Timor-Leste: Authorities extend nationwide state of emergency through 23:59 May 2 due to COVID-19 /update 23

Event

Timor-Leste has extended the nationwide state of emergency through 23:59 May 2 to stem the spread of COVID-19. 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.

Stricter measures are in place in some localities with high COVID-19 activity. Exit rules and stay-home orders are ongoing in Dili and Baucau and Viqueue municipalities as of April 1. Exceptions from the exit restrictions are possible for safety, public health, or humanitarian reasons. People who are allowed to enter or leave Dili must travel through checkpoints that operate 06:00-16:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It is unclear whether the government provides exemptions for people who wish to travel in and out of Dili outside the checkpoints' operating hours. Authorities may extend or expand the measures to additional localities at short notice, depending on changes in COVID-19 activity.

Travel Restrictions
The border closure and suspension of entry for all local citizens and foreigners remain in effect as of April 1. 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.

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)