Timor-Leste

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 112 for police.
• Dial 110 for ambulance. 

Crime

Petty crime

• Petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles, occurs in Timor-Leste, particularly in Dili and other urban areas.
• Criminals often target tourists and foreigners who may be perceived as carrying valuables or cash.
• Thefts from parked or stopped vehicles are common, especially at traffic lights and in congested areas.

Violent crime

• While violent crime against foreigners is relatively uncommon, incidents do occur.
• There have been reports of assaults, armed robberies, and carjackings, particularly after dark.

Organized criminal activities

• Timor-Leste faces challenges with transnational organized crime, including drug trafficking and human trafficking.
• While these activities typically do not directly target tourists, travelers should remain vigilant as criminal networks operate in the country.

Gang activity

• Youth gang activity exists in Timor-Leste, particularly in Dili and surrounding areas.
• Gang-related violence occasionally occurs, and confrontations between rival groups can escalate quickly.

High-risk areas and situations

• Be particularly vigilant in the Comoro and Becora neighborhoods of Dili, where crime rates are higher.
• Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in poorly lit areas.
• Exercise caution in crowded markets and public transportation hubs where pickpocketing is common.
• Exercise caution in public places like clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreational events, hotels, resorts and beaches, and other locations frequented by foreigners.
• Avoid large gatherings, remain alert, and avoid travel after dark.
• Timorese security forces occasionally establish official security checkpoints along roads. You may be expected to show your passport at these checkpoints.
• Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, electronics, or large amounts of cash.
• Keep car doors locked and windows up, especially when stopped in traffic.

Scams

• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams can occur in Timor-Leste. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

You may report crimes to the local police by dialing +670-330-2400 (extension 2426) during business hours, or +670-7723-1328 for after-hours emergency assistance.

• Police capacity and resources in Timor-Leste are limited.
• Response times can be slow, particularly outside of Dili.
• Investigations may not meet the standards expected in the United States. Language barriers can complicate reporting crimes.
• Police may have limited ability to investigate or recover stolen property.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. 

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• If you are suspected of criminal activity, you may be incarcerated for up to 1 year pending investigation.
• Timor-Leste continues to develop and strengthen its civil and governmental institutions. If you encounter problems while traveling or doing business in Timor-Leste you may find it difficult to identify legal or administrative remedies.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. 
• Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Timor-Leste seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. 

Detention conditions

• A detention facility may not provide you with essential medications or medical care.
• Detainees in Timor-Leste often can’t get their prescribed or over the counter medications. Detainees may also lack access to emergency and routine medical care.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Timor-Leste.

Gay and lesbian individuals should be aware that while same-sex sexual activity is legal, Timor-Leste has a conservative culture. Public displays of affection may attract negative attention.

• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Timor-Leste prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities. However, the law is not enforced.

• Timor-Leste does not currently have legislation that mandates access to transportation, communication, and public buildings for people with disabilities.
• Currently, most public places and public transportation are not accessible.
• People with disabilities will face difficulties in Timor-Leste as foot paths, rest rooms, road crossings, and tourist areas are not equipped to accommodate people with disabilities.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, information, and general infrastructure.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad. 

Women travelers

Timor-Leste is socially conservative. Travelers should avoid wearing revealing clothing, particularly in crowded public areas such as markets. Timor-Leste has a very high rate of violence against women and girls, including domestic violence.

Women traveling alone may face unwanted attention or harassment.

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

Medical care in Timor-Leste is limited. Most specialized care is not available outside of Dili and even in Dili there are few specialists.  

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Timor-Leste Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 110 for emergency medical services. 

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are not widely available outside of Dili. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance, especially outside of Dili.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Timor-Leste. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Timor-Leste.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Hospitals and clinics often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available in Dili and other major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas. Most specialized care is not available outside of Dili.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals here. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• U.S. citizens have filed many complaints about unethical business practices. They have expressed concern about high prices and collection methods from some hospitals in Timor-Leste. Before agreeing to any medical care, travelers should gather full details on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures.  
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in Dili.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Timor-Leste to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Timor-Leste with no clear legal protection for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Timor-Leste courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Timor-Leste via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.
• People who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences. 

Water quality and food safety

• In Timor-Leste, tap water is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Timor-Leste.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

All traffic operates on the left side of the road, and most vehicles use right-hand drive.

• Roads are often poorly maintained. A 4-wheel drive vehicle may be required in some areas.
• Sparse or non-existent lighting and poor road conditions make driving at night dangerous. Many cars and motorcycles operate at night without lights.
• Driving in Dili is especially hazardous, with large trucks, buses, and mikrolets sharing the streets with vendors and pedestrians.
• During the rainy season from November to May, rain showers can severely damage cross-island roadways, making roads particularly risky. Use caution when traveling on the cross-island roadways in the mountain areas of Aileu, Ermera, Manatuto, Ainaro, and Manufahi districts.

Roadside assistance is limited in Timor-Leste, particularly in rural areas. If you are involved in an accident:

• Contact the police right away.
• Sometimes people at the scene may attack the driver they think caused the crash. If you think people might hurt you, drive to the nearest police station before stopping. 

Traffic laws

A valid U.S. driver's license is recognized, but it is highly recommended to also carry an International Driving Permit.

• While vehicle insurance is required in Timor-Leste, compliance with this rule is limited and many drivers are uninsured.
• Most traffic accidents are settled informally between those involved.
• There are many motorcycles in Timor-Leste and they do not follow traffic laws. 

Taxis and ride-shares

• Ride share apps such as Uber and Lyft do not operate in Timor-Leste. Taxis are available but are largely unregulated. 

Public and commercial transportation

Public transportation is generally overcrowded, uncomfortable, and below international safety standards. It is best to avoid it. Public transport is also unavailable after dark. Taxis are occasionally available at select locations.

• Taxis, small buses, and mini vans provide public transportation in Dili and elsewhere.
• Yellow taxis do not have meters. Agree on the price before you get in the taxi. If you don't agree on a price first, you may argue with the driver about the fare, which has sometimes led to fights or violence.
• Blue taxis in Dili have meters to determine fares.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Timor-Leste’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. 
• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program. 

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Timor-Leste should check the following:

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

The U.S. Coast Guard determined Timorese ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures. Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from Timorese ports must meet additional U.S. Coast Guard conditions of entry

• Visit the International Port Security Program - Port Security Advisory for the current Port Security Advisory.
• Mariners and passengers in Timorese ports should exercise caution and implement enhanced security measures. 

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

• Floods – The most common and serious natural disaster in Timor-Leste. Heavy rain during the wet season (November to April) causes flooding.
• Landslides – Common during the wet season from November to April.
• Drought – These happen periodically during the dry season from May to November.
• Cyclones – These bring heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges that can cause widespread damage.
• Earthquakes – There is a significant risk of earthquakes occuring. They can trigger landslides and tsunamis.

Emergency information

• Dial 115 for the Civil Protection Authority, which handles disaster management.
• Timor-Leste does not have a central government warning system.
• Travelers should sign up through STEP to receive alerts.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates