Safety and Security

If you are in Timor-Leste, you should exercise caution, use common sense, avoid large gatherings, remain alert with regard to your personal security, and avoid travel after dark to the extent possible. Exercise caution 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.

You should review U.S. Embassy security messages and maintain a high level of security awareness while moving around the country. You should be alert to the potential for violence, and avoid demonstrations, large political 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, police stations, and houses belonging to prominent politicians. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence with little or no warning.

Timor-Leste has experienced several episodes of violence since becoming independent in 2002. However, there have been no major country-wide civil disturbances since 2008, and international peacekeepers departed the country at the end of 2012.

Timorese security forces occasionally establish official security checkpoints along roads.. You may be expected to show your passport at these checkpoints. There also are occasional illegal checkpoints not operated by the police or military in uniforms, which you should avoid, but which, to date, have been primarily targeted at Timorese nationals. If you are traveling in Timor-Leste, you 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.

All U.S. citizens should ensure that passports and important personal papers are in order at all times in the event it becomes necessary to leave the country quickly . If your passport visa pages are nearly full, apply for a new passport before you travel. The U.S. Embassy in Dili is not able to issue emergency passports and has only limited capacity to process passport renewals. The U.S. Embassy Dili works with the U.S. Embassy Jakarta to issue emergency passports on a case by case basis.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Timor-Leste by visiting the Embassy’s website and Facebook page
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and check for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crimes such as pick pocketing, purse snatching, residential and automobile break-ins, and theft occur throughout the country but are more frequent in the capital, Dili. These crimes often occur in recreational areas and facilities frequented by foreigners. Victims of crime who resist may face physical violence by perpetrators. There is occasional gang-related violence, which, at times, has affected foreign nationals. Stone-throwing attacks on vehicles occur during periods of gang conflicts and civil unrest and have resulted in serious injury and death in the past. You should avoid travel at night or alone in unfamiliar areas. Women should avoid traveling or taking taxis alone, especially at night.. Women walking or exercising alone in Dili have reported harrassment and groping incidents.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Help you replace a stolen passport. All U.S. passports are printed in the U.S., the passport application process may take 4 to 6 weeks. If you sitation requires you to travel sooner than 4 to 6 weeks, please call +670-332-4684.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent of the “911” emergency line in Timor-Leste is 112, but the line is frequently busy or unattended.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.