Getting to Timor Leste
Entering Timor Leste
There are currently no nationalities that will be denied entry to Timor Leste; likewise there are no stamps in your passport that will prevent you from entering. Visas can be obtained on arrival through the airport. The cost is 30 USD for 30 days, which is payable in cash on arrival at Dili International Airport. Some countries are exempt and its best to check . Extensions on tourist visas can be obtained for up to 3 months.
By Air
Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili is the main international airport for East Timor. Major international airlines that serve Díli directly include:
From Darwin: Airnorth flies daily to Dili from Darwin and with their new jet that can do the short trip in just 1 hour. Divers are encouraged to let them know of any excess luggage (cameras and dive gear) as there is a 20 kg limit. Email: reservations@airnorth.com.au
From Singapore: Air Timor flies three times per week between Singapore and Dili.
From Bali: Air Timor flies daily between Bali and Dili. Sriwijaya Air flies daily between Bali and Dili
Please note: If taking a taxi from the airport to Dive Timor Lorosae tell the driver to drop you at Castaway bar (Our restaurant) as sometimes the local taxi drivers don’t know about Dive Timor but everyone knows Castaway’s!
By Land
Overland travellers departing from Kupang, West Timor’s main city, need to first apply for a letter from the Timor Leste consulate that allows them to get a visa at the border. Then they can take an eight-hour bus that drops them at Motoain, and walk 200 metres across the border to get to Timor Leste’s border town of Batugade. From Batugade to Díli is a four-hour ride by bus. Buses to and from Díli stop running by mid-afternoon, so don’t get caught at the border where there are no places to stay.
From Dili to Indonesia you will need an Indonesian visa before crossing the border into West Timor. These are obtainable from the Indonesian embassy in Dili. Alternatively there is a through-bus service offered by two companies: Timor Tour & Travel and Paradise Travel – both operate a daily service between Díli and Kupang which takes 12 hours in an air-conditioned mini bus. Make sure you call in advance to make your booking.
- Timor Tour & Travel: calling from Díli +670 333 1014 / calling from Kupang +62 0380 881 543
- Paradise Travel: calling from Díli +670 728 6673 / calling from Kupang +62 0394 471 543
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