Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to visit Timor-Leste?

Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival (VOA) at Dili's Nicolau Lobato Airport or Dili's seaport for USD 30, valid for 30 days. Citizens of Schengen countries (including Portugal), Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand enter visa-free for 30 days. The visa can be extended once for another 30 days (USD 40 fee). Land border crossings require prior visa authorisation for most nationalities. See our Plan Your Trip guide for more entry details.

How much does the Timor-Leste visa cost?

The visa on arrival costs USD 30 and is valid for 30 days. It can be extended once for an additional 30 days at a cost of USD 40 — extensions should be requested at least 15 days before your visa expires. A transit visa costs USD 20 and is valid for under 3 days.

How do I get to Timor-Leste?

The main entry point is Dili's Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL). Airlines serving Dili include Qantas and Airnorth from Darwin (Australia), Batik Air Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur, Citilink from Bali, and Aero Dili from Singapore. There is no regular ferry from Kupang (Indonesia) — overland bus takes around 12 hours and costs about USD 25. Once you arrive, explore our destinations guide to plan where to go.

What currency is used in Timor-Leste?

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are available in Dili and accept Visa cards (not Mastercard) with a USD 7 fee and a USD 300 per-transaction limit. Outside Dili, ATMs are rare or non-existent — bring plenty of cash. Credit cards are only accepted at larger hotels, dive operators, and some tour companies. Bring small denomination notes for markets and transport.

Is there malaria in Timor-Leste?

No. In July 2025, the World Health Organization officially certified Timor-Leste as malaria-free — making it only the third country in Southeast Asia to achieve this status, after the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Anti-malarial medication is no longer required. However, dengue fever and chikungunya remain present year-round, so use insect repellent and wear long sleeves, especially at dawn and dusk.

What vaccinations do I need for Timor-Leste?

The CDC recommends Hepatitis A (strongly advised), Hepatitis B, Typhoid (especially if travelling outside Dili), and Rabies pre-exposure vaccination. Routine vaccines — MMR, COVID-19, flu, and polio — should be up to date. Note: there is currently an active rabies alert in Timor-Leste with limited local vaccine supply. Avoid contact with stray animals, and any bite or scratch requires immediate evacuation for treatment. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential.

When is the best time to visit Timor-Leste?

The dry season runs from May to November and is the best time to visit. June to October offers the most reliable weather, passable roads, and excellent diving visibility. September is peak season for whale shark sightings, while October brings pygmy blue whale migrations through the Ombai Strait. The wet season (December to April) brings heavy rain and limited access to remote areas. Browse our activities to plan around seasonal highlights.

What languages are spoken in Timor-Leste?

The official languages are Tetum and Portuguese. Bahasa Indonesia is widely spoken by all generations, and English is understood in Dili, at hotels, dive operators, and by younger people. Outside of Dili, English is rarely spoken — knowing a few words of Tetum or Indonesian is very helpful. There are also 37 indigenous local languages spoken across the country.

Is Timor-Leste good for diving?

Timor-Leste is one of the world's premier dive destinations, located within the Coral Triangle. The reefs host over 600 coral species, 2,000+ reef fish species, and six species of sea turtle. Top sites near Dili include Dili Rock, Tasi Tolu (excellent for muck diving), and The Cave. Atauro Island offers some of the best wall diving in Southeast Asia. Water temperature stays between 26–28°C year-round. See all water activities for dive operators and tour options.

Is Timor-Leste safe for tourists?

Timor-Leste is generally safe for tourists. There is no active armed conflict and the political situation is stable. Low-level tensions exist in some areas, so avoid large gatherings and political demonstrations. In Dili, women should avoid walking alone at night and use pre-arranged transport rather than street taxis after dark. Roads outside Dili are poor — a 4WD is recommended for travel to the districts. Read our travel planning guide for practical safety tips.

Is there internet and mobile coverage in Timor-Leste?

Yes. Three mobile operators — Timor Telecom, Telemor, and Telkomcel — provide 4G LTE coverage across all 13 municipalities and about 90% of the territory. A local SIM card costs around USD 1 and data is affordable (roughly USD 1 for 24 hours). Buying a local SIM is far cheaper than international roaming. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels in Dili but speeds can be slow. Coverage in very remote mountain areas may be limited.

How do I get around Timor-Leste?

In Dili, taxis are the most practical option — negotiate the fare before you get in. Mikrolet (shared minivans) run between towns at very low cost (e.g. Dili to Baucau is about USD 5). For the districts, a 4WD is essential as many roads are unpaved. 4WD hire costs around USD 85/day, motorbikes USD 25–35/day. An international driving licence is required. Check our destinations guide for access tips per region.

What is the food like in Timor-Leste?

Timorese cuisine reflects Portuguese, Indonesian, and indigenous influences. Local dishes include Batar Da'an (corn, pumpkin and beans), Ikan Sabuko (mackerel in tamarind and chilli), Tukir (slow-cooked marinated meat in bamboo), and Bibinka (grilled coconut cake). Seafood is excellent and shrimp is considered a national delicacy. Dili has a range of international restaurants. Timor-Leste's organic coffee is world-class. Find restaurants and local businesses on our businesses directory.

Where can I stay in Timor-Leste?

Dili has the widest range of accommodation, from hostel dorms (around USD 15/bed) and guesthouses (USD 15–35/night) to mid-range and business hotels. Atauro Island has dedicated dive resorts. Outside Dili, expect simple guesthouses or camping. Always carry cash when travelling outside Dili as card payments are not accepted. Browse our accommodation listings to find options by municipality and type.