Timor-Leste customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Timor-Leste uses the US dollar exclusively, and its biggest customs risk is strict biosecurity—declare all food, plants, and animal products or face confiscation and fines. Cash over $10,000 must be declared; penalties for undeclared currency are severe.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare any amount over $10,000 USD (local currency). Fill out the Customs Declaration Form (available on arrival) and present it to the customs officer.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to $800 USD. Above this, a flat 10% duty applies on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, heroin, cocaine)
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons (including knives over 10cm blade)
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Pornographic materials
  • Endangered species and products (CITES-listed)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require prior approval from Ministry of Health)
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require phytosanitary certificate)
  • Animals and animal products (require veterinary certificate)
  • Satellite phones and drones (require permit from the Ministry of Communications)
  • Cultural artefacts and antiques (require export permit from the Ministry of Culture)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting your luggage, proceed to the customs area. There is a red channel for goods to declare and a green channel for nothing to declare. If you have nothing to declare, go straight through the green channel; if you have goods exceeding allowances or restricted items, use the red channel and fill out a Customs Declaration Form.

Bringing medication

Personal medications are allowed for up to 30 days' supply. Carry a doctor's prescription or a letter for any controlled substances. Narcotic drugs (e.g., morphine, codeine) are strictly prohibited without prior approval from the Ministry of Health.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. Processed and packaged foods are allowed in small quantities for personal use.

Rules worth knowing

Cash Declaration is Mandatory

Any amount over $10,000 USD (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared on arrival. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.

No Duty-Free Shops at Dili Airport

Presidente Nicolau dos Santos Lobato International Airport (DIL) has no duty-free shops. Buy your allowances before arriving or bring from your departure point.

Strict Biosecurity Checks

Customs officers may inspect luggage for food and plants. Declare all items to avoid fines. Fresh produce from Indonesia or Australia is often confiscated.

Tobacco and Alcohol Only for Personal Use

The allowances are strictly for personal consumption. Commercial quantities (e.g., multiple cartons of cigarettes) will be seized and you may be fined.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but only if it is commercially packaged and roasted. Unroasted green coffee beans require a phytosanitary certificate.
You can request a new form from the customs officer at the airport. It's best to fill it out before reaching the counter.
No, personal electronics are allowed duty-free as part of your $800 goods allowance. No special permits needed.
Yes, for personal use, but they must be in original packaging and declared. If they contain any controlled substances, you need a prescription.
No limit, but any amount over $10,000 USD must be declared. There is no restriction on bringing in USD, but you must declare it.
Only commercially packaged, shelf-stable food is allowed. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy are prohibited without a permit.
If you stay in the transit area and do not clear customs, you do not need to declare. If you leave the airport, you must go through customs and declare any goods.

Official source

Autoridade Nacional de Alfândega (National Customs Authority of Timor-Leste)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Autoridade Nacional de Alfândega (National Customs Authority of Timor-Leste) before travelling.