Briefing d'orientation au Timor oriental

L'île de Timor a participé activement aux réseaux commerciaux d'Asie du Sud-Est pendant des siècles et, au XIVe siècle, elle exportait du bois de santal, des esclaves, du miel et de la cire. Le commerce du bois de santal attira les Portugais, arrivés au début du XVIe siècle ; au milieu du siècle, ils avaient colonisé l'île, qui était auparavant gouvernée par des chefs locaux. En 1859, le Portugal céda la partie occidentale de l'île aux Néerlandais. Le Japon impérial occupa le Timor portugais de 1942 à 1945, mais le Portugal reprit son autorité coloniale après la défaite japonaise lors de la Seconde Guerre mondiale. La partie orientale de Timor déclara son indépendance vis-à-vis du Portugal le 28 novembre 1975, mais les forces indonésiennes envahirent et occupèrent la région neuf jours plus tard. Elle fut intégrée à l'Indonésie en 1976 en tant que province de Timor Timur (Timor oriental ou Timor-Leste). Au cours des deux décennies suivantes, l'Indonésie mena dans la province une campagne de pacification infructueuse, au cours de laquelle jusqu'à 250 000 personnes périrent.

Lors d'un référendum supervisé par l'ONU en 1999, une écrasante majorité de la population du Timor-Leste vota en faveur de l'indépendance vis-à-vis de l'Indonésie. Toutefois, des milices timoraises opposées à l'indépendance -- organisées et soutenues par l'armée indonésienne -- lancèrent une campagne de représailles à grande échelle, de type « terre brûlée », qui fit environ 1 400 morts parmi les Timorais et déplaça près de 500 000 personnes. La plupart des infrastructures du pays furent détruites, notamment les habitations, les systèmes d'irrigation, les réseaux d'approvisionnement en eau, les écoles et la majeure partie du réseau électrique. Des troupes de maintien de la paix dirigées par l'Australie se déployèrent finalement dans le pays et mirent fin aux violences. En 2002, le Timor-Leste fut reconnu internationalement comme État indépendant.

En 2006, l'Australie et l'ONU ont dû intervenir à nouveau pour stabiliser le pays, ce qui a permis que les élections présidentielle et législatives de 2007 se déroulent dans une atmosphère largement pacifique. En 2008, des rebelles ont mené une attaque infructueuse contre le président et le Premier ministre. Depuis cette attaque, le Timor-Leste a accompli des progrès considérables dans la consolidation de la stabilité et des institutions démocratiques, organisant une série d'élections législatives et présidentielles réussies depuis 2012. Néanmoins, des coalitions politiques fragiles et instables ont conduit à des épisodes périodiques de paralysie et de crise. L'ONU continue d'apporter son aide en matière de développement économique et de renforcement des institutions gouvernementales. Actuellement, le Timor-Leste est l'un des pays les plus pauvres du monde, avec une économie qui dépend fortement des ressources énergétiques de la mer de Timor.

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.