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Timor-Leste
Country Specific Information
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March 24, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: 
Occupying 5,743 square miles on the eastern half of an island in the Timor Sea between Indonesia and Australia, Timor-Leste has
a population of approximately 1.1 million people. Timor-Leste became independent on May 20, 2002, and is now a democratically
governed, independent nation with an elected President and Parliament.
In the violence that followed Timor-Leste's 1999 independence referendum, the country’s infrastructure, never robust, was
totally destroyed and has been only partially rebuilt. In April 2006 violence erupted again in and around the capital, Dili,
resulting in further damage to infrastructure and setting back economic growth. Electricity, telephone and telecommunications,
roads and lodging remain unreliable, particularly outside of the capital. Timor-Leste's economy relies largely on international
assistance and revenues from oil and gas production. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Timor-Leste for additional information.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: The Department of State has issued a Travel Warning urging Americans to defer non-essential travel to Timor-Leste. Those already in Timor-Leste should exercise extreme caution, limit movements to the greatest extent possible, and maintain a high level of security awareness while moving around in Dili; be alert to the potential for violence; and avoid demonstrations, large gatherings, and areas where disturbances have occurred. Demonstrations can occur at or near symbols and institutions of the Government of Timor-Leste, including government buildings and houses belonging to prominent politicians. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
Timor-Leste’s state institutions comprising the security sector remain fragile, and the country depends upon international police and security forces to assist in the maintenance of public security. Timor-Leste has experienced recurring outbreaks of politically related civil unrest, and the risk of such violent unrest continues. When demonstrations in April 2006 protesting the Government’s dismissal of 595 members of the armed forces escalated into rioting, civil order in and around the capital Dili broke down. Tens of thousands of Timorese fled the violence and settled in camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs). The Government asked for the deployment of international security forces to assist in restoring order. An Australian-led International Stabilization Force of about 1,000 troops remains in Timor-Leste.
Also at the Government’s request, the UN Security Council extended its mission in Timor-Leste. On August 25, 2006, the UN Security Council approved a new expanded mission (the UN Integrated Mission for Timor-Leste, or UNMIT) providing for a policing component of up to 1,608 personnel. The Security Council extended the mandate of UNMIT for one year in February 2007 and again for one year on February 25, 2008. For more information on UNMIT, consult http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unmit/. The Timorese national police (PNTL) in Dili were disbanded and are being reconstituted under UNMIT guidance.
Although authorities have made progress toward restoring public security, the risk of further violent civil unrest persists. The Government of Timor-Leste held Presidential and Parliamentary elections in a largely peaceful atmosphere, but sporadic violence erupted in August 2007 after the President announced the formation of a new government. International forces, alongside members of the National Police of Timor-Leste, contained the violence and the affected communities returned to normal. The security situation can, however, deteriorate without warning, and the risk that foreigners may be specifically targeted persists. On February 11, 2008, armed rebels attacked President Jose Ramos-Horta, who sustained gunshot injuries and was evacuated to Australia for medical treatment. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao escaped unharmed when his bodyguards thwarted a separate attack against him the same day.
Gang-related violence occurs often in Dili, and Americans risk intentional or inadvertent injury when traveling in affected areas. While the overwhelming majority of gang-related criminal violence has been Timorese on Timorese, foreigners have been caught up in such violence and there were credible reports of anti-Western attacks, most recently during a surge of violence in Dili in and Baucau in August 2007. About 30,000 internally displaced persons remain in and around Dili in camps, several of which have been sites of recurring incidents of violence.
Americans are advised that international security forces, UN police and the Timorese security forces occasionally establish security checkpoints along roads. These legitimate checkpoints are intended to enhance security and should be respected. There are also occasional illegal checkpoints which Americans should avoid, but which to date have been primarily targeted at Timorese. Americans traveling in Timor-Leste should remember that despite its small size, much of the territory is isolated and can be difficult to reach by available transportation or communication links.
