Destinations / Timor-Leste
Driving in Timor-Leste as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Timor-Leste drives on the left; an IDP is recommended with your home licence, and rural roads are rough and often unsealed.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Timor-Leste expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 60 km/h open roads |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | Local rules |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in USD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Rough, mountainous roads outside Dili. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Timor-Leste
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold mainly in Dili and larger towns; stations are attended, often cash-based though many in Dili now take major cards, and stocks thin out fast in rural areas. Fill up before any cross-country drive.
After a crash
Dial 112 for police, ambulance or fire; report any injury or serious crash to the police (PNTL) and leave the vehicles in place until officers attend. Keep a copy of the report for insurance or rental claims.
Sources: tyremap.com · internationaldriversassociation.com · adcidl.com · internationaltravelpermits.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Timor-Leste?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Timor-Leste drives on the left; an IDP is recommended with your home licence, and rural roads are rough and often unsealed.
Which translation format is used for Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Timor-Leste ask for a translation?
Dili desks request an IDP; 4x4 advised outside the capital.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Timor-Leste?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Asia
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.