Orientation briefing in Timor-Leste

The island of Timor was actively involved in Southeast Asian trading networks for centuries, and by the 14th century, it exported sandalwood, slaves, honey, and wax. The sandalwood trade attracted the Portuguese, who arrived in the early 16th century; by mid-century, they had colonized the island, which was previously ruled by local chieftains. In 1859, Portugal ceded the western portion of the island to the Dutch. Imperial Japan occupied Portuguese Timor from 1942 to 1945, but Portugal resumed colonial authority after the Japanese defeat in World War II. The eastern part of Timor declared itself independent from Portugal on 28 November 1975, but Indonesian forces invaded and occupied the area nine days later. It was incorporated into Indonesia in 1976 as the province of Timor Timur (East Timor or Timor Leste). Indonesia conducted an unsuccessful pacification campaign in the province over the next two decades, during which as many as 250,000 people died.

In a UN-supervised referendum in 1999, an overwhelming majority of the people of Timor-Leste voted for independence from Indonesia. However, anti-independence Timorese militias -- organized and supported by the Indonesian military -- began a large-scale, scorched-earth campaign of retribution, killing approximately 1,400 Timorese and displacing nearly 500,000. Most of the country's infrastructure was destroyed, including homes, irrigation systems, water supply systems, schools, and most of the electrical grid. Australian-led peacekeeping troops eventually deployed to the country and ended the violence. In 2002, Timor-Leste was internationally recognized as an independent state.

In 2006, Australia and the UN had to step in again to stabilize the country, which allowed presidential and parliamentary elections to be conducted in 2007 in a largely peaceful atmosphere. In 2008, rebels staged an unsuccessful attack against the president and prime minister. Since that attack, Timor-Leste has made considerable progress in building stability and democratic institutions, holding a series of successful parliamentary and presidential elections since 2012. Nonetheless, weak and unstable political coalitions have led to periodic episodes of stalemate and crisis. The UN continues to provide assistance on economic development and strengthening governing institutions. Currently, Timor-Leste is one of the world's poorest nations, with an economy that relies heavily on energy resources in the Timor Sea.

The security situation in Timor-Leste has improved but there are still underlying tensions, particularly during election periods when the security situation could deteriorate with little warning.

Political demonstrations and local unrest occasionally happen. Minor disputes can become violent. Avoid any demonstrations and large crowds, particularly around Tasi Tolu and Comoro in Dili.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Timor-Leste

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Timor-Leste, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation     

The security situation in Timor-Leste has improved but there are still underlying tensions, particularly during election periods when the security situation could deteriorate with little warning.

Political demonstrations and local unrest occasionally happen. Minor disputes can become violent. Avoid any demonstrations and large crowds, particularly around Tasi Tolu and Comoro in Dili.

Crime 

Crime such as gang-related violence, robbery and assault are common in Timor-Leste. Burglaries are not common but have happened. There have been instances of unmetered taxis charging tourists extortionate prices.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

You can take steps to reduce your personal risk by:

• not displaying expensive items of jewellery
• not carrying large sums of money
• keeping your accommodation locked at all times
• keeping your car doors locked and windows up at all times
• not travelling alone or to isolated areas
• taking care if you go outside after dark
• taking care in areas which are remote and cut off from services
• booking taxis through your hotel, and seeking local advice on appropriate fares

Sexual assault

There have been reports of harassment and violence against travellers, including lewd remarks and indecent exposure. Offenders mostly target women, but may harass men as well. Sexual assault can happen in public places, such as Beach Road in Dili.

Travel as a group if you can, including when exercising outdoors. If possible, avoid using public transport or taxis alone at night.

See advice for women travelling abroad.

Group fights

There is occasional fighting between groups in Timor-Leste, sometimes related to martial arts groups. These incidents often involve stone throwing and occasionally machetes and knives. Most happen at night.

Foreign nationals have not been targeted, but leave the area immediately if you’re aware of fighting.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID and travel documents

Carry a copy of the photo page of your passport and entry visa with you in case the authorities ask to see it. Make sure your travel documents are up-to-date and available in case you need to leave at short notice.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Do not get involved with illegal drugs. There are severe penalties if you’re convicted.

Money

Credit cards are accepted for payments by few outlets in Timor-Leste. ATMs, banks, and credit card facilities are not common outside of municipal capitals.

There are a few currency exchanges in the country, but exchange rates are poor and sterling may not be accepted. Bring a few small (5 US dollar) notes as larger denomination notes can be difficult to spend. Notes printed before 2009 are usually rejected, but can be changed at the Central Bank in Dili.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety

Crocodiles are frequently seen in inland waterways and on the south coast and the eastern region. Occasionally they may be seen at beaches near Dili. Get local advice before going in the water.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Timor-Leste, see information on driving abroad.

You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP. If you hire a car in Timor-Leste it’s likely you’ll have to hire a driver as well.

Driving and road conditions

Roads are generally in poor condition and accidents, particularly involving motorbikes and scooters, are common.

Main routes are often single-track mountain roads, which can deteriorate quickly and become impassable, particularly during the rainy season from November to April.

Outside Dili, travel in convoy whenever possible because of the lack of emergency services, poor road conditions and cars driving without lights at night.

Sea travel

There have been incidents of piracy on the waters around Timor-Leste. Consider taking precautions against piracy attacks.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Rainy season

The rainy season in Timor-Leste normally runs from November to April. Heavy rains can cause flash flooding and landslides. Monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation. Take extreme care when walking on flooded pavements or roads in Dili. Uncovered manholes can lead to injuries or drowning.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are a risk in Timor-Leste, although there has not been a significant one since 2005. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 110, +670 331 1044 or +670 723 3212 and ask for an ambulance.

Emergency medical services in Timor-Leste are unreliable. Make your own way to hospital if you can.

There may be other numbers for the areas you visit – ask your hotel or the local police.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Timor-Leste
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Go to TravelHealthPro to see what health risks you’ll face in Timor-Leste, including:

• rabies (Oecusse exclave, Bobonaro and Covalima municipalities, and possibly elsewhere)
• chikungunya
• dengue
• gastroenteritis
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Timor-Leste. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Timor-Leste

Medical services in Timor-Leste are limited, particularly outside Dili.

In a medical emergency, it’s likely you’ll need to be evacuated to Australia or Singapore. However, medical evacuation is difficult because of the limited number of airlines from Timor-Leste. You should make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.