Event: The U.S. Embassy continues to monitor the rapidly changing conditions due to COVID-19 in Timor-Leste and will continue to share information and include pertinent new information in bold for quick reference.
Country-Specific Information:
A State of Emergency (SOE) is in effect through 11:59 PM, February 1, 2021.
On January 7, the Government of Timor-Leste (GOTL) announced its airports, ports, and land borders would remain closed through January 14, 2021.. During this temporary border closure, the following exceptions will apply:
- Transit of diplomatic or consular personnel, members of international organizations and bilateral cooperation agencies, and workers in the petroleum sector;
- Operation of medical evacuation; and,
- International transportation of goods.
GOTL has also extended the closure of the border posts in the Special Administrative Region of Oe-cusse Ambeno (RAEOA). Travel by land and sea between said region and the other municipalities of Timor-Leste is prohibited until 11:59 PM on January 18, 2021.
On December 30, the government renewed the SOE. Specific requirements of the SOE include:
- Individuals permitted to enter the country are required to be quarantined for 14 days in facilities established by the government, or in their respective residences subject to the pre-approval of the Ministry of Health.
- Individuals illegally entering Timor-Leste will be subject to a fine of up to $250 to cover expenses related to the quarantine, in addition to relevant penalties for illegal entry.
- All persons entering the country are required to be quarantined for 14 days in facilities established by the government, or in their respective residences subject to the approval of the Ministry of Health.
- Prior to the termination of the mandatory 14-day quarantine period, individuals will be subject to COVID-19 testing. Individuals must provide a negative COVID-19 test result and be cleared by the Ministry of Health before they will be authorized to leave quarantine.
- COVID-19 testing is required of anyone who enters the national territory and presents any of the symptoms: body temperature higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius, cough, sore throat, cold, and respiratory distress or shortness of breath. If they are diagnosed with COVID-19, they are obliged to undergo therapeutic isolation.
- All persons wishing to leave the country will be subject to health controls, in particular by measuring body temperatures or other means of diagnosis.
- Individuals who are infected with COVID-19 or who are under the supervision of health authorities will remain in compulsory government-administered quarantine for 14 days or until medical discharge in a health establishment or in a state isolation center.
- 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.They will be taken to a health facility for COVID-19 testing; positive cases will be subject to therapeutic isolation.
- All individuals, who are not subject to the compulsory isolation regime, should walk unaccompanied on public roads, wear a mask, and observe a distance of at least one meter between other persons. They should also avoid crowds and maintain a distance of one meter from other individuals when entering/exiting commercial premises and public transportation.
- Meetings, demonstrations, social, cultural, religious, and sporting events of more than ten people are forbidden.
- Public passenger transportation is permitted, however crews and passengers are required to wear mouth and nose coverings.
- Markets and all commercial, industrial, artisanal or service establishments are permitted. However, individuals must wash their hands before entering the establishments, maintain social distance, and wear a protective facial covering.
- Teaching and non-teaching activities of educational establishments are allowed, unless the activity is of a playful, recreational, or ceremonial nature; then it is prohibited.
- Security force agents will work to make individuals aware of the need to comply with the provisions of the State of Emergency. They may refer individuals not in compliance to the Office of the Prosecutor General for potential criminal proceedings.
- Land border crossings for traditional and customary purposes and for access to markets continued to be prohibited.
- In exceptional cases, the Ministry of Interior may order the closure of the borders temporarily.
- Licenses, authorizations, and other administrative acts and documents remain valid regardless of the expiration date during the State of Emergency.
GOTL recommends that all individuals, who are not subject to compulsory quarantine or engaged in professional activity, remain at home and limit their public activities to the indispensable minimum.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? No
- GOTL has temporarily closed its airports, ports, and land borders until 11:59 PM on January 14, 2021. Limited exceptions apply. U.S. citizens must seek and receive approval to enter Timor-Leste prior to their entry. The pre-approval request, along with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, should be submitted to the nearest Timorese Embassy or Consulate or to the Consular Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste.
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes, negative COVID-19 tests are required for entry.
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
- Individuals illegally entering Timor-Leste will be subject to a fine of up to $250 to cover expenses related to the government-administered 14-day quarantine, in addition to relevant penalties for illegal entry.
- Licenses, authorizations, and other administrative acts and documents remain valid regardless of the expiration date during the State of Emergency.
Movement Restrictions:
- Is a curfew in place? No
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes
- Travel by land and sea between the Special Administrative Region of OecusseAmbeno (RAEOA) and other municipalities of Timor-Leste is prohibited until 23:59 on January 18, 2021.
- Additionally, 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. They will be taken to a health facility for COVID-19 testing; positive cases will be subject to therapeutic isolation.
Quarantine Information:
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
- All persons entering the country are required to be quarantined for 14 days in facilities established by the government, or in their respective residences subject to the pre-approval of the Ministry of Health.
- Individuals who are infected with COVID-19 or who are under the supervision of health authorities will remain in compulsory confinement for 14 days or until medical discharge in a health establishment or in a state isolation center.
COVID-19 Testing:
- Timorese citizens and foreign nationals can obtain COVID-19 testing at the National Hospital, free of charge. Those seeking to test should call the COVID-19 hotline at +670-7556-0000 via WhatsApp first to receive further guidance on scheduling testing, (or other COVID-19 related questions), or call 119 if with COVID-19-like symptoms. Fees for testing may be imposed and those seeking testing should confirm the cost when scheduling an appointment.
Transportation Options:
- Are commercial flights operating? No
- Is public transportation operating? Yes
- However, 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. They will be taken to a health facility for COVID-19 testing; positive cases will be subject to therapeutic isolation.
Fines for Non-Compliance:
- Individuals illegally entering Timor-Leste will be subject to a fine of up to $250 to cover expenses related to a mandatory 14-day quarantine, in addition to relevant penalties for illegal entry.
- Individuals may be referred to the Office of the Prosecutor General for non-compliance regarding the wearing of protective masks, social distancing, movement restrictions, or other measures. Visitors are recommended to monitor the local news and other local resources for updates on enforcement measures.
Consular Operations:
- American Citizen Services: In addition to offering emergency services, the Embassy has resumed routine services for U.S. citizens. If you are a U.S. citizen and in need of emergency or routine services, please contact ConsDili@state.gov.
- Visa Services: Non-immigrant visa services at the Embassy are extremely limited (primarily A and G visa categories) and these services are themselves limited. Please contact ConsDili@state.gov with visa-related inquiries.
Local Resources:
Other links:
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Dili, Timor-Leste
Avenida de Portugal,
Praia dos Coqueiros,
Dili, Timor-Leste
https://tl.usembassy.gov/
ConsDili@state.gov
(+670) 332-4684
(+670) 7723-1328 (after hours)
State Department – Consular Affairs
(1)-888-407-4747 or (1)-202-501-4444
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
