Location: Timor-Leste
Event: To keep the U.S. citizen community apprised of ongoing developments related to COVID-19 in Timor-Leste, the U.S. Embassy will continue to rebroadcast alerts as needed and include new pertinent information in bold for quick reference.
The government of Timor-Leste’s “State of Emergency,” which went into effect March 28 and was twice extended, expired June 26. Internal restrictions have been relaxed to allow full freedom of movement within the country. However, many restaurants, government buildings, and markets still require handwashing upon entry, social distancing, and mask wearing at all times.
Borders remain closed to non-Timorese citizens with exceptions only for permanent residents of Timor-Leste, those born in Timor-Leste, and those responsible for transporting and releasing goods (with restrictions to remain in the “international zone” of airports, seaports, and land borders), those who are legal representatives of Timorese minors, and those who work on oil rigs in the Timor Sea.
Regularly scheduled commercial flights remain closed, and international charter flights require prior approval by the Prime Minister’s Office to land in Timor-Leste. Permission for individuals other than those eligible for exemptions listed above to enter Timor-Leste also requires approval from the Prime Minister’s Office.
All international arrivals in Timor-Leste must undergo 14 days of quarantine in a government-approved facility. Entrants’ sponsor organizations should coordinate approval of at-home quarantine with the Ministry of Health.
Travel conditions can change rapidly; however, local sources report on June 29:
- President Nicolao Lobato International Airport remains restricted for international and domestic commercial operations. Medical evacuations, humanitarian relief, and state aircraft operations may be permitted with advanced coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of Timor-Leste (AACTL, I.P.).
- Indonesia has enacted a ban on foreign nationals entering the country effective April 2 until an undetermined date in the future. U.S. citizens are advised to contact the Indonesian Embassy with additional questions. Visit the website of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for additional information on these new measures.
- Australia has implemented travel restrictions for all non-Australian passport holders with few exemptions for permanent residents and immediate family members. If you wish to transit through Australia and do not automatically meet exemption categories, you are able to apply for an exemption from the Australian Border Force Commissioner to travel back to the United States. · According to the Australian Northern Territory Government, all travelers arriving in Darwin (international and interstate), including those wishing to eventually transit on to other destinations, will be subject to mandatory isolation for 14 days at a government-chosen accommodation/hotel at their own expense.
- If onward transit requires a domestic flight to a second or third Australian airport, travelers will need to complete the entire 14-day mandatory isolation before departing Darwin. If onward transit directly from Darwin is on an international flight, travelers are currently able to transit immediately or leave mandatory isolation once a flight is scheduled to depart. Please note that this advice is subject to change in this fast-moving policy environment. For more information on the most up to date Australian travel restrictions, please consult the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
- Singapore has barred admission to non-Singaporean citizens, including those transiting on to other countries, and flights to Singapore have been suspended.
- On March 19, the Department of State issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory.
Travelers should be prepared for additional travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Visit the website of the government of Timor-Leste for additional information on these new measures.
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the voluntary departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of U.S. personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Peace Corps evacuated all Volunteers from Timor-Leste.
Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability. If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Global Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel Notice and a Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel Notice for Timor-Leste.
Actions to Take:
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions. · Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Timor-Leste. · Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
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 Country Information Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
