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U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS

Intercountry Adoption

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Country Information

Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste
Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Exercise increased caution in Timor-Leste due to crime and civil unrest.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Timor-Leste due to crime and civil unrest.

Country Summary: Timor-Leste has seen isolated instances of police responding to protests with force and the use of tear gas. Stone throwing attacks on vehicles can occur during gang conflicts and periods of unrest. Gender-based violence is high in Timor-Leste, and sexual harassment is fairly common.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Timor-Leste.

If you decide to travel to Timor-Leste:

  • Keep a low profile.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
  • Avoid demonstrations or crowds.
  • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
  • Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation. 
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.   
  • Review the Country Security Report for Timor-Leste.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.    
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Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?
No

Hague Convention Information

Timor-Leste is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoptio(Hague Adoption Convention).  Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section  204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).

Intercountry adoptions from Timor-Leste are rare; fewer than five adoptions by American citizen parents have taken place in the last decade.

Below is the limited adoption information that the Department has obtained from the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the adoption authority of Timor-Leste.  U.S. citizens interested in adopting children from Timor-Leste should contact the Ministry of Social Solidarity to inquire about applicable laws and procedures.  U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parents living in Timor-Leste, who would like to adopt a child from the United States or from a third country, should also contact Timor-Leste’s adoption authority.  See contact information below.

Caution:  Prospective adoptive parents should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are adoptable.  In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when this becomes possible.  In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their parental rights or consented to their child(ren)’s adoption.

Please visit the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for more information on travelling to Timor-Leste and the U.S. Embassy in Timor-Leste’s website for information on consular services.

Contact Information

TIMOR-LESTE'S ADOPTION AUTHORITY:
Ministry of Social Solidarity
Rua de Caicoli
Dili, Timor-Leste
Tel:  +670-331-2256
Fax:  +670-331-0392
Email:  info@mss.gov.tl

Last Updated: April 3, 2019

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Dili,Timor Leste
Av. de Portugal
Praia dos Coqueiros
Dili
Timor-Leste
Telephone
+(670) 332-4684
Emergency
+(670) 7723-1328
Fax
+(670) 331-3206

Timor-Leste Map