Timor-Leste entry requirements for Tanzania 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
Tanzanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Timor-Leste. Just show up at Dili's Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport with your documents and pay the fee in cash. No need to apply in advance.
Apply for Timor-Leste eVisaOfficial portal: Timor-Leste eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Tanzanian passport holders get a visa on arrival at Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport in Dili. Pay $30 USD in cash for a 30-day single-entry visa. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready at the counter. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | 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 Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers in Dili ask for a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Budget airlines flying into Timor-Leste also check this at departure. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers may ask for a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host in Timor-Leste. A printed booking confirmation from Booking.com or Agoda works fine. If staying with friends, have their contact details and address written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Timor-Leste is a cash economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside Dili. ATMs exist but are unreliable. | Recommended |
Cash is king — bring USD
ATMs in Timor-Leste are scarce and unreliable. You'll need US dollars cash for the visa fee ($30), accommodation, transport, and food. Bring enough for your entire stay. No cards accepted at immigration.
Yellow fever certificate required if coming from Tanzania
If you're flying directly from Tanzania or have transited through a yellow fever endemic country, you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
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' or 'Immigration' — it's a small airport, easy to navigate.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Join the line at the visa on arrival counter. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and $30 USD cash ready. The officer will process your visa and affix the sticker.
3
Pay the fee and receive your visa
Pay $30 USD in cash. You'll get a visa sticker in your passport valid for 30 days. Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
4
Proceed to passport control
After getting your visa, go to the immigration officer for entry stamping. They may ask about your accommodation and return plans. Answer clearly and politely.
5
Collect luggage and exit
Once stamped in, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. You're in Timor-Leste.
Download Timor-Leste Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD
Same as visa on arrival; apply at embassy or on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per visit)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Available at embassy; allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD
Requires invitation letter; extension possible at immigration office.
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 USD in Timor-Leste. Requires business registration and investment proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD at Dili airport; valid for 30 days, non-extendable. | $30 USD |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap reported; overstay may lead to deportation and ban. | $10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Tanzania passport holders transiting through Timor-Leste do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, 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 (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher in rainy season (November–April).
MalariaModerate risk
Present in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to limited sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in rural areas; consider prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline) for extended stays or rural travel.
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
Handles visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Baucau
Immigration Office Baucau
Rua de Baucau, Baucau
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Limited services; may refer to Dili for complex issues.
Practical information for TZ 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 costs $30 USD for a 30-day stay. You must pay in cash — US dollars only. No credit or debit cards accepted. Bring exact change if possible.
Yes, you can extend your visa once you're in Timor-Leste. Visit the Immigration Department in Dili (near the Ministry of Justice). Extensions are typically granted for 30 days and cost around $30 USD. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Visa on arrival is also available at the land border with Indonesia (Batugade checkpoint). The same $30 USD fee applies. The process is similar — have your passport, return ticket, and cash ready.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Tanzania), you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the WHO yellow card.
Technically, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. If you don't have a ticket, you might be questioned or denied entry. It's safest to have a refundable onward ticket or a bus/ferry booking out of the country.
ATMs exist in Dili but are unreliable and often run out of cash. They dispense US dollars. Bring enough USD cash for your entire stay — especially for the visa fee, accommodation, and transport. Credit cards are accepted only at upscale hotels and restaurants.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined $30 USD per day of overstay, payable at the Immigration Department or at the airport before departure. Avoid it by tracking your entry date and applying for an extension if needed.
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.