Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste Customs supervises cross-border goods, vessels and aircraft. Its information states that Dili port is managed by APORTIL, while commercial seaborne imports and exports moved to Tibar Bay Port in September 2022. Customs publishes cargo procedures for Tibar Bay Port, but these are not private-yacht entry procedures. Before arrival, confirm processing locations and requirements with the customs maritime department and port authority.

Timor-Leste Customs visa information identifies Dili Sea Port as an entry point where some travellers may obtain visas. Customs also lists a Dili maritime department and Tibar Bay Port customs office. Tibar Bay Port handles commercial seaborne cargo, but available information does not state whether it processes complete private-yacht entry. Before sailing, ask the customs maritime department to confirm the yacht's official arrival port, immigration arrangements and any prior-permission requirement.

Vessel pre-arrival notice

The Timor-Leste Customs Code (Decree-Law 14/2017) requires the agent of a vessel arriving from abroad to give customs written notice at least 24 hours ahead, including ETA, departure/destination ports, intended customs office/free zone, cargo and passenger numbers where applicable. The provision addresses ship agents and does not explain procedures or exemptions for unrepresented private-yacht masters. Yachts without agents should contact customs and the port authority directly before sailing to confirm notice requirements, recipient address and document list.

Crew visas and entry

Tourist visa-on-arrival eligibility depends on nationality and entry port. Official Timor-Leste Customs visa guidance states that some nationalities may apply on arrival at Dili Sea Port; other nationalities normally can do so only at Dili International Airport or Dili Sea Port. General requirements include a passport valid for at least 6 months, return/onward arrangements and sufficient funds. The visa-on-arrival fee is US$30. Confirm whether crew follow ordinary visitor procedures and whether other seaports provide immigration services with immigration, according to each person's nationality and arrival port.

The Timor-Leste Customs Code (Decree-Law No. 14/2017) requires customs outward permission before a vessel leaves a Timorese port unless otherwise provided by law. The person responsible for the vessel or authorised agent applies for the outward-clearance certificate, with documents concerning the vessel, crew, cargo, stores and destination. People and goods must also complete departure in authorised customs-controlled areas under the prescribed procedures. The Code does not set out a private-yacht-specific checklist here; confirm current forms and reporting methods with customs.

Timor-Leste Customs states that animal and plant quarantine is handled by the Timor-Leste Quarantine Service (SQTL) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Official controlled categories include live animals, meat, seafood, dairy, plants, vegetables, grain and timber. Permit and quarantine conditions may change. Before sailing, ask SQTL or customs whether the same declaration methods apply to onboard food, animals, plants and their products. Do not rely solely on passenger baggage rules.

Timor-Leste Customs lists narcotics, explosives, firearms and illegal knives as prohibited or restricted. Certain medicines, vehicles, plastics and foods may be controlled and require competent authority permission before import. Firearms, ammunition and explosives may also need police permission. The list is not exhaustive. Confirm declarations for onboard goods and vessel supplies with customs and relevant authorities before arrival.

Port entry and vessel clearance

Timor-Leste Customs identifies Dili Sea Port as an entry point offering maritime visas on arrival; APORTIL manages Dili port. From September 30, 2022, Dili Seaport stopped handling commercial goods imports/exports, which moved to Tibar Bay Port. This cargo transfer does not mean private yachts can complete all border formalities at either port. Before arrival, confirm the authorised location, inspection sequence, berthing and private-yacht services with APORTIL, customs and immigration.

Article 116 of the Customs Code requires outward customs permission before a vessel leaves a Timor-Leste port. The master or agent must apply and provide vessel, crew, cargo and destination information as prescribed by the Director-General of Customs. Official legislation reviewed gives no fixed ordinary private-yacht outward-clearance amount. There are separate special-case charges: customs assistance necessitated by force majeure may require reimbursement of service costs as determined by the minister. Confirm case-specific charges with customs and the port. Agency, quarantine or port-service charges must not be treated as a uniform customs fee.