Country Guide: East Timor (Timor Leste)
Due to the current coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and restrictions in various countries, the below information may not be accurate. This pandemic is a fluid situation. Check with authorities for local laws and restrictions concerning movements.
Updated: November 16, 2016
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Packing list
- Tax exemption certificate (obtained by the owner of the goods’ employer)
- Employer’s tax identification number (TIN)
- Letter of request for duty-free import (diplomats, employees of an aid organization)
Specific Information
- Foreigners may import household goods and personal effects into East Timor duty free if having diplomatic status or working for a registered aid organization; if these criteria are met, only one sea and one air shipment are permitted duty free.
- All foreigners and returning Timorese nationals, who do not have diplomatic status or work for a registered aid organization, may import household goods and personal effects subject to duties.
- The first USD 300.00 of value is duty free; thereafter duty will apply.
- The duty amount varies and is often subject to negotiation with the Customs department.
- While the owner of the goods does not have to be physically present in East Timor during Customs clearance, a copy of the owner of the goods’ passport must be presented to the East Timor government at the time of clearance.
- Should any issued arise, it is best if the owner of the goods is in the country to assist.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- OBL
- Letter of request for duty-free import (diplomats, employees of an aid organization)
Specific Information
- Only diplomats or employees of an aid organization may import a vehicle into East Timor duty free.
- A letter must be sent, similar in format to the one required for household goods, to the Customs department requesting duty free import.
- Non-diplomats, foreigners, and Timorese nationals may import motor vehicles into East Timor subject to duties.
- Cars must be less than 5 years old and be right-hand drive.
- All motorbikes / motorcycles must be less than 5 years old and have an engine size less than 600 cc.
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record / card
- Veterinary health record
Specific Information
- Most pets, including dogs, cats, and birds, can be brought into East Timor with no quarantine period.
- The veterinary health certificate cannot be issued more than 7 days prior to import.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Fruits and vegetables and byproducts (a phytosanitary certificate is required)
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics
- Firearms and ammunition
- Pornographic materials
Consignment Instructions
Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.
Cultural and Other Information
CIA World Factbook Entry for East Timor (Timor Leste)
Wikipedia Entry for East Timor (Timor Leste)
