It is important to know about customs regulations before traveling to Timor-Leste to avoid legal issues and potential fines. As you know, customs regulations widely depend on the country. Before traveling to (or from) Timor-Leste make sure to check the allowance and limits for the next things:
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Currency
- Medicines (especially those containing drugs)
- Animals
- Cultural artifacts
- Plants, fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products
Check the information below to be sure that you are complying with Timor-Leste customs regulations.
Import regulations in Timor-Leste
Duty-free allowance
Tobacco limit
Restricted to travellers 17 years and over. One of the following:
- 200 cigarettes;
- 100 cigarillos;
- 75 cigars;
- 30 grams of cut tobacco;
- or a proportional combination of these goods.
Bringing alcohol
Restricted to travellers 17 years and over. Both of the following:
- 1.5 litres of spirits higher than 22% alcohol volume;
- 5 litres of wine.
Cash limit
- Funds of between US$5000 and US$10,000 must be declared to the customs authorities.
- Travellers wishing to import over US$20,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency must obtain prior authorisation from the Central Bank of Timor-Leste.
Other goods (travellers 17+ years)
- 75mL perfume and 375mL eau de toilette.
- 1kg coffee.
- 200g tea or 80g tea essence.
- Medicine for personal use.
Other goods (travellers of all ages)
- Goods intended for personal use, such as clothing and toiletries.
- Gifts up to a value of US$300.
Prohibited items
The following are goods which cannot be brought into the country.
- Live ornamental plants for individuals.
- Fresh cut flowers.
Restricted items
These goods are strictly regulated, and in most cases require a permit to be obtained prior to arrival.
- Pets are subject to certain import requirements, and require an import permit. For further information, please visit Quarantine Requirements for Timor-Leste.
- Fresh fruit and vegetables must be accompanied by an official government phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin stating that the plant has been inspected and is free from pests.
- Timber for personal use will be subject to inspection upon arrival, and must be free of plant material, animal residue, seeds, soil, and bark.
- All dairy products must originate from pasterurised milk, and be commercially produced and packed.
- Fresh fish must be dead, and clearly labelled with the country of origin. Dried fish will be subject to inspection on arrival.
- Meat must be fit for human or animal consumption, must be commercially packaged, and must be accompanied by a sanitary certificate from a veterinarian, certifying that the meat is from a single species of animal, and that the meat is free of infectious diseases.
For further information, please visit the Timor-Leste Ministry of Finance.
Information has been updated: .