Entering by boat: Timor-Leste

Before you arrive

• Notify the authorities 24 hours before arrival.
• Online procedure: Préavis à la douane par message vocal ou SMS (+670 7546 2519 / +670 7836 1463) — customs.gov.tl/enquiry-point-single/what-is-the-procedure-for-arriving-by-private-yacht/

The steps

1. 24 h ahead: voice message or SMS to Customs.
2. Call Dili Harbour Master (VHF 16); Q flag; anchor on the port side of the main wharf.
3. Report to the Maritime Police on the foreshore, then the Port Authority (customs, immigration, quarantine, health, harbour master).
4. On departure: passports and crew list to the Port Authority for clearance and the sailing authorisation.

Papers to have on board

• Passports for the whole crew
• Visas, if your nationality requires them
• Crew list
• Boat papers (registration certificate)
• Outward clearance from the previous country

Good to know

• Dili is the only port of entry and exit for all yachts.
• Notify Customs at least 24 h before arrival by voice message or SMS.
• Enter between the channel markers: drying reefs all around. Do not use the yellow quarantine buoys (shifted onto a reef).
• Oecusse (Pante Macassar) and Atauro are covered by the sailing authorisation but are not ports of entry.

Ports of entry

The ports where you can clear in, and the services available there.

Sources

• customs.gov.tl/enquiry-point-single/what-is-the-procedure-for-arriving-by-private-yacht/
• noonsite.com/place/east-timor-timor-leste/formalities/

This information is gathered from public sources and sailors’ experience. It does not replace the country’s authorities, whose word is final: check before you leave.