Customs Information

East Timor - All

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED East Timor

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

A foreigner may import household goods and personal effects into East Timor duty free if he or she has diplomatic status or is employed by a registered aid organization. See above documents required. If the above criteria are met, only one sea and one air shipment are permitted duty free.
All other foreigners and returning Timorese nationals, who do not meet the above criteria, may import household goods and personal effects into East Timor, but they will be subject to duty. 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 shipper does not have to be physically present in East Timor during customs clearance, we must present a copy of his or her passport to the East Timor government at the time of clearance. Also, should any issued arise, it is best if the shipper is in-country to assist.
East Timor is a young country. As such, regulations often change and with little notice.
Wines, alcoholic beverages and food of any kind are dutiable.

MOTOR VEHICLES

Only a diplomat or employee of an aid organization may import a vehicle into East Timor duty free. His or her organization must send a letter, similar in format to the one for household goods, to the Customs Department requesting duty free import. All other foreigners and Timorese nationals may import a motor vehicle into Timor Leste, but it will be subject to duty. All cars must be less than 5 years old and have the steering wheel on the right hand side. All motorbikes must be less than 5 years old and have less than 600cc engine size.

PETS

Most pets, including dogs, cats, and birds, can be brought into East Timor with no quarantine period. The documents necessary at the time of import are a current health certificate (not more than 7 days old) and a current vaccination card.

RESTRICTED / DUTIABLE ITEMS

PROHIBITED ITEMS