American citizens who choose to travel to or remain in Timor-Leste should use common sense and exercise caution, avoid large gatherings, and remain alert with regard to their personal security, avoiding travel after dark to the extent possible. Americans should exercise caution with respect to all threats, especially in public places including, but not limited to, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreational events, hotels, resorts and beaches and other locations frequented by foreigners. Travelers and residents should always ensure that passports and important personal papers are in order in the event it becomes necessary to leave the country quickly for any reason. Likewise, travelers should be aware that the U.S. Embassy in Dili is not able to issue emergency passports and has only limited capacity to process passport renewals.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For
general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the
Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
In addition, crimes such as pick pocketing, residential and automobile break-ins and theft occurs throughout the country, but are more frequent in Dili, the capital. Victims who resist may be subject to physical violence. Gang related violence occurs, and has targeted foreign nationals. Stone-throwing attacks on vehicles are common, and have resulted in serious injury and death. Visitors should avoid travel at night or in unfamiliar areas alone. Women should avoid traveling alone, especially at night because sexual assault or banditry is possible. Timor-Leste is a socially conservative country, and travelers should avoid wearing revealing clothing, particularly in crowded public areas such as markets.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Although limited emergency medical care is available in Dili, options for routine medical care throughout the country are extremely limited. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to Australia, the nearest point with acceptable medical care, or to the United States, can cost thousands of dollars.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en/.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Timor-Leste is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
All traffic operates on the left side of the road, and most vehicles use right-hand drive. Roads are often poorly maintained and four-wheel drive may be required in some areas. Non-existent lighting and poor road conditions make driving at night hazardous. Taxis are available in Dili, but their number has declined significantly since the security crisis that began in April 2006. Small buses and mini-vans provide public transportation in Dili and elsewhere. However, public transportation is generally overcrowded, uncomfortable, and below international safety standards. Public transportation has also been known to unexpectedly drop passengers at locations other than their destination due to transit operators’ fears about certain areas or hours. Disagreement about fares has occasionally led to hostilities.
Driving in Dili is especially hazardous, with large trucks and military vehicles sharing the streets with vendors, pedestrians and livestock. Many cars and especially motorcycles operate at night without lights.
During the rainy season, travel on all cross-island roadways should be considered to be risky. U.S. citizens should use caution when traveling on the cross-island roadways in the mountain areas of Aileu, Ermera, Manatuto, Ainaro and Manufahi provinces. In December 2003, rain showers severely damaged several cross-island roadways, and several UN vehicles had to be airlifted out of the area south of Aileu due to landslides and roadway damage.
Accidents are frequent. When there is an accident, the police should be contacted. It is not uncommon for bystanders to attack the driver perceived to be responsible for a traffic accident. This is more common in rural areas and in accidents involving Timorese drivers, but, crowds have occasionally attacked expatriate drivers at the scene of an accident. If a U.S. citizen involved in an accident reasonably believes that there is a threat of bodily harm from people at the scene of the accident, it is advisable to drive to the police station or U.S. Embassy before stopping.
While it is possible to obtain insurance for vehicles in Timor-Leste, only a handful of foreigners have done so, and virtually no one else has automobile insurance. Most traffic accidents are settled informally between those involved.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the web site of the country’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety at http://www.timor-leste.gov.tl .
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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Timor-Leste, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Timor-Leste’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Timor-Leste remains in a state of transition. The country faces ongoing law enforcement capacity constraints. Many civil and governmental institutions are still being developed with international assistance. U.S. citizens traveling or doing business in Timor-Leste may find it difficult to identify legal or administrative mechanisms should problems arise.
The U.S. dollar is the official currency of Timor-Leste. Money can be exchanged at the three banks in Dili, but only to or from a limited number of currencies. Only a few establishments accept credit cards, usually requiring a substantial additional fee, and visitors should be prepared to settle all bills in cash. Dili has two ATM machines that accept U.S.-issued bankcards. Travelers should not plan to rely exclusively on these machines, as they are frequently inoperative.
Please see our Customs Information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Timor-Leste’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession of, use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Timor-Leste are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Timor-Leste are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Timor-Leste. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Avenida de Portugal, Praia dos Coqueiros, Dili, Timor-Leste, tel: (670) 332-4684, fax: (670) 331-3206. The web site is http://timor-leste.usembassy.gov/ .
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated January 18, 2007, to update sections on Country Description, Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety and Security, Crime, and Special Circumstances.
