Timor-Leste

Demonstrations and protests

Protests may occur. Avoid protests and large gatherings. Transport and other essential services may be disrupted. Check media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities.

Timor-Leste’s security situation has been increasingly stable and benign for several years.

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

Australians have been harassed because of their nationality.

To stay safe:

• pay attention to your personal safety
• avoid unplanned gatherings, demonstrations, protests, street rallies and large public gatherings as they may turn violent
• check 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, and at night in areas which attract crowds.

Civil unrest and political tension

There is a history of gang-related violence, robbery, arson and vandalism in major towns, especially Dili. Minor disputes can escalate into violence without warning.

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 ban on all MAG and RAG activities until 31 December 2025. 

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
• Beaches around Cristo Rei (Jesus) Statue beach area and Back Beach area, behind the Jesus Statue
• Tasi Tolu

To stay safe:

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

Cyber safety

You could face cyber threats in any country, anyone is a target. Your devices and data can be stolen, especially when using public Wi-Fi, computers, or Bluetooth. Criminals can use stolen information to conduct scams or to resell your personal information.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre has advice on how to protect yourself online.

Social media can also be risky in places with social or political tensions or strict laws. People have been arrested for what they posted online. Check the laws of the destination you’re travelling to and think about what you post on social media. The Australian Government can’t get you out of trouble if you’re accused of breaking the law.

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Kidnapping

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.

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities.

For more information on common targets for terrorists and what to do if there’s an attack, read our Terrorism page.

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

Severe storms usually happen during the wet season, from November to April.

Heavy rain can cause flooding, landslides, damage to roads and disruptions to services.

If a natural disaster or severe weather happens:

• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• check 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.

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

More information:

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

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 immediately 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, check 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 and waterways in Dili

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

It must cover all medical costs overseas, including evacuation. The Australian Government will not pay for these costs.

If you can’t afford travel insurance, you shouldn’t travel. This is true for everyone, even if you are healthy and fit.

If you don’t have insurance, you might have to pay thousands of dollars up front for medical care.

Before you travel, check your policy, make sure:

• you know what activities and medical care your insurance covers, including evacuations
• your insurance covers you for your whole trip, including any stopovers
• you know any exclusions – for example, you might need to pay extra for activities like motorcycling, snow sports or bungee jumping.

More information:

• Travel insurance

Think about your health before you travel, especially if you have any medical conditions.

See your doctor or a travel clinic to:

• get a basic check-up
• ask if your travel plans might affect your health
• find out what vaccinations you need.

If you're concerned about your mental wellbeing, or someone else's, read more about mental health support overseas.

More information:

• General health advice
• Managing your mental health

Not all medications available in Australia are accessible in other countries. Some medicines may be illegal, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

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

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

• medication names
• your required dosage
• that the medications are for your personal use.

More information:

• Medicines

Mosquito-borne diseases

Insect borne diseases are common in Timor-Leste, including:

• malaria
• dengue

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Other health risks

• rabies
• gastroenteritis
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis

Fish poisoning

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

Follow local warnings and advice.

There’s no agreement between Australia and Timor-Leste for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Medical and dental facilities are limited. There are some private clinics such as Stamford Medical Clinic, Dili Medical Centre and Flodova Clinic in Dili.

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

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. The closest medevac location is Darwin, Australia (approximately 1.5 hours from Dili). Make sure you have appropriate insurance.

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

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, arrest, 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 laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

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 with cash in US dollars. There are no money exchange facilities at the airport. Debit or credit cards are not accepted.

If you enter at another location including by land from West Timor (Indonesia), you need to get a visa before you arrive.

You may not be allowed to travel to Timor-Leste if your stay is booked for longer than 30 days and you don’t have a visa before your travel.

To extend your visa, apply at the Immigration Department at Vila Verde in Dili to extend your visa. You must give a valid reason to immigration authorities.

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

Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months before entering or departing. This includes for transit.

If your passport expires too soon, you might not be able to travel. 

The Australian Government doesn’t make these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you go. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to get a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is valuable and can be used by others to commit crimes. 

Don’t let anyone trick you into giving it to them. Always keep it in a safe place.

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

• In Australia: contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• Overseas: contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender. If your passport has an 'X' in the sex field, we can’t guarantee your entry or transit to other countries. Ask the embassy or consulate of your destinations if they’ll accept your passport with an 'X' gender marker. Check all transit destinations too.

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). You should enter Timor-Leste with enough cash in USD for your entire stay. You might not be able to change Australian dollars and cards are not widely accepted for transactions.

Most places won't accept credit/debit cards, including visas on arrival, hotels, shops and restaurants – you must pay in cash in USD. Visa cards and Union Pay are the only two card types accepted in Timor-Leste, including for ATM withdrawals. ATMs are only available in built-up areas and may not always be restocked. Ask your bank if your Australian credit or debit cards will work in Timor-Leste.

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, including AUD, above certain limits without a permit from the CBTL.

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.tl
• call: CBTL +670 331 371 2 / 4 / 5 / 8

US banknotes issued before 2000 are not accepted.

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. Your travel and vehicle insurance might not be valid if you don't have an IDP.

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

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. 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.

If you drive:

• learn local traffic laws and driving practices
• carry your car registration papers and driver's licence
• 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 private transfers or hire cars through your hotel.

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

Public transport

Many buses, 'mikrolets' 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

DFAT doesn’t give advice about how safe different airlines or flight paths are.

Safety risks and weather events may cause flight delays and cancellations. Contact your travel agent or airline to confirm your plans.

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

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

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 110 or 331 1044

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Dili.

Australian Embassy, Dili

Rua Martires da Patria

Dili Timor-Leste

Phone: (+67 0) 3322 111

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