COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Timor-Leste (12 April 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 reasons.

  • Members of bilateral cooperation agencies and international organizations, diplomatic personnel, workers of the petroleum sector, and medical emergencies 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 showing COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, colds, respiratory distress, or shortness of breath) will be tested upon arrival.

  • 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 aircrafts and must complete the Mandatory Medical Declaration form.

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

Is a test certificate allowed?

  • 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 will need to have a negative PCR Covid-19 test certificate issued within the last 72 hours prior to arrival in the country.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

  • Yes

  • Travellers entering Timor-Leste will need to complete a 14-day quarantine either at a government facility or at a residence pre-approved by the government. Travellers will be tested for COVID-19 prior to the termination of their quarantine. The test must be negative in order to leave quarantine.

  • Based on the above restrictions, all incoming travellers need to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. 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?

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

Airline restrictions

  • Significant

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

Border restrictions

  • Significant

  • Cruise ships are not allowed to enter.

  • The Government of Timor-Leste has extended the temporary closure of its airports, ports, and land borders until 2 May 2021.

Curfew restrictions

  • Moderate

  • The Nationwide State of Emergency (SOE) has been extended until 2 May 2021. Enforcement of SOE includes travel restrictions, health controls, and limitations on services.

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. However, public buses in the municipalities of Viqueque, Baucau and Dili Municipality are not operating until April 17.

  • A general stay-at-home order is in place for the municipalities of Dili, Baucau, and Viqueque.

  • Official lifted general stay-at-home order where Tropical Cyclone Seroja affected.

  • Travel between the municipalities of Viqueque and Baucau, and other Timor-Leste municipalities, is restricted until April 17 and travel between the municipality of Dili and other Timor-Leste municipalities is restricted until April 17.

  • In exceptional cases, the Ministry of Interior may order the closure of the borders temporarily.

  • 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 aircrafts and must complete the Mandatory Medical Declaration form.

Non-essential shops open?

  • Yes with exceptions

  • Most non-essential businesses are open.

  • 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.

Advice For Travellers

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 practice social distancing and 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.