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 has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including the announcement of a “State of Emergency,” which went into effect March 28 and has been extended until June 26. The May 29 extension of the State of Emergency allows for the reopening of public services, commercial activities, and markets. Similarly, religious, sport, and cultural events are now also allowed. Persons are required to protective masks covering mouths and nose, wash their hands, and maintain a distance of one and a half meters during these activities.
Other specific restrictions and conditions of the State of Emergency extension include:
- Entry of foreigners into Timor-Leste remains prohibited, except for foreigners born in Timor-Leste, resident citizens, and legal representatives of minors of Timorese nationality. The Prime Minister may authorize the entry of foreigners in cases relating to the defense and national interest of Timor-Leste. Oil rig workers in the Timor Sea are exempt from this restriction.
- Foreigners responsible for the transport of goods and release of imported goods must remain in the international zone of seaports, airports, or land border posts.
- Persons wishing to leave the country will be required to submit to health evaluations, particularly measurements of body temperature. Those who present symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever greater than 38 degrees Celsius, cough and/or breathing difficulties will be prevented from traveling and will be taken to a health facility for COVID-19 diagnostic testing.
- All persons entering the country are required to undergo quarantine for at least 14 days, and if they exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, will be required to undergo diagnostic testing and, in positive cases, will be subject to therapeutic isolation.
- Licenses, authorizations, visas, and residence permits, and other administrative acts and documents shall remain valid regardless of the expiry of their validity period.
Travel conditions can change rapidly; however, local sources report on May 30:
- President Nicolao Lobato International Airport will be restricted for international and domestic commercial operations effective April 4 until further notice. 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
(+670) 332-4684
(+670) 7723-1328 (after hours)
State Department – Consular Affairs
(1)-888-407-4747 or (1)-202-501-4444
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