Timor-Leste

Demonstrations and protests

Although stable for some years, there are still ongoing security risks. The situation could change with little warning.

People have protested against the Australian Government outside the Australian Embassy. They could protest again.

Australians have been harassed because of their nationality.

Localised unrest happens in Timor-Leste, including street gang fighting and political demonstrations.

Minor disputes can escalate into violence without warning.

To stay safe:

• always pay close attention to your personal security
• avoid unplanned gatherings, demonstrations, protests, street rallies and large public gatherings as they may turn violent
• monitor the media for news about safety and security risks
• avoid identified trouble spots

Move to a safe place if:

• you're being harassed
• gatherings turn violent

In Dili, be careful around Tasi Tolu, Comoro and other crowded areas.

Civil unrest and political tension

There is a history of gang-related violence, robbery, arson and vandalism in major towns, especially Dili.

Martial Arts Groups (MAGs) and Ritual Arts Groups (RAGs) are mass membership organisations with a complex history in Timorese society and political culture. On 10 November 2023, the Timorese government announced a six-month ban on all MAG and RAG activities. 

Rival groups are frequently involved in violence against each other, which increases the potential for local disputes between individuals or families to escalate into communal violence.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Criminals sometimes target foreigners for petty crimes such as theft. Although uncommon, there have been attacks in Dili, nearby beaches, and rural areas. Home and room invasions occur. Lock your accommodation, including when you're inside.

Crime risks increase at night, and if you're travelling alone.

Smash-and-grab property theft from vehicles happens.

Intruders have broken into homes where foreigners are known to be.

Gang-related violence, robbery, arson and vandalism occur in major towns, including Dili.

Rocks are sometimes thrown at vehicles and property. This mostly happens during the early evening and at night.

To stay safe:

• be alert to your surroundings
• don't carry bags that are easy to snatch
• keep your car windows up and doors locked, even when moving
• don't leave valuables exposed in your car
• secure your accommodation, even when you're home

Sexual harassment and assault

Sexual harassment of foreigners is common. This usually affects women. However, men can also be targeted. 

Harassment can include:

• lewd remarks
• indecent exposure
• indecent touching and groping

Violence against local women is widespread.

Sexual assault can happen at any time.

People have reported assaults in areas in Dili such as:

• Beach Road
• Christo Rei, the Jesus Statue
• Tasi Tolu
• around Back Beach, behind the Cristo Rei (Jesus) Statue

To stay safe:

• travel as a group if you can, including when exercising outdoors
• don't visit isolated areas alone
• don't travel alone on public transport or in taxis, especially at night

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Alcohol production is less regulated in some destinations than in Australia. This can lead to methanol being used in the production process to lower costs. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Locals and foreigners, including Australians, have died or become seriously ill from poisoned drinks overseas. 

Contaminated drinks could include:

• local home-brewed spirits
• spirit-based drinks, such as cocktails
• brand name alcohol

To protect yourself from drink poisoning:

• consider the risks when drinking alcoholic beverages
• be careful drinking cocktails and drinks made with spirits
• drink only at reputable licensed premises
• avoid home-made alcoholic drinks

Labels on bottles aren't always accurate.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

More information:

• Terrorism

Timor-Leste experiences cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, bushfires and severe weather.

Tropical cyclones are rare. Severe storms usually happen during the wet season, from November to April.

Heavy rain can cause flooding, landslides and damage to roads. It can also affect services.

If a natural disaster or severe weather happens:

• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with friends and family

Stay up to date on weather conditions and forecasts, natural disaster watches and warnings. Plan accordingly.

To check local and regional weather and disaster sites, visit:

• Australian Bureau of Meteorology
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre

If you're travelling during the wet season or after a natural disaster, ask your tour operator if services are affected.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Earthquakes and tsunamis happen.

For real-time information on earthquakes, see the US Geological Service.

To receive tsunami alerts, register with the US Tsunami Warning Center.

