COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Timor-Leste (16 July Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• Foreign nationals are not allowed to enter the country except for essential travel.

• Members of bilateral cooperation agencies and international organizations, diplomatic personnel, workers of the petroleum sector, medical emergencies, or others approved by the government may be allowed to enter.

• All arrivals must get prior approval from the Ministry of Health.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• Travellers exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms may be tested upon arrival.

• Health screening measures are in place at all the entry ports including airports.

Is a test certificate accepted?

• Yes

• Negative test certificates issued outside of Timor-Leste are accepted. Certificates must be in Bahasa, English, or Portuguese.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• Anyone arriving in Timor-Leste must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued within 120 hours prior to departure from the first embarkation point.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• Travellers entering Timor-Leste are required to enter quarantine for 14 days either at a government facility or at a residence pre-approved by the government. Travellers will be permitted to exit quarantine subject to obtaining a negative result on a COVID-19 test performed at the end of the 14-day period.

• Fully vaccinated travellers who hold a valid vaccination certificate against COVID-19 may be exempted from the 14-day quarantine. However, travellers coming from or with a travel history in the countries with a reported presence of the Delta variant of COVID-19 will have to undergo quarantine at least for 5 days. They will be allowed to end their quarantine after testing negative for COVID-19.

• Based on the above restrictions, the traveller will be either exempted from quarantine or required to enter quarantine for a maximum period of 14 days, depending on their vaccination status. However, the maximum days of quarantine may extend beyond 14 days if the traveller continues to test positive.

Vaccination Required

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

Insurance required?

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Entry form required?

• No with exceptions

• Arrivals are not required to fill any entry form upon arrival unless they have COVID-19 symptoms.

Airline restrictions

• Significant

• Commercial flights to and from Timor-Leste are prohibited. Cargo flights, diplomatic, emergency, and medical evacuation flights are allowed to operate.

Border restrictions

• Significant

• The Government of Timor-Leste has extended the temporary closure of airports, ports, and land borders until 31 July. Exemptions apply for diplomats, medical evacuations, cargo transport, and other travellers approved by the government.

• Cruise ships are not allowed to enter Timor Leste.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• The nationwide State of Emergency has been extended until 31 July 2021. Preventive measures, such as wearing a protective mask and social distancing measures, are in place.

• There is no curfew in place at this time.

Social restrictions

• Moderate

• Social distancing measures must be maintained keeping at least 1.5 meters between people.

• All social activities involving gatherings are banned (including cultural, sporting, and religious events).

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Masks are required.

• Public transportation is available.

• Authorities have banned intercity movement between the municipality of Dili and other administrative districts until 29 July. Exemptions apply for travel undertaken for public security, public health, humanitarian assistance, maintenance of public supply systems, or the achievement of public interest. All persons who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and accompanying children under the age of six are also exempt from this restriction.

• Movement restrictions in Baucau have been lifted.

• All individuals who have any of the following symptoms – fever greater than 37.5 degrees Celsius, cough, and/or breathing difficulties – are prohibited from boarding buses, ships, or aircraft and must complete the Mandatory Medical Declaration form.

Non-essential shops open?

• No

• Most non-essential businesses are closed.

• Essential services, such as grocery stores, fuel stations, pharmacies, medical clinics, banks, and building material stores are open.

Places of worship open?

• No

• Religious services are suspended until further notice.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks that cover the nose and mouth are mandatory.

Other

• Schools are suspended until further notice.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practise social distancing, maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.