Timor-Leste: Authorities enforcing travel rules in most municipalities through 23:59 May 16, extending nationwide state of emergency through June 1 /update 25

Event

Timor-Leste is enacting exit restrictions in most municipalities through 23:59 May 16 and extended the nationwide state of emergency through 23:59 June 1 to stem the spread of COVID-19. Exit restrictions are now in place in Dili, Ainaro, Baucau, Covalima, Ermera, Lautem, Liquiça, Manufahi, and Viqueque municipalities through 23:59 May 16. Exceptions from the exit rules are possible for safety, public health, or humanitarian reasons. Authorities may extend or expand the measures to additional localities at short notice, depending on changes in COVID-19 activity.

Additional stricter protocols are in place in localities with higher COVID-19 activity. Dili is enforcing stay-home orders through 23:59 May 13. Local officials in other areas may implement similar measures in the coming days or weeks.

Nonessential businesses remain suspended nationwide. Essential businesses, such as food establishments, medical services, banks, and fuel stations, can continue operating with safe-distancing protocols and other measures in place. Authorities continue to require people to wear facemasks, frequently sanitize their hands, and maintain a 1-meter (3-feet) distancing from one another when in public. Public transport can operate with protocols, including cleaning the vehicles daily. Officials continue to ban people who show symptoms of COVID-19, except for those in a medical emergency, from using public transport.

Travel Restrictions
The border closure and suspension of entry for all local citizens and foreigners remain in effect as of April 30. Exceptions from the entry ban are in place for diplomatic personnel, members of international organizations and bilateral cooperation agencies, petroleum sector workers, and medical emergencies. Permitted travelers arriving in Timor-Leste are required to quarantine for 14 days in government facilities or their private residences, subject to prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test before leaving quarantine; officials will not allow individuals to leave quarantine if they cannot show a negative test result. Exception from the two-week quarantine is possible for people who arrive in Timor-Leste to aid the response to Tropical Cyclone Seroja, though these travelers must still provide a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

Resources

Timor-Leste Government Website
World Health Organization (WHO)