Follow the advice of your accommodation provider and local authorities.

If you're near the coast, move to high ground straight away if advised, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

People have reported crocodile attacks, especially in the eastern districts and along the southern coast. Ask for local advice before entering waters.

Crocodiles have been sighted on beaches and inland waterways at:

• Manatuto
• Baucau
• Liquiça
• Com
• some beaches in Dili

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm your insurance covers:

• your activities and care
• you for the whole time you'll be away
• medical evacuation including flight, transfers and hospital costs.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check with the Timor-Leste Embassy or Consulate if it's legal in Timor-Leste. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Mosquito-borne diseases

While cases of malaria are not common, other mosquito-borne diseases can be found in Timor-Leste.

Dengue is endemic in Timor-Leste and outbreaks can occur in the monsoon season (generally December to April). Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• review our advice on infectious diseases.

If you're travelling to rural areas, discuss malaria-prevention medication with your doctor before you travel.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Rabies

Rabies is fatal if left untreated. It's a viral disease found in dogs, monkeys, bats and other mammals.

Rabies has been detected in Timor-Leste and in neighbouring West Timor (Indonesia). Suspected cases have been treated in Dili, but some require offshore treatment. Rabies is fatal without immediate treatment. 

To stay safe:

• avoid dogs, cats, monkeys and other mammals
• if you're bitten or scratched, seek treatment straight away and be prepared to return to Australia promptly for treatment which may not be available locally

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• gastroenteritis
• typhoid
• hepatitis

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• don't eat ice cubes
• don't eat raw or undercooked food, such as salads

Tuberculosis is widespread. Healthcare workers are especially at risk of being exposed to the disease.

If you're a healthcare worker, get tested for tuberculosis before you travel and after you leave.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Fish poisoning

Local authorities have advised that fish sold on the roadside can be contaminated with formaldehyde.

Follow local warnings and advice. 

Medical facilities are limited. Stamford Medical Clinic is Dili's main healthcare facility.

Most emergency cases are treated at Dili National Hospital, which has limited facilities.

Dental facilities are limited.

A limited supply of basic medications is available.

There is no hyperbaric chamber in Timor-Leste. If you're going to dive, make sure you have a current medical clearance and you're covered by insurance.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. 

Drugs

There are serious penalties for drug offences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Don't interfere in local political processes or take part in political activity. If you do, you'll face fines, detention, or deportation.

Timor-Leste doesn't recognise de facto or same-sex relationships.

Social and cultural attitudes towards same-sex relationships are conservative.

Avoid public displays of affection. They aren't socially acceptable.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Timor-Leste has conservative standards of behaviour and dress. Dress modestly in public places, churches or markets.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Religious days are closely observed. Show respect to local customs.

Visas

You can get a 30-day visa when you arrive, if you're both:

• visiting as a tourist, and
• arriving via President Nicolau Lobato International Airport or Dili Seaport

You have to pay for a visa on arrival in US dollars. There are no money exchange facilities at the airport.

If you enter at another location or by land, you need to get a visa before you arrive.

If you can give a valid reason for extending your stay past 30 days, immigration authorities may let you extend your visa.

Apply to the Immigration Department at Vila Verde in Dili to extend your visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate or Timor-Leste Immigration for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD).

It is advised that you enter Timor-Leste with USD. Only visa cards are accepted in Timor-Leste, including ATM withdrawals, and they are not widely accepted for transactions. ATMs are available in built-up areas. Occasionally, mainly around national holidays, ATMs may only be restocked occasionally. Ensure you plan your cash needs to account for this. 

Declare all amounts higher than $US5,000 or equivalent when you arrive and depart. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You need approval from the Central Bank of Timor-Leste (CBTL) to import or export more than $US10,000.

It's illegal to import currencies other than USD above certain limits, without a permit from the CBTL.

USD banknotes issued before 2000 are not accepted.

If you import more than $US2,000 worth of Australian dollars in a calendar month, you will need approval.

