Timor-Leste Arrival Card & Customs e-Declaration
Every traveller arriving in Timor-Leste must complete the online customs declaration. Here is exactly how to do it, and what to expect on landing in Dili.
The official customs declaration
Timor-Leste Customs Authority requires every arriving traveller to submit a Customs Arrival Declaration. It is now fully online. There is no separate paper arrival card to fill in on the plane.
The e-Declaration replaces what other countries call an "arrival card." It is administered by the Timor-Leste Customs Authority (customs.gov.tl).
Submitting the form generates a QR code (sometimes referred to as a "barcode") that you present to Immigration and Customs officers on arrival at Dili airport. The same form covers your goods declaration, so you only fill in one document.
Watch out for unofficial sites. The only authoritative URL ends in customs.gov.tl. Third-party sites may charge a fee or harvest your passport details. The genuine portal is free.
How to complete the e-Declaration
The form takes around 10 minutes. Have your passport, flight details, and accommodation booking on hand.
Open the e-Declaration portal
Enter passenger details
Provide your full name (as in passport), nationality, passport number and expiry, date of birth, and contact details. One declaration per traveller; children must be declared by an accompanying adult.
Add flight & arrival information
Enter your flight number, arrival date, port of entry (typically Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, Dili), and your address in Timor-Leste (hotel name and district is sufficient).
Declare goods, currency and items
Tick the boxes for any goods over USD $300 in value, alcohol, tobacco, restricted goods (medications, plant or animal products), or undeclared currency. Honest declaration avoids fines on arrival.
Submit and save your QR / barcode
After submitting, you will receive a confirmation with a QR code (sometimes called a "barcode"). Save it to your phone or print a copy. Officers will scan this at Immigration and Customs in Dili.
Present on arrival in Dili
Have your passport, return ticket, USD $30 cash for the visa on arrival (if applicable), and the QR code ready. Customs officers may inspect baggage at random.
What you can bring without paying duty
Personal-use goods carried in your baggage qualify for a duty-free allowance, provided they are not for commercial use.
Personal goods up to USD $300
Travellers aged 17+ may bring personal-use items in their baggage with a total value up to USD $300 duty-free. Goods above this value, or any items intended for resale, must be declared.
Currency declaration
Cash carried into or out of Timor-Leste should be declared on the e-Declaration. Carry only what you need; ATMs are available in Dili and major towns. The official currency is the US Dollar (note: $1 bills are not accepted).
Yellow fever certificate
If arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination on arrival.
Source: Timor-Leste Customs Authority. Specific quantity limits for alcohol and tobacco may apply; confirm with customs (hotline 12200) before travel. customs.gov.tl/travellers/duty-free-allowances
Prohibited & restricted goods
Some items cannot enter Timor-Leste; others require a permit or formal declaration. Failure to declare can result in fines or seizure.
Prohibited (cannot be brought in)
- Illegal narcotics and drugs
- Firearms and ammunition
- Explosives
- Knives and bladed weapons
- Counterfeit goods
- Materials harmful to public health, safety, or the environment
Restricted (require permits or declaration)
- Prescription medications: bring a doctor's letter; quantities for personal use only. Permits from the Ministry of Health may be required.
- Plant and animal products, including seeds and untreated wood
- Foodstuffs in commercial quantities
- Vehicles and large machinery
- Plastics in commercial quantities
- Cultural artefacts and antiques
Source: Timor-Leste Customs Authority. customs.gov.tl/travellers/prohibited-or-restricted-goods
What to expect at Dili airport
- 1Disembark and proceed to Health screening (a brief temperature check or vaccine document review may apply).
- 2Visit the Visa on Arrival counter if applicable. Pay USD $30 cash (exact change appreciated; $1 notes are not accepted) and have your return ticket and accommodation details ready.
- 3Present your passport and the QR code from your e-Declaration at Immigration. Officers will scan the code.
- 4Collect baggage, then walk through Customs. Officers may ask to inspect bags at random or based on declared items.
- 5Exit to the arrivals hall. Taxis to central Dili are USD $15+ and posted by zone. Many hotels offer free pickup if pre-arranged.
Common questions
Is the Timor-Leste arrival card the same as the customs declaration?
Yes. The Timor-Leste e-Declaration combines the customs declaration and traveller arrival information into a single online form. There is no separate paper arrival card for foreign travellers; the QR code generated by the e-Declaration is used at both Immigration and Customs.
When should I complete the e-Declaration?
Submit the form any time up to 5 days before your arrival in Dili. You can also complete it on a phone at the airport if you have internet, but doing it in advance avoids delays at peak arrival times.
Is the e-Declaration free?
Yes. Submitting the customs e-Declaration is free of charge on the official customs.gov.tl portal. Be wary of third-party websites that charge a fee. The 30-day visa on arrival (USD $30) is paid separately in cash at Immigration.
What is the official URL for the Timor-Leste arrival card / e-Declaration?
The official portal is https://tilesw.customs.gov.tl. Always check the URL ends in customs.gov.tl, the only authoritative source. Never enter personal or passport details on unofficial sites.
Can children have one e-Declaration with their parent?
Each traveller, including minors, requires a separate declaration submitted by an accompanying adult. Family members can be linked under the same trip but each needs an individual record.
What if I forget to fill it in before flying?
You can complete the e-Declaration on arrival using airport WiFi, but expect longer queues. Officers will help travellers who need assistance.
Do I need to declare camera gear or laptops?
Personal-use electronics (one camera, laptop, phone) are normally fine within the USD $300 allowance for personal goods. Professional equipment, drones, or multiple devices for resale must be declared.
Are drones allowed in Timor-Leste?
Drones are restricted and may require a permit. Declare any drone on the e-Declaration and contact the Civil Aviation Authority of Timor-Leste in advance for filming or commercial use.
Need to confirm something with Customs?
The Timor-Leste Customs Authority is the authoritative source for all border, declaration, and duty questions. Their hotline answers in working hours.
Now plan the rest of your trip
With your arrival sorted, dive into visas, flights, accommodation, and itineraries.