USD (processing fee)
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 (processing fee)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Timor-Leste business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
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 fine per dayNo official maximum cap; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel 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
Malaysia passport holders transiting through Timor-Leste do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), a visa on arrival is required.
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-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Typhoid feverModerate 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 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, 2 photos, and extension fee in cash.
Baucau
Immigration Office Baucau
Rua de Baucau, Baucau
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Limited services; best for simple inquiries.
Practical information for MY 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 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 only available at Dili Airport and Dili Seaport. If you enter via a land border (e.g., from Indonesia), you must have a visa arranged in advance. The nearest Indonesian crossing is at Mota'ain (Batugade).
No, the fee is strictly US$30. ATMs at Dili Airport dispense USD, but having exact cash ready is faster. Change may be limited.
Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission. Malaysia is not on that list, so you generally don't need it. Check the latest WHO guidelines before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
No, there is no e-visa system for Timor-Leste. The only option for Malaysian passport holders is the visa on arrival at Dili Airport or Seaport.
No, the visa on arrival is single-entry. If you leave and want to re-enter, you'll need to pay the US$30 fee again.
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.