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- Declaring Goods on Arrival
Under provisions contained within the Customs Code (Decree Law 14/2017), we are legally entitled to search any goods, person, vehicle or other conveyance that enters or exits the territory of Timor-Leste. This is a power that we take very seriously, and our aim is to only stop and search those persons or consignments (goods) that we consider could pose some level of risk. When making this assessment, we take into account a number of factors, including: your previous compliance history with us and other relevant government agencies; the type of goods, and where they are arriving from or going to; and any information received from other partner agencies. On some occasions, we may stop and search you or your goods to confirm that you are following the rules.
Under provisions contained within the Customs Code (Decree Law 14/2017), we are legally entitled to search any goods, person, vehicle or other conveyance that enters or exits the territory of Timor-Leste. This is a power that we take very seriously, and our aim is to only stop and search those persons or consignments (goods) that we consider could pose some level of risk. When making this assessment, we take into account a number of factors, including: your previous compliance history with us and other relevant government agencies; the type of goods, and where they are arriving from or going to; and any information received from other partner agencies. On some occasions, we may stop and search you or your goods to confirm that you are following the rules.
No: Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, of which Timor-Leste is a signatory, specifically provides that the personal baggage of a diplomatic agent shall be free from (Customs) inspection, unless there are serious grounds for presuming that it contains goods the importation of which is prohibited by law or controlled by quarantine regulations. If you are a registered diplomat as we ask to search your baggage, you should ask to speak with a manager or supervisor immediately.
Yes: We may initially stop and question you. In most cases, we will not necessarily know that you are a diplomat, so please identify yourself as such to us. If we try to continue questioning you after you have identified yourself as a registered diplomat, then you should ask to speak with a manager or supervisor immediately.
The Customs Arrival Declaration form is a document that you are legally required to complete and sign when you arrive into Timor-Leste. This form should include details of any prohibited or restricted goods, large amount of cash, commercial goods, or any goods valued in excess of $300, that you may be carrying within your baggage or upon your person.
Yes, under Articles 57 of the Customs Code (Decree Law 14/2017), we are legally entitled to stop and question any person arriving into, or leaving Timor Leste. Questions may include the reasons for your travel, and what goods you may be carrying.