Contact the Central Bank of Timor-Leste for details:

• email: info@bancocentral
• call CBTL +67 0 331 3712 or +67 0 331 3714

Most places won't take credit cards, including hotels, shops and restaurants. Bring enough USD in cash to meet your needs.

Ask your bank if your Australian credit or debit cards work in Timor-Leste. Only visa cards are accepted in Timor-Leste; you cannot use other credit cards.

You might not be able to change Australian dollars for USD.

West Timor

If you're travelling to West Timor or other parts of Indonesia, read our travel advice for Indonesia.

Religious and cultural sites

You need permission to visit some places that have special religious or cultural importance.

Check with local authorities before you visit.

Check local reactions to your presence and activities and adjust accordingly.

Driving permit

To drive in Timor-Leste, you need both:

• a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)
• your current Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Driving without an IDP could invalidate your travel and vehicle insurance.

After three months, you'll need to get a local licence.

Road travel

Driving conditions are dangerous because of:

• bad roads
• heavy traffic
• poor signage
• a lack of street lighting

In rural areas, dangers include:

• sinking ground
• large potholes
• pedestrians and animals on the road
• vehicles without headlights

You're more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Timor-Leste than in Australia.

Large crowds can form quickly after traffic accidents. The situation can become violent with little warning.

Main routes are often single-lane mountain roads. They can worsen quickly and become blocked. This can happen more readily in the rainy season from November to April.

Outside Dili, Australian officials travelling for work don't drive at night other than in exceptional situations.

Outside Dili, there are limited emergency response resources.

Check security and road conditions with local authorities before you travel.

Make sure you have adequate insurance cover before driving in Timor-Leste.

If you drive:

• learn local traffic laws and driving practices
• always carry your car registration papers and driver's licence
• always keep car windows up and doors locked
• travel in convoy in regional areas
• follow the advice of local authorities

If you're in an accident, report it to the local police.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Traffic disruptions

Traffic disruptions and blocks on major thoroughfares can happen.

Police can set up checkpoints anywhere. Makeshift barricades are sometimes used as unauthorised roadblocks.

Police may close roads in Dili during large events, such as commemorative ceremonies or major sporting events.

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Many taxis are in poor condition. Driving standards are often poor. If you choose to use taxis, seek local advice on recommended companies.

You're at risk of robbery, sexual harassment and sexual assault in a taxi.

It's safer to arrange limousines or hire cars through your hotel.

Avoid using taxis, especially if you're a woman.

Public transport

Many buses, 'microlets' and trucks used as public transport are not well maintained.

Poor driving standards add to the risk.

Sea travel

Travel by boat can be dangerous.

Not all vessels are seaworthy.

Passenger limits are sometimes exceeded. Don't get on or stay on an overloaded vessel.

Before booking sea travel, confirm that vessel maintenance and safety standards are maintained.

There may not be enough life jackets on board. Make sure any vessel you board is carrying safety equipment, including enough life jackets for all crew, passengers and children.

Some cruise lines have stopped over in Timor-Leste. 

More information:

• Going on a cruise
• Travelling by boat

Piracy

Piracy happens in South-East Asian waters.

The International Maritime Bureau publishes piracy reports.

Avoid trouble spots and take safety precautions.

Air travel

Airport infrastructure across the country may be maintained to a different standard than in Australia, including emergency response vehicles.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Timor-Leste's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire services

Call 331 0340

Ambulance service

Call 331 1044

Medical emergencies

Call 110 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 331 1380

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Emergency services officers may speak limited English.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Dili.

Australian Embassy, Dili

Rua Martires da Patria

Dili Timor-Leste

Phone: (+67 0) 332 2111

Fax: (+67 0) 332 2247

Website: timorleste.embassy.gov.au

Email: austemb.dili@dfat.gov.au

Facebook: Australia in Timor-Leste

X: @AusAmbDili

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia