east timor travel restrictions

East Timor Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to East Timor

Open with restrictions for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

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Can I travel to East Timor from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, need to quarantine to enter East Timor.

Can I travel to East Timor if I am vaccinated?

Vaccinated visitors from the United States need to quarantine to enter East Timor.

Can I travel to East Timor without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States need to quarantine to enter East Timor.

Do I need a COVID test to enter East Timor?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering East Timor.

Can I travel to East Timor without quarantine?

Visitors from the United States will need to quarantine for 10 days upon entering East Timor.

Do I need to wear a mask in East Timor?

Mask usage in East Timor is required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in East Timor?

Restaurants in East Timor are open. Bars in East Timor are .

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Timor-Leste (East Timor) travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: August 7, 2024 14:03 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, timor-leste - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Timor-Leste due to the fragile security situation and crime.

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Political situation

The political situation is tense.

Violent episodes could occur with little notice, especially during significant political events, such as presidential or parliamentary elections. Be vigilant in the periods leading up to, during and following these types of events.

Military operations may take place at any time throughout the country. If you encounter a military operation:

• leave the area immediately if you can do so safely
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• remain vigilant at all times

Violent crime

Gang-related violence, arson, robbery and vandalism occur, especially in Dili.

Gangs in Dili have attacked cars with stones and darts fired from slingshots, particularly during the early evening hours and at night.

Violence between martial arts groups occurs, despite the government banning most of their activities.

• Avoid armed non-government groups, including martial arts groups, throughout the country
• Exercise extreme caution at bars and nightclubs, where altercations between groups may take place

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Thieves frequently target foreigners.

• Do not show signs of affluence
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place from time to time. They are likely to occur:

• near government buildings, institutions or residences
• around Dili’s Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to forms of harassment, violence and verbal abuse. Sexual harassment and groping of women is reported regularly.

Advice for women travellers

Tourist facilities

Tourist facilities and services such as hotels, restaurants and public transportation are very limited on the island, except in Dili.

Government services are also limited.

Locals regularly find unexploded ordnance in open areas outside Dili.

If you intend on trekking:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails

Water activities

Crocodile attacks occur across the country.

There have been crocodile sightings on beaches in Dili and other popular destinations. They are often present on the south coast.

Check with locals for the latest on the situation.

Tidal changes can cause powerful currents and riptides are common.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

• Consult locals and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
• Wear reef shoes to protect yourself against coral cuts and stonefish
• Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities

Tour operators may not adhere to international standards.

If you undertake adventure sports, such as diving:

• choose a well-established and reputable company that has insurance
• ensure that your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose

If in doubt concerning the safety of the facilities or equipment, don’t use them.

Water safety abroad

Road safety

Aside from main roads in Dili, road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Roads are poorly maintained and lack adequate lighting. Those outside of Dili are often unpaved.

Roads in mountain areas can also be narrow and winding. Driving conditions can be hazardous during the rainy season due to flash floods.

Serious accidents are frequent. Roadblocks are common.

• Avoid travelling at night
• Avoid travelling alone or in isolated areas
• Avoid driving or riding motorcycles, even if you are an experienced motorcyclist

Public transportation

Public transportation is unsafe. Assaults have occurred, including in taxis.

Avoid unnecessary local travel.

Buses are generally overcrowded and don’t meet international safety standards.

If you decide to travel by taxi, keep in mind that yellow taxis aren’t metered, so you should agree on a fare before departure.

Ferry accidents are common and often caused by poor safety practices or extreme weather conditions.

If you choose to travel by ferry:

• make sure the vessel you are boarding is carrying appropriate safety equipment
• make sure that life jackets are provided for all passengers and accessible at all times
• don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy
• verify the safety standards of ferries with your tour operator

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occurs in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea.

Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of Timor-Leste. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Timor-Leste. It must contain at least one blank page for the placement of a visa.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Work visa: required

Tourist visas

Entering by air or by sea.

You can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Dili’s international airport and the Port of Dili. You must pay an entry fee for a visit of up to 30 days. You can apply to extend your visa, for a fee, past the 30-day limit at the Immigration Service in Dili.

Entering by land

If you plan to enter by land, you need to apply in advance for a Visa Application Authorization online, or in person at an Embassy or Consulate of Timor-Leste.

Once at the border, you must present the document. If you meet all of the requirements and pay the fee, you can obtain a single or multiple-entry visa valid for a stay up to 90 days.

There are no currency exchange facilities at Dili’s international airport or at border crossings. Carry the exact amount for the entry fee in cash.

Work or business visas

You must obtain business or work visas in advance.

• More about visas - Immigration Service of Timor-Leste
• Apply for a visa extension - Immigration Service of Timor-Leste

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to pay for your stay and departure from the country. 

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   Limited malaria transmission may occur in this destination, but risk to travellers is very low.    Antimalarial medication is not recommended for most travellers. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

• Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by:

The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.

Learn more:

Insect bite and pest prevention Chikungunya

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Access to health care is limited. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Dental facilities are very limited outside Dili and the level of dental care is poor throughout the country.

Payment up front is often required.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Political activities

Foreigners cannot interfere or participate in political activities.

If you engage in such activities, you may be subject to fines, detention and deportation.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Timor-Leste.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Timor-Leste, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Timor-Leste.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Timor-Leste by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Timor-Leste to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Timorese law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dress and behaviour

Certain religious or cultural sites may require special permission to enter.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Traffic drives on the left.

You may drive with a valid Canadian driver’s licence and an International Driving Permit for up to 3 months.

If you’re staying longer, you must obtain a local driver’s licence from the Department of Transport and Communications.

All motor vehicles must be registered with the motor vehicle office.

International Driving Permit

The currency in Timor-Leste is the U.S. dollar (USD).

The economy is primarily cash based. Many places will not accept bills issued prior to 2007.

Credit cards are not widely accepted. There are ATMs in Dili; however, they can charge high fees to dispense cash and are often out of order.

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from December to April. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

• Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• Avoid disaster areas
• Follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Timor-Leste is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes occur frequently and there is a risk of tsunamis.

• Familiarize yourself with earthquake security measures in hotels and public and private buildings
• In the event of an earthquake, pay careful attention to local authorities’ official warnings

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

• Earthquakes - What to Do?
• Tsunami alerts  - U.S. Tsunami Warning System

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 112
• medical emergencies: 110
• firefighters: 115

Consular assistance

There is no resident Canadian government office in Timor-Leste. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the Embassy of Australia to Timor-Leste, in Dili, under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement.

Sign up to receive email updates from the Australian government on situations and events that could affect your safety while in Timor-Leste.

Smartraveller – Australian travel advice

Timor-Leste

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Australia to Timor-Leste, in Dili, or the Embassy of Canada to Indonesia, in Jakarta, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Timor-Leste (East Timor) Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Timor-Leste (East Timor).

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites
• Mosquito bite

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Timor-Leste, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Timor-Leste. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Timor-Leste include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Timor-Leste’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Timor-Leste. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Timor-Leste may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Timor-Leste, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Timor-Leste.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Timor-Leste (East Timor) for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Timor-Leste

Latest update.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Timor-Leste due to the threat of crime and limited healthcare options.

Timor Leste (PDF 189.3 KB)

Asia (PDF 2.29 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire services.

Call 331 0340

Ambulance service

Call 331 1044

Medical emergencies

Call 110 or go to the hospital.

Call 331 1380

Advice levels

• Local unrest does occur, including street gang fighting and political demonstrations, and minor disputes can become violent. Large public gatherings should be avoided, particularly around Tasi Tolu and Comoro in Dili. Violent and petty crime is not common in Dili, however, the risk increases at night and if travelling alone. 
• Criminals sometimes target foreigners. Home invasions, while not frequent, do occur. Lock your accommodation, even when you're inside. Drive with doors locked and windows up. 
• Travellers can experience sexual harassment, including lewd remarks and indecent exposure. Although offenders mostly target women, they may harass men. Sexual assault can happen in public places, such as Beach Road in Dili. Travel as a group if you can, including when exercising outdoors. Don't use public transport or taxis alone, especially at night.
• Crocodile attacks are reported in the eastern districts and along the southern coast. Crocodiles have been seen on beaches and inland waterways, including in Dili. Follow local advice.
• Severe storms occur during the wet season, from November to April. Flooding and landslides can damage roads and disrupt services. Follow the advice of local officials.
• Timor-Leste is in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes do occur and there is a risk of tsunamis. Familiarise yourself with earthquake security measures in hotels and public and private buildings. In the event of an earthquake, pay careful attention to local authority guidance.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Rabies has been detected in Timor-Leste and neighbouring West Timor (Indonesia). Rabies is fatal without post-exposure treatment, recommended within 24 hours of exposure. Avoid dogs, cats, monkeys, bats and other mammals. In the event of an animal bite or scratch, seek urgent medical advice. Rabies post-exposure treatment includes vaccinations and, if necessary, immunoglobulin treatment. This could require transportation to Australia as access to post-exposure rabies vaccination in Timor-Leste is limited.
• While malaria cases are uncommon, other mosquito-borne diseases can be found in Timor-Leste. Dengue is endemic in Timor-Leste, peaking in the monsoon season (generally from December to April). Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof.
• Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are widespread. These include gastroenteritis, typhoid and hepatitis. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. Tuberculosis is widespread. Healthcare workers are at risk. If you're a healthcare worker, get tested for tuberculosis before you travel and after you leave.
• Fish sold on the roadside may be contaminated with formaldehyde. Follow local warnings and advice.
• Medical facilities are limited, including at Dili National Hospital, which treats most emergency cases. Dental facilities are limited. If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need medical evacuation. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. There are serious penalties for drug offences.
• Don't interfere in local political processes or take part in political activity. If you do, you may face fines, 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.
• Dress and behaviour standards are conservative. Don't wear revealing clothing in public places, churches or markets. Public displays of affection aren't socially acceptable. Loud noise and foolish behaviour on religious days are offensive.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• You can get a 30-day visa on arrival if you visit as a tourist and arrive via Nicolau Lobato International Airport or Dili Seaport. If you enter at another location or by land, you'll need to get a visa before arrival. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest Timor-Leste Embassy or Consulate for current advice.
• Many taxis are in poor condition. You're at risk of robbery, sexual harassment, and sexual assault in taxis. Avoid using taxis, especially if you're female. If you choose to use taxis, seek local advice on recommended companies.

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

• Pope Francis will visit Timor-Leste from 9 to 11 September with a large number of pilgrims expected to visit Dili for this event. There's likely to be extra demands on local infrastructure and resources. You should be prepared for possible disruptions to transportation services, telecommunications networks and other utilities. Fresh food, water and medicine shortages may also be an issue.

Hotel accommodation may be difficult to find. Confirm travel arrangements early.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular assistance, contact the  Australian Embassy in Dili .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy's social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Civil unrest and political tension, demonstrations and protests.

Although stable for some years, there are still ongoing security risks. The situation could change with little warning.

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

Australians have been harassed because of their nationality.

Localised unrest happens in Timor-Leste, including street gang fighting and political demonstrations.

Minor disputes can escalate into violence without warning.

To stay safe:

• always pay close attention to your personal security
• stay away from unplanned gatherings, demonstrations, protests, street rallies and large public gatherings as they may turn violent
• monitor the media for news about safety and security risks
• stay away from trouble spots

Move to a safe place if:

• you're being harassed
• trouble breaks out

In Dili, be careful around Tasi Tolu, Comoro and other crowded areas.

There is a history of gang-related violence, robbery, arson and vandalism in major towns, especially Dili. 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 six-month ban on all MAG and RAG activities.  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.

• 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:

• Christo Rei, the Jesus Statue
• around Back Beach, behind the Cristo Rei (Jesus) Statue
• travel as a group if you can, including when exercising outdoors
• don't visit isolated areas alone
• don't travel alone on public transport or in taxis, especially at night

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:   

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

• Terrorist threats

Climate and natural disasters

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

Tropical cyclones are rare. Severe storms usually happen during the wet season, from November to April.

Heavy rain can cause  flooding , landslides and damage to roads. It can also affect services.

If a  natural disaster  or severe weather happens:

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

To check local and regional weather and disaster sites, visit:

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

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

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 straight away 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, monitor local media.

Wildlife Safety

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:

• some beaches in Dili

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm your insurance covers:

• your activities and care
• you for the whole time you'll be away
• medical evacuation including flight, transfers and hospital costs.

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

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

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

• what the medicine is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Mosquito -borne diseases.

While cases of malaria are not common, other mosquito-borne diseases can be found in Timor-Leste.

Dengue is endemic in Timor-Leste and outbreaks can occur in the monsoon season (generally December to April). Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• review our advice on infectious diseases .

If you're travelling to rural areas, discuss malaria-prevention medication with your doctor before you travel.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

• Infectious diseases

Rabies  is fatal if left untreated. It's a viral disease found in dogs, monkeys, bats and other mammals.

Rabies has been detected in Timor-Leste and in neighbouring West Timor (Indonesia). Suspected cases have been treated in Dili, but some require offshore treatment. Rabies is fatal without immediate treatment. 

• avoid dogs, cats, monkeys and other mammals
• if you're bitten or scratched, get treatment straight away and be prepared to return to Australia promptly for treatment which may not be available locally

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• gastroenteritis

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• don't eat ice cubes
• don't eat raw or undercooked food, such as salads

Tuberculosis  is widespread. Healthcare workers are especially at risk of being exposed to the disease.

If you're a healthcare worker, get tested for tuberculosis before you travel and after you leave.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Fish poisoning

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

Follow local warnings and advice. 

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Medical facilities are limited. Stamford Medical Clinic is Dili's main healthcare facility.

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

Dental facilities are limited.

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.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. 

There are serious penalties for drug offences.

• Carrying or using drugs

Don't interfere in local political processes or take part in political activity. If you do, you'll face fines, detention, or deportation.

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

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.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs
• Dual nationals

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 .

Local customs

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 and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

You can get a 30-day visa when you arrive, if you're both:

• visiting as a tourist, and
• arriving via Nicolau Lobato International Airport or Dili Seaport

You have to pay for a visa on arrival in US dollars. There are no money exchange facilities at the airport.

If you enter at another location or by land, you need to get a visa before you arrive.

If you can give a valid reason for extending your stay past 30 days, immigration authorities may let you extend your visa.

Apply to the  Immigration Department  at Vila Verde in Dili to extend your visa.

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.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

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

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTQIA+ travellers  

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD).

It is advised that you enter Timor-Leste with USD. Only visa cards are accepted in Timor-Leste, including ATM withdrawals, and they are not widely accepted for transactions. ATMs are available in built-up areas. Occasionally, mainly around national holidays, ATMs may only be restocked occasionally. Ensure you plan your cash needs to account for this. 

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 above certain limits, without a permit from the CBTL.

USD banknotes issued before 2000 are not accepted.

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
• call CBTL +67 0 331 3712 or +67 0 331 3714

Most places won't take credit cards, including hotels, shops and restaurants. Bring enough USD in cash to meet your needs.

Ask your bank if your Australian credit or debit cards work in Timor-Leste. Only visa cards are accepted in Timor-Leste; you cannot use other credit cards.

You might not be able to change Australian dollars for USD.

Local travel

Pope francis visit.

Pope Francis will visit Timor-Leste from 9 to 11 September with a large number of pilgrims expected to visit Dili for this event. There's likely to be extra demands on local infrastructure and resources. You should be prepared for possible disruptions to transportation services, telecommunications networks and other utilities. 

Fresh food, water and medicine shortages may also be an issue.

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

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Driving without an IDP could invalidate your travel and vehicle insurance.

After 3 months, you'll need to get a local licence.

Road travel

Driving conditions are dangerous because of:

• 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

You're more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Timor-Leste than in Australia.

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.

Outside Dili, 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 in Timor-Leste.

If you drive:

• learn local traffic laws and driving practices
• always carry your car registration papers and driver's licence
• always keep car windows up and doors locked
• travel in convoy in regional areas

If you're in an accident, report it to the local police.

• 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.

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 limousines or hire cars through your hotel.

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

Public transport

Many buses, 'microlets' and trucks used as  public transport  are not well maintained.

Poor driving standards add to the risk.

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  happens in South-East Asian waters.

The  International Maritime Bureau  publishes piracy reports.

Avoid trouble spots and take safety precautions.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

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

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

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.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Dili.

Australian Embassy, Dili

Rua Martires da Patria

Dili Timor-Leste

Phone: (+67 0) 332 2111

Fax: (+67 0) 332 2247

Website:  timorleste.embassy.gov.au

Email:  [email protected]

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

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East Timor Travel Restrictions

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Travelling from New Zealand to East Timor

Open with restrictions for vaccinated visitors

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Required for vaccinated visitors

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Can I travel to East Timor from New Zealand?

Most visitors from New Zealand, regardless of vaccination status, need to quarantine to enter East Timor.

Can I travel to East Timor if I am vaccinated?

Vaccinated visitors from New Zealand need to quarantine to enter East Timor.

Can I travel to East Timor without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from New Zealand need to quarantine to enter East Timor.

Do I need a COVID test to enter East Timor?

Visitors from New Zealand are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering East Timor.

Can I travel to East Timor without quarantine?

Visitors from New Zealand will need to quarantine for 10 days upon entering East Timor.

Do I need to wear a mask in East Timor?

Mask usage in East Timor is required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in East Timor?

Restaurants in East Timor are open. Bars in East Timor are .

• Latest News

Latest News:

Latest News: State of emergency renewed through 1 June (OSAC).

International Restrictions:

*Entry to Timor-Leste: The Government of Timor-Leste has re-imposed the temporary closure of its airports, ports and land borders from 3 May 2021 to 1 June l 2021. The decision has been made under the State of Emergency declared by the President of the Republic, due to a recent increase in the community transmission of COVID-19 in Dili.

During the above mentioned period of closure, the following exceptions will apply:

• Transit of Diplomatic or Consular Personnel, members of International Organisations and bilateral cooperation agencies, and workers in the petroleum sector, and other international workers whose work is relevant to Timor-Leste’s national interest;

• Operation of medical evacuations, and;

• International Transportation of goods.

Timor-Leste is in the process of implementing a series of changes to their admission procedures due to the recent increase in imported COVID 19 cases. While these are being rolled out, in addition to meeting the categories above, you should reconfirm your eligibility to enter Timor-Leste, with your travel agent/airline and the Embassy of Timor-Leste. You should arrange to take a private test.

*Quarantine requirements: Following the presentation of a valid negative COVID 19 test, you will need to quarantine for 14 days either in a government facility or in your own accommodation, subject to the approval of the Ministry of Health. Those who have been fully vaccinated and hold a valid vaccination certificate will be exempt from mandatory quarantine. Those who present symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever greater than 37.5°C, cough and/or breathing difficulties will be prevented from travelling, and taken to a health facility for a COVID-19 test. Positive cases will be subject to isolation.

*Testing on departure: Those wishing to leave Timor-Leste will be subject to health control measures including body temperature checks. The situation in Timor-Leste can change quickly. In exceptional cases, the Government may introduce temporary border closures.

Internal Restrictions:

*Travel in Timor-Leste: The capital, Dili, is re-imposing lockdown until 16 May 2021. During the lockdown period, if you are in Dili, you are prohibited to travel by land, sea or air to other municipalities except for health, security and humanitarian reasons which are considered necessary and authorised by the Integrated Crisis Management Centre. All social, cultural, sporting and religious events that involve gatherings of people are prohibited. The operation of public transport (microlets, biscotas and taxis) throughout the municipality of Dili are prohibited. Lockdown is also imposed in the municipalities of Ainaro, Baucau, Covalima, Ermera, Viquegue, Lautem, Liquica and Manufahi until 16 May 2021.

All individuals residing in the municipality of Dili are required to isolate at home, except for the following reasons; seeking medical assistance, participating in judicial or police investigations, for which they are notified, purchase of goods or payment for essential services, including food, electricity supply, telecommunication services and access to the internet and attending to work and or professional obligations that have not be waived by their employer.

You are required to wear a protective mask covering your mouth and nose and a safe distance of at least 1.5 meters must be observed. Anyone who displays a body temperature of higher than 37.5°C, or has a sore throat, or a cold, or respiratory distress including shortness of breath is forbidden to board buses, ships or aircrafts (the only exception is in the case of medical evacuation).

*Public places and services: Grocery shops, fuel stations, pharmacies, clinics, banking facilities and building material stores remain open but enforce a 1 metre minimum distance between each person.

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COVID-19 Travel Advice

General travel advice.

Timor-Leste welcomes back travelers who wish and plans to visit the country’s nature, marine life, culture, people and landscape.

Since March 2022, the Government of Timor-Leste issued Decree Law No. 12/2022 (as an amendment to previous Decree Law No. 26, 2021) that:

• All terrestrial border posts are functioning as normal
• PCR test for incoming passengers into national territory are not required, but relevant document proving complete vaccination is required
• Individuals who present symptoms of Covid-19 or SARS-Cov-2 upon arrival are still obliged to get medical examinations at the health facility by the isolation unit at entry points.
• Individuals who are tested positive are subject to therapeutic isolation mandatory at individual’s residence or designated accommodation facilities available in the country or at isolation health facility upon recommendation by the isolation unit.
• Individuals who enter in breach of the provisions will receive a fine of 30 to 250 US dollars and bear the expenses that resulting from the respective prophylactic isolation. (Article 6 of the Government Decree Law No.12/2022)

 For other details see the Decree Law.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• Ensure that they have the needed documents such as full vaccination proof (digital or hard-copy certificate)
• Enclose a copy of a valid passport and travel itinerary
• Current visa policy is based on the pre-covid policies (which found in the immigration website ( https://www.migracao.gov.tl/html/sub0301.php ) unless you are EU (Europe Union) and CPLP (Portuguese speaking countries) passport holders.

For other details about visa requirement, please visit: https://customs.gov.tl/enquiry-point/international-travellers/obtaining-a-visa/

• Length of process usually takes not more than a week.
• All the visa applications are done online, with the application form found in the immigration website (as above)

Subjects to quarantine are individuals who:

• Present no complete vaccination card ( Article 10 states that only individuals entering the national territory without proving complete vaccination are subject to mandatory insolation in a health facility, residence or isolation center established by the government)
• present symptoms of COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 and gets positive test-result by isolation unit upon arrival regardless of whether or not they present a document proof of complete vaccination, will have to undergo quarantine

Arrival by Air

Currently there are two regular international flights (Qantas and Airnorth) flying round trip from Darwin to Dili. Both Qantas and Airnorth fly three times a week (For details, please visit https://www.qantas.com/au/en/book-a-trip/flights.html or https://www.airnorth.com.au/ )

Travelers can also fly from Bali (Indonesia), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) into Timor-Leste. Aero Dili Airlines company is managing the flight into Dili from Bali. For flight schedules, please visit their Aero Dili Facebook page and/or Aerodili website

Details of flights from Malaysia, please visit website of Air-Timor airline company

Occasionally, there are flights from Portugal to Timor-Leste, but this is a chartered flights by local travel agencies in Timor-Leste.

Departure by Air

All passengers departing Dili will have to ensure that they follow the regulations of the destination.

Outbound travel from Dili to Darwin is possible through Air North (every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday – https://www.airnorth.com.au/ ) and Qantas (every Monday, Wednesday and Friday – https://www.qantas.com/au/en/book-a-trip/flights.html ).. Kuala Lumpur and Bali are other two entry points for passengers travelling from Dili.

Arrival into Indonesia

International travellers can visit Indonesia

A proof (digital/printed) of Covid Vaccination is required (the last dose must be taken 14 days prior to entering into Indonesia) – no need to proof dates of vaccination, just the number of

No quarantine and PCR test require for those with 2 or more vaccine doses upon arrival at the airport

Covid infected travellers within 30 days before departure are required to present an official recovery certificate from the origin country. They are exempted from taking PCT test 48h prior departure but still require to undertake the test upon arrival at Indonesia airport. If tested positive have to be isolated in designated accommodation approved by the government.

As for now, Bali is the only entry points for flights from Dili. These flights are managed by Aero-Dili. Please see Aero-Dili’s Facebook page for schedules or the official website: https://www.aerodili.com/

For further information, please visit: https://bali.com/bali/corona-virus-bali-indonesia/

Arrival into Australia

International flights are still subjects to the Government and Regulatory approval.

Australian government entry restrictions apply. All travelers are responsible for ensuring they are eligible to enter Australia prior to booking.

From July 6 2022, the way you ​travel to and from Australia has changed. All travellers should be aware that:

• People entering Australia  do not  need to provide evidence of vaccination status
• People entering Australia  do not  need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration
• People leaving Australia  will not  be asked to provide evidence of their vaccination status
• Unvaccinated visa holders  do not ​ need a travel exemption to travel to Australia
• Masks are still required on flights travelling to Australia

For details/updates, please visit Home Affairs

Arrival into Malaysia

Before Departure to Malaysia , passengers should download and update the MySejahtera app within a week before departing for Malaysia.

Travellers with overseas-issued COVID-19 vaccine certificates must verify their digital COVID-19 vaccine certificates on  MySafeTravel

Fully vaccinated travellers will be issued a  “Digital Traveller’s Card”  and reflected on their MySejahtera app.

Partially or unvaccinated travellers will be issued a digital Home Surveillance Order (HSO) on their MySejahtera app.

Travellers who do not have a traveller card display or HSO instructions on the MySejahtera app are not allowed to continue their journey.

Travellers aged seven (7) years and above must take the RT-PCR test within two days before departure to Malaysia and upload the results on MySejahtera. Exceptions are given to travellers aged six (6) years and below (based on year of birth).

All passengers with a confirmed booking to onwards connection are allowed to transit for more than 24 hours and must abide by the respective country’s entry restrictions.

For details/updates, please visit Malaysia Airlines  

Arrival/Departure by Land

Under the Government Decree-Law No.12/2022:

• All the terrestrial border posts are to function as normal.
• PCR test result is not required upon arrival but document proving complete vaccination is required.
• Individuals who present symptoms of COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 upon arrival are obliged to get medical examinations at a health facility or to an isolation unit at the entry points.
• Individuals who test positive are subject to therapeutic isolation mandatory at individual’s residence or designated accommodation facilities available in the country or isolation health facility upon recommendation by the isolation unit.

Domestic Travel

• Domestic commercial aviation operations through MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) and ZEESM have recommenced per normal.
• MAF, Aero Dili and ZEESM operate based on requests. Please refer to each of their links below, for further information.
• Public transport has returned to normal operations. Public transport, microlets, taxis and buses have recommenced operation on normal hours.

More info about MAF

[email protected]

Prevention advice from WHO

The following are two prevention advices announced by WHO for travellers to consider if you are planning of travelling abroad:

• all travellers should be reminded to remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of COVID-19,
• to get vaccinated when it is their turn and to adhere to public health and social measures at all times
• regardless of vaccination status, including by using masks appropriately, respecting physical distancing, following good respiratory etiquette and avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.
• Persons who are unwell, or who have not been fully vaccinated or do not have proof of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and are at increased risk of developing severe disease and dying, including people 60 years of age or older or those with comorbidities that present increased risk of severe COVID-19 (e.g. heart disease, cancer and diabetes) should be advised to postpone travel to areas with community transmission

Further Information

• Subscribe: Palacio das Cinzas – Official Covid-19 TL Facebook Page
• www.who.int
• searo.who.tl
• redcross.tl
• Official page of the Secretary State of Social Communication
• Television RTTL access through RTTLEP.TL
• National State Media TATOLI www.TATOLI.TL
• National State Metro Radio with Frequencies 94.7 MHZ and communities’ radios

https://www.who.int/timorleste/emergencies/novel-coronavirus-2019

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Timor-Leste Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 24, 2023, timor-leste - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Timor-Leste due to  crime  and  civil unrest.

Country Summary:  Timor-Leste has seen isolated instances of police responding to protests with force and the use of tear gas. Stone throwing attacks on vehicles can occur during gang conflicts and periods of unrest. Gender-based violence is high in Timor-Leste, and sexual harassment is fairly common.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Timor-Leste.

If you decide to travel to Timor-Leste:

• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Avoid demonstrations or crowds.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation. 
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Timor-Leste.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .    

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Wild Junket

East Timor Travel Guide: What It’s Like to Travel Timor-Leste

Last Updated on November 23, 2021

For the curious traveler, here’s my East Timor travel guide with tips on how to navigate your way around Asia’s newest nation, Timor-Leste.

East Timor, or Timor-Leste as it is called now, is a country that is rarely under the tourist radar. It is after all the newest country in Asia, having gained full independence only in 2002.

I was first drawn   to Timor-Leste by its tumultuous history and odd mix of cultures (Portuguese meets Indonesian). The country was colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century and remained under their ruling until 1975. Just days after it became independent, Indonesia invaded and terrorised the nation. An estimated 100,000 to 250,000 individuals are believed to have lost their lives during a campaign of pacification during this time.

Table of Contents

Is it Safe to Travel Timor-Leste?

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In 1999, the people of East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia, but gangs of independence opponents terrorised the population in a civil war that destroyed much of the country’s infrastructure. A United Nations peacekeeping force was then sent in to re-establish a civil society and reconstruct the nation.  On 20 May 2002, East Timor was finally recognized as an independent state under the official name of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. Today, UN troops have officially withdrawn, but Timor-Leste is still on its road to recovery.

Tourism is still in its infancy in East Timor, and there’s a limit to accommodation and attractions in the country. Traveling here is an adventure; you’ll be trailblazing your way through a truly unexplored part of the world. Most foreigners you see in East Timor are either here for business, diplomatic purpose or development work.

In general, Timor-Leste doesn’t quite feel like Southeast Asia — it reminds me more of the Pacific Islands. You need a real sense of adventure to truly explore the country as it can be challenging and roads are rough.

The civil war and unrest ended in the early 2000s, after East Timor finally gained independence and the United Nations established a strong presence here. A decade has since passed and peace now reigns in this quiet, relatively laid-back island nation.

These days, there are very few demonstrations and violence, but you should still be careful about potential dangers. Foreigners or tourists have been the target for violence in East Timor in the past, so travelers should adhere to standard precautions as in any developing country.

Remember you are traveling in a poor country, and crimes such as assault and theft do occur. The key to avoid such crime is to apply common sense and reduce your exposure to possible opportunity crime. Avoid large gatherings (demonstrations have had the potential to escalate with little or no warning in the past) and try not to wander around alone at night.

East Timor has a tropical climate, with temperatures around 26 to 32 degrees Celsius and extremely high humidity all year round. However, temperatures are far cooler in the high altitude areas, so remember to pack layers if you’re planning to go trekking or climbing Mount Mount Ramelau.

The rainy season runs from November to May, but even then it still gets extremely hot during the day. The rain can damage the roads in East Timor, making travel difficult to remote district areas during this time. Be sure to check if roads are passable just making your journey to remote areas.

As a remote and relatively unexplored country, it is surprisingly easy and cheap to fly to East Timor. The cheapest way to get here is fly from Bali, Indonesia. A number of airlines fly to Dili from Bali, including Citilink and Sriwijaya Air. Our return flights from Bali to Dili cost around US$250 each.

There are also direct flights from Singapore to Dili, on Air Timor, as well as flights from Darwin, Australia on Airnorth.

Another way to enter East Timor is overland from Indonesia. The main land border crossing with Indonesia is at Mota’ain (or Motain), 115km west of Dili. The nearest Timorese town is Batugade, about 4km away from the border. The nearest Indonesian town from the border is Atambua.

Note that the land borders do not issue visas, so if you need a tourist visa to enter, you MUST arrange your visa into East Timor in advance. (Read paragraph below for more details).

It has become increasingly easy for visitors to travel East Timor. Many European nationals can enter East Timor visa-free for up to 90 days when traveling for tourism purpose. All other nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport or Dili Sea Port.

A single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days costs US$30. Transit visas are available for stays of less than 3 days for a fee of US$20. There are no ATM or credit card facilities at the airport, so you MUST prepare your visa fees in US Dollars cash in advance .

As mentioned, visa on arrival is not available at the land border, except for nationals of Indonesia. Those intending to pass through the land border must apply in advance for a Visa Application Authorization.

There is a Timorese Consulate in both Bali and Kupang (Indonesia) where you can purchase visas.

Road conditions in East Timor are notorious for being bad. If you’re heading out of Dili, the roads are windy and bumpy, and motion sickness is common. Traveling in a tiny mikrolet f or hours, especially when it’s full, can be extremely uncomfortable.

Public buses connect main cities like Dili, Baucau, Maliana, Los Palos and Suai. Indonesian-style bemos (vans) and mikrolets (minibuses) – legacies from its 24-year rule – run from these cities to nearby villages.   Most of these departures take place very early in the morning and drivers have a tendency of doing keliling (Indonesian for “going round”) where they spend considerable time combing the streets and scouting for passengers before actually departing.

In Dili, you can hail a ride on a mikrolet for 25 cents to get around. The mikrolets are numbered, and each number goes on a set route. To get off, simply tap your coin on the metal handrail and the driver will stop for you. You pay the driver when you get off.

Hotels in East Timor are over-priced and standards are quite poor. Most budget hotels cost at least US$50 per night (for a double room) and they don’t offer quite as great value as those in neighbouring Indonesia. Unless you’re opting for a dorm bed in a backpackers’ hostel, prepare to shell out a fortune for your accommodation in East Timor.

Dili — Hotel Lecidere (US$50/night) may look shabby on the outside, its rooms are quite comfortable and it has an excellent location near the waterfront and several restaurants. We stayed here for five nights and it began to feel like home towards the end of our stay. Most standard bedrooms don’t have windows (only tiny ones in the bathrooms), so try to book a higher grade room. It’s also within walking distance from the central market and museums. Book here!

Dili — Hotel Timor (US$70/night) was our second choice. It’s one of the best hotels in Dili, located in the city centre and close to the beach. It’s definitely a lot more luxurious than Hotel Lecidere and we wished we had splurged on this instead. Book here!

Atauro Island — Atauro Dive Resort ($30/night) is the most casual and laid-back place to stay on Atauro; it’s an ecolodge set up by an Australian-Timorese couple with a strong passion for ethical tourism. Accommodation is in the form of wooden thatch-roofed huts but they’re relatively comfortable and located right on the seafront. Book here!

Maubisse — The Pousada de Maubisse ($50/night) is a famous lodge perched on a lookout just off the main road in Maubisse. The views here are beautiful; rooms are basic though.

Search for Hotels in East Timor

Timorese food is strongly influenced by Indonesian cuisine, with a staple diet of rice, curries and spices. Fried fish is a national dish, with prawns being considered a delicacy. Curries are a standard dish, with chicken curry topping the list as a favourite.

You’ll also find Indonesian nasi goreng (fried rice), mee goreng (fried noodles), and mee bakso (meat ball noodles soup) at every street side food stall.   Local food also lends itself to Papuan influences, so you will find yam and sweet potato on the menu when you stop at rural food stalls.

A significant numbers of foreigners living and working in East Timor has resulted in quite an impressive range of international restaurants around the capital of Dili. You’ll easily find Chinese, Italian, Japanese and Portuguese restaurants in the city.

Here are some of the restaurants we tried and enjoyed:

• Rolls n Bowls : Definitely our favorite restaurant in Dili for the well-priced and excellent Vietnamese pho and rolls
• Castaway Bar : Great for burgers and beers on the beach at sunset
• Nautilus : Said to be the best restaurant in Dili, this beachfront diner is pricey but serves up really food seafood
• Timor Thai Restaurant : Outstanding authentic thai food at this casual restaurant

Best Restaurants in Dili

East Timor can be shockingly expensive, especially if you’re coming from Indonesia. The US dollar ($) is the legal tender in East Timor — all transactions are in dollars. East Timor issues coins denominated in centavos and are not the same size as U.S coins, although U.S. coins are widely accepted.

In general, it IS possible to get around on a tight budget if you use local transport and eat at local places. A meal in a local eatery is around $1 to 2, and a ride in the mikrolet to get around the city costs just 25 cents each. Eating in a restaurant will set you back around US$7 -15 per person, and a taxi ride costs around $5 anywhere in the city.

Once you venture out of Dili, taxi fares can be pricey (at least $30) and private car hire is exorbitant. As roads are bad in East Timor, you’ll need to hire a 4WD to get anywhere and this costs at least $120 per day. Journeys are long in East Timor (it takes an hour to cover 30km on those roads), and it can be very uncomfortable and suffocating to cram into a mikrolet for a few hours. You’ll have to choose between forking out a lot of money or being uncomfortable for hours.

To get to nearby Atauro Island from Dili, the only affordable way is by Nakroma ferry ($4 per person) which leaves only on weekends. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay ridiculous prices like $45 per person to charter a speed boat (which takes an hour) or hire a local outrigger. The outrigger option is not advisable — even locals wouldn’t do it — as the sea can be quite rough and going on a small wooden boat for two hours can be dangerous.

Search for 4WD rental in Dili

• Dili — The capital city of East Timor is the main gateway (you have to fly here to go anywhere in East Timor). Most travelers including us spend most of their time in Dili. There are quite a few things to do in Dili: the Resistance Museum gives an insightful look into Timor’s history; climb up the Cristo Rei statue and then hop down to the Backside Beach for some respite; walking along the waterfront at sunset is great fun too.
• Atauro Island — This island near Dili offers some of the best diving in the world. A must-see attraction is the local divers and fishermen who fish using only traditionally made goggles and spear guns. Atauro is also well known for its distinctive wooden sculptures and is an excellent place to buy variety handicrafts.
• Ermera —   Coffee has been the main export commodity for East Timor since the colonial period. This mountain town is one of the regions where coffee is grown. Traveling here takes you through winding mountainous roads, until over 1,000m above sea level altitude, cool climate (as low as 15C), and greeted by smiling farmers who are more than willing to welcome you to their homes.
• Maubisse — This mountain town has a gorgeous natural setting, and a grand Portuguese posada that provides lodging for travelers. It’s also a great base to start your trek to Mount Rameau (3000m above sea level).
• Jaco Island — Although this island is an 8-hour bumpy ride from Dili, it’s worth a visit if you love scuba diving as it’s home to some of the best dive sites in the country. On the island, you’ll find eco-lodge facilities started with the support from local NGOs in the region.

If you’re interested in going on short daytrips from Dili, here are some interesting options:

• Cultural Tours with a Local Guide: Ride on a local microlet and learn about East Timor from a local
• Dili After Dark and BBQ : Join local families at the night market, enjoy some BBQ and live music

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. As an accomplished travel writer, she has written for BBC Travel, CNN and Rough Guides . She is also the author of five travel books, including the latest Lonely Planet's Mexico guidebook. Read more about her here and follow her on Facebook and Instagram .

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The Comments

Awesome summary of East Timor! Choosing between Indonesia’s Flores or East Timor for November so this was handy. Can you share where you took those pictures? Particularly the two beach pictures (first and last) and that Wes Anderson-esque picture of a yellow buildin (second). Did you take those yourself?

hi! How many days would you suggest to visit?

hi Ana, I would suggest at least 10 days or two weeks to really explore the back country of East Timor.

Can you fly into Dili on a one way ticket? Procure a transit or tourist visa and then fly out or travel by land/sea out of there??

hi Mark, I believe so because I got a tourist visa-on-arrival in Dili and they didn’t check my return ticket at all. So I’m pretty sure you can enter on a one-way ticket. But don’t take my word on it, it’s best to check with the embassy.

Hi Nellie, u’ve mentioned about diving in East Timor. I’m planning to go for diving there. Do u hv any experiences with the dive companies in East Timor? Roughly how much was it budget for ur travel?

hi Malin, yes diving in East Timor is supposed to be spectacular but sadly we didn’t go diving there. If you have the chance, check out Atauro Island. I’ve heard diving in the north are even better. We spent only five days in East Timor, but it was relatively expensive since everything was in USD. We spent around US$60 per night on accommodation, our meals were around US$10 per person, and local transport was cheap. If we had explored beyond Dili, it would have been a lot more expensive as renting a jeep alone would cost around US$150 a day and hiring a boat to Atauro also cost around the same. Local transport doesn’t really bring you to far-out places that are worth visiting. I would estimate our total expenditure to be around US$500 for the two of us, not including visa and flights.

GETTING AROUND: What do you think about bringing a full suspension mountain bike on the plane? I live in Thailand and I have one. Would that be a quick way to get around the island. I figured that if I get tired of biking, I can toss it on the roof of a Bemo or something. How much for scooter rental? Is that advised?

hi Ken, I think it’s doable to get around East Timor on a full suspension mountain bike, though it’s gonna be challenging considering the terrain. I’m afraid I can’t give much advise as we spent most of our time in Dili. It was too expensive for us to hire a 4×4 (and normal vehicles are not a good way to explore the island due to the bad roads). We didn’t find any scooter rental company actually and I don’t think scooters would be a good mode of transport to explore beyond Dili, considering how bad the roads are.

Sebastian Bach

So great my friend, thank you so much for visiting my beautiful country.

Julie Canova

Hi Nellie, thanks for posting your blog. Me and my husband are going in July, just wondering about snorkelling. And also am reading a lot of different opinions about crocodiles beaches?

Thanks for dropping by Julie! Where do you intend to go snorkeling? We spent all of our time in Dili and we did go to a few beaches around the city. And yes we did hear of crocodiles at the beach but didn’t see any ourselves. Honestly there won’t be much to see if you go snorkeling around Dili, but I’m sure there’s fantastic marine life at Atauro Island and in the rest of the country. I’m afraid I can’t share much about crocodile sightings, but perhaps talking to someone who lives there might be useful. Perhaps you can contact their tourism board and talk to them about it?

Terry Buchanan

Hello Nellie: What about surfing? Is it good there too? If so, where? And how to get there?

Jace Sarmiento

Hi Nellie, we will be in Indonesia next year but only limited number of days. around 12days. We are planning to go to Bali (From Jakarta) and then fly to Timor Leste from Bali. as far as our itinerary is concern, we only have 3 whole days maybe to stay in Timor Leste… would you suggest some destinations near the City of Dili? Because of the limited number of days we have, we are unable to explore the country more. Hope you can suggest… Thank you very much.

Steve Russell

Great write-up Nellie. We’re going in July for 6 months and can’t wait. Thanks for the info.

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Timor-Leste Travel Restrictions: What You Need To Know

• Last updated Oct 17, 2023
• Difficulty Intemediate

• Category United States

Are you planning a trip to Timor-Leste? Be prepared to navigate through a few travel restrictions before setting foot in this captivating country. Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, offers a fascinating blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. However, due to its remote location and limited infrastructure, Timor-Leste has implemented certain travel restrictions to ensure the safety of its visitors and residents. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, it pays to stay informed about the current travel regulations before embarking on your Timor-Leste adventure.

What You'll Learn

What are the current travel restrictions in place for timor-leste, are there any quarantine requirements for travelers entering timor-leste, are there any specific entry requirements for tourists visiting timor-leste, are there any restrictions on domestic travel within timor-leste, are there any specific guidelines or recommendations for travelers in timor-leste related to covid-19 safety precautions.

Timor-Leste has implemented travel restrictions in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19. These restrictions vary depending on the country of origin and the current COVID-19 situation. It is important to stay informed and updated on the latest travel advisories and requirements before planning a trip to Timor-Leste.

As of the time of writing, Timor-Leste has classified countries into three categories based on their COVID-19 risk levels: low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk. Travelers from low-risk countries are subject to the least restrictive measures, while those from high-risk countries face the strictest restrictions.

For travelers coming from low-risk countries, they are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours prior to departure. They may also be required to undergo a health screening upon arrival, including a temperature check and a health questionnaire. If they pass these screenings, they will not be required to undergo quarantine and can proceed with their travel plans.

Travelers coming from medium-risk countries are subject to more stringent measures. They are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours prior to departure and undergo a health screening upon arrival. In addition, they will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine at a designated facility, which may be a government-approved hotel or isolation center. During this quarantine period, travelers will be monitored for any symptoms and may be tested for COVID-19.

For travelers coming from high-risk countries, the restrictions are even more strict. They are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours prior to departure and undergo a health screening upon arrival. However, they will be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine at a designated facility, which may be a government-approved hotel or isolation center. Unlike medium-risk travelers, high-risk travelers are not allowed to choose a quarantine facility and must comply with the designated facility assigned to them.

It is important to note that the situation is constantly evolving, and travel restrictions may change at any time. It is advisable to regularly check the official government websites and consult with the local embassy or consulate for the latest information and requirements before planning a trip to Timor-Leste.

Overall, Timor-Leste has implemented travel restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These restrictions vary based on the COVID-19 risk level of the traveler's country of origin and may include requirements such as negative COVID-19 tests, health screenings, and mandatory quarantines. Staying informed and following the latest guidelines is essential to ensure a safe and hassle-free travel experience to Timor-Leste.

The Current Status of Air Travel Restrictions in the United States

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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect countries around the world, many governments have implemented travel restrictions and quarantine requirements in order to prevent the spread of the virus. Timor-Leste, a small country in Southeast Asia, is no exception.

Travelers entering Timor-Leste are subject to certain quarantine requirements, which have been put in place in order to protect the population from the potential transmission of COVID-19. These requirements vary depending on the traveler's country of origin and the prevailing health situation at the time of their arrival.

If you are planning to visit Timor-Leste, it is important to be aware of the quarantine requirements in order to properly plan your trip. Here are the general guidelines for travelers entering the country:

• Pre-travel requirements: Before traveling to Timor-Leste, all travelers must undergo a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their departure. The test must be performed at a recognized medical facility and must provide a negative result. Travelers are required to present the negative test result upon arrival in Timor-Leste.
• Quarantine period: Upon arrival in Timor-Leste, all travelers are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine period. This can be done either at a designated quarantine hotel or at home, depending on the traveler's preference and circumstances. During the quarantine period, travelers are not allowed to leave their accommodation and must strictly adhere to the quarantine rules and regulations.
• Monitoring and testing: During the quarantine period, travelers will be monitored for any symptoms of COVID-19. If any symptoms develop, the individual will be tested and, if positive, will be immediately transferred to a designated isolation facility for medical treatment and further monitoring.
• Additional measures: In addition to the mandatory quarantine period, travelers may be subjected to additional measures such as health screenings, temperature checks, and contact tracing. These measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the population and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

It is important to note that the quarantine requirements and guidelines may change depending on the evolving health situation in Timor-Leste and in other countries. Therefore, it is essential to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and requirements before planning your trip.

As a responsible traveler, it is important to comply with all quarantine requirements and guidelines set forth by the Timor-Leste government. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in penalties or denied entry into the country.

In conclusion, travelers entering Timor-Leste are subject to quarantine requirements in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These requirements include pre-travel testing, a 14-day quarantine period, monitoring and testing during the quarantine period, and additional measures such as health screenings and contact tracing. It is crucial for travelers to stay informed about the latest travel advisories and requirements to ensure a safe and smooth journey to Timor-Leste.

Exploring the Latest Travel Restrictions in Delaware: What You Need to Know

If you are planning a trip to Timor-Leste, it is important to be aware of the specific entry requirements for tourists. This will ensure that you have a smooth and hassle-free experience when visiting this beautiful country.

To enter Timor-Leste as a tourist, you will need a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity. Additionally, you will need to obtain a visa, which can be obtained either in advance or upon arrival.

If you choose to obtain a visa in advance, you can apply for an e-visa through the official Timor-Leste government website. The e-visa can be obtained online and will be issued within a few days. This is a convenient option as it allows you to have your visa ready before you arrive in Timor-Leste.

If you prefer to obtain a visa upon arrival, you will need to present a completed visa application form, along with the necessary supporting documents, at the immigration counter. These documents include a recent passport-sized photograph, a copy of your travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Timor-Leste.

It is important to note that the visa on arrival option is only available for certain nationalities. To check if your nationality is eligible for this option, you can refer to the official Timor-Leste government website or contact your nearest Timor-Leste embassy or consulate.

Once you have obtained your visa, you will need to complete an arrival card, which will be given to you upon arrival. The arrival card requires information such as your name, passport details, purpose of visit, and duration of stay. It is important to fill out this card accurately and truthfully, as any discrepancies may cause delays or issues during your stay in Timor-Leste.

In addition to the entry requirements, it is also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, as well as any unexpected events or emergencies that may occur during your trip. This will provide you with peace of mind and ensure that you are well protected during your visit to Timor-Leste.

In summary, tourists visiting Timor-Leste are required to have a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity. They must also obtain a visa, either in advance or upon arrival. The visa application process can be done online or at the immigration counter, depending on the traveler's nationality. It is important to fill out the required forms accurately and truthfully, as well as have travel insurance for additional protection. By following these entry requirements, tourists can have a smooth and enjoyable experience while exploring the wonders of Timor-Leste.

When Will the U.S. Lift Travel Restrictions?

As travel within Timor-Leste is an essential part of the tourism industry, the country has implemented certain restrictions to ensure the safety and well-being of both tourists and locals alike. These restrictions are in place in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of the population.

One of the main restrictions on domestic travel within Timor-Leste is the requirement of a negative COVID-19 test result. Before embarking on any domestic travel, travelers must present a negative PCR test result that has been conducted within the past 72 hours. This measure helps to identify and isolate any potential cases of COVID-19, reducing the risk of transmission during travel.

Additionally, there may be restrictions on the number of passengers allowed on public transportation. To ensure social distancing measures are adhered to, bus and taxi operators may limit the number of passengers they carry at a given time. This not only reduces the risk of transmission within crowded vehicles but also encourages passengers to maintain a safe distance from one another.

It is also important to note that some regions or municipalities within Timor-Leste may have specific travel restrictions in place. These restrictions can vary from temporary road closures to limited access to certain areas. Travelers are advised to check with local authorities or hotel staff for any specific restrictions and recommendations in the area they plan to visit.

Moreover, certain tourist sites or attractions may also have their own set of restrictions. These can include limits on the number of visitors allowed at a time, the requirement of wearing masks, and the practice of social distancing. Visitors should research and familiarize themselves with any specific regulations for the sites they plan to visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

It is important to highlight that while there are restrictions in place, domestic travel within Timor-Leste is still possible and can be done safely by following the guidelines and recommendations provided by the local authorities. These restrictions are designed to protect both tourists and locals and ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience for all.

In conclusion, there are certain restrictions on domestic travel within Timor-Leste, mainly related to COVID-19 precautions. Travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test result, be prepared for limitations on public transportation, and check for any specific restrictions in the area they plan to visit. By adhering to these measures, travelers can explore the beauty of Timor-Leste while maintaining their safety and the safety of others.

Exploring the Current Travel Restrictions to Bahrain: What You Need to Know

As travelers begin to plan their trips to Timor-Leste amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to be aware of the specific guidelines and recommendations in place to ensure their safety. Timor-Leste, like many other countries, has implemented various measures to prevent the spread of the virus and safeguard the health of both locals and tourists. By following these guidelines, travelers can have a safe and enjoyable experience in Timor-Leste.

One of the primary recommendations for travelers is to ensure they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before their trip. Vaccination not only protects individuals from severe illness but also reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Therefore, it is advisable to complete the full vaccination course and allow sufficient time for the vaccine to take effect before traveling to Timor-Leste.

Additionally, travelers must stay informed about the current COVID-19 situation in Timor-Leste. Monitoring travel advisories and updates from reliable sources, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health of Timor-Leste, is crucial. These sources provide up-to-date information regarding the number of cases, vaccination rates, and any specific travel restrictions or requirements in place.

It is also essential to adhere to the general safety precautions recommended by health authorities worldwide. This includes wearing masks in public areas, practicing good hand hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizers, and maintaining physical distance from others, especially in crowded places. These measures have proven to be effective in reducing the transmission of the virus.

Travelers should also be aware of any specific entry requirements or restrictions imposed by Timor-Leste. This may include presenting proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within a specified timeframe before arrival or upon entry, mandatory quarantine periods, and completion of health declaration forms. It is important to carefully review the entry requirements before traveling to Timor-Leste to avoid any inconveniences or delays.

Furthermore, it is advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including those related to COVID-19. In the event of illness or any unexpected circumstances during the trip, having adequate insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection.

While in Timor-Leste, travelers should prioritize outdoor activities and avoid crowded indoor spaces whenever possible. Exploring nature reserves, hiking trails, and enjoying the breathtaking landscapes that Timor-Leste offers can provide a safe and rewarding travel experience. Engaging in activities where physical distancing can be maintained is an additional precautionary measure to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus.

In conclusion, travelers visiting Timor-Leste should familiarize themselves with the specific guidelines and recommendations in place to ensure their safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include being fully vaccinated, staying informed about the current COVID-19 situation, adhering to general safety precautions, and following any specific entry requirements or restrictions imposed by Timor-Leste. By taking these precautions and being responsible travelers, individuals can have a memorable and safe trip to Timor-Leste.

Exploring the Beauty of Casablanca: Travel Restrictions, Tips, and Must-See Sights

Frequently asked questions.

Currently, Timor-Leste has closed its borders to all foreign nationals. Only citizens, residents, and individuals with special permission from the government are allowed to enter the country at this time.

Yes, all individuals allowed to enter Timor-Leste are required to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine at a designated facility. This quarantine must be completed at the traveler's own expense.

Yes, in addition to a valid passport, travelers to Timor-Leste must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival. They must also fill out a health declaration form and provide proof of accommodation for the quarantine period.

Yes, there are currently restrictions on domestic travel within Timor-Leste. Inter-district travel is limited, and individuals may need to obtain special permission from authorities to travel between districts. It is advisable to check with local authorities or consult the latest travel advisories before planning any domestic travel within Timor-Leste.

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• Travel advice

East Timor travel advice

Explore our complete guide to East Timor with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for East Timor.

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East Timor travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to East Timor with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Why visit East Timor?

Considering a holiday to the East Timor? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for beaches or nature to ensure you get the most out of your 2024/2025 escape.

East Timor tourist information

✝ = requirements for UK travellers.

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East Timor weather

The East Timor weather guide shows long term monthly averages for Dili .

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Check the latest travel advice on visiting East Timor from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

• UK traveller advice for East Timor - UK FCDO
• Irish traveller advice for East Timor - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
• Canadian travel advice for East Timor - Government of Canada
• US travel advisories for East Timor - US Department of State
• Safe travel advisories for East Timor - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
• Smarter traveller advice for East Timor - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around East Timor.

Note : UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

FCDO travel advice

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East Timor travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to East Timor with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

• Vaccines & medicines for East Timor - CDC
• Health & vaccinations for East Timor - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
• How to stay safe & healthy in East Timor - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in East Timor, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note : CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

East Timor covid live updates

Check the latest live updates on Covid-19 in East Timor with the vaccination requirements, current available statistics and up-to-date travel advice from government agencies.

• Travellers' health for East Timor - Information and Technology Agency, East Timor
• Coronavirus timeline in East Timor - Our World in Data

East Timor travel features

Do you want to learn more about East Timor? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in East Timor.

We don't currently have any travel features on East Timor. Discover more about holiday destinations around the world with this selection of general travel articles.

East Timor FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to East Timor including the current entry restrictions, covid rules, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Are there entry restrictions to East Timor due to Covid-19?

East Timor is open for tourism from the UK. Arrivals from the UK face a period of quarantine on entering East Timor. Fully vaccinated passengers exempt from quarantine. Check out Information and Technology Agency, East Timor for more information.

Do I need to quarantine in the UK if I travel from East Timor?

You do not need to quarantine on arrival in the UK from East Timor. The UK no longer requires a passenger locator form, Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.

What is the time difference between East Timor and the UK?

The time difference between East Timor and the UK is UK time+9 hours .

What is the main language spoken in East Timor?

The main languages spoken in East Timor are Tetum , Portuguese and Indonesian . Learn a language for East Timor with Babbel * , Mondly * and Busuu * .

What is the currency in East Timor?

The currency in East Timor is the US Dollar ( USD ). Send money to East Timor with Wise.com * .

Which plugs are used in East Timor?

East Timor uses electrical plug type C + E + F + I (220 Volts) .

Which side of the road do they drive on in East Timor?

They drive on the left side of the road in East Timor.

Do you need a visa for East Timor?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter East Timor. Check East Timor visa requirements for all passport holders with VisaHQ * .

Travel advice by country

Country name All countries - summary Algarve Balearic Islands Barbados Canary Islands Croatia Cyprus Egypt Faroe Islands France Germany Greece Ireland Italy Jamaica Madeira Maldives Malta Portugal Spain Turkey UAE UK USA Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Congo-Brazzaville Congo-Kinshasa Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Malawi Mali Mauritania Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Rwanda Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Swaziland Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Western Sahara Zambia Zimbabwe Antarctica French Southern and Antarctic Lands South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China East Timor Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Oman Pakistan Philippines Qatar Russia (Central Asia) Russia (Far East) Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Turkmenistan UAE Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Anguilla Antigua Aruba Bahamas Barbados Bonaire British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Cuba Curacao Dominica Dominican Republic Grenada Guadeloupe Haiti Jamaica Martinique Montserrat Puerto Rico Saba Sint Eustatius Sint Maarten St Barthelemy St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Martin St Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Virgin Islands Belize Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Guernsey Hungary Iceland Ireland Isle of Man Italy Jan Mayen Jersey Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Turkey UK Ukraine British Indian Ocean Territory Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Comoros Madagascar Mauritius Mayotte Reunion Seychelles Bermuda Canada Greenland Mexico St Pierre and Miquelon USA American Samoa Australia Cook Islands Federated States of Micronesia Fiji French Polynesia Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Midway Island Nauru New Caledonia New Zealand Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Palau Papua New Guinea Pitcairn Island Samoa Solomon Islands Tokelau Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Wake Island Wallis and Futuna Algarve Azores Madeira Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Falkland Islands French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Balearic Islands Canary Islands England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut D.C. Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

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Timor Leste Travel Guide

East Timor (aka Timor-Leste) is one of the world's youngest countries, becoming a separate state from Indonesia in just 2002. It has some similarities to Indonesia in terms of the tropical climate and geography (it's part of the island of Timor), but the people here have a different ethnic and cultural background.

The islands near the coast of East Timor are becoming increasingly popular for diving and snorkeling trips, with white sand beaches, turquoise water and amazing coral reefs. The biodiversity is pretty similar to nearby Indonesia, but part of the novelty in visiting East Timor is that you get to check another country off of your 'to do list.'

Dili, the capital city of East Timor, also makes a decent place for a visa run if you're wanting to extend your stay in Indonesia. I found the visa and arrival process to be pretty straightforward. Read through this complete Timor Leste travel guide for more info on what to expect!

Quick Facts

Christianity

US Dollar; centavos are given for change

Visa on arrival available to all nationalities

Tropical; hot & humid year round. Dry season is May-Nov

Power Plugs

Type C / E / F / I

The main airport in East Timor is in Dili (code: DIL), which has direct flights from international places like Bali, Darwin, and Singapore. You can shop for flights to East Timor on Skyscanner.

Timor Leste is generally a safe travel destination, although you should take extra precautions and try to avoid being out at night. Harassment of women is a problem here, and I'm not sure I would recommend visiting the country as a solo female traveler.

Still, the UN reports that the violent crime rate is a fairly typical  4 per 100k inhabitants (36% lower than the global average), so it's not a very dangerous place to travel. The biggest safety risks are probably motorbike accidents and natural threats, like dengue fever. Be sure to wear mosquito spray during the rainy season.

Despite the general state of poverty in East Timor, it is oddly not a very budget friendly travel destination compared to other countries in SE Asia. The country doesn't get a lot of tourists, so infrastructure is pretty limited and this is partly why the prices are higher than they should be.

Hostels are available from $10 USD and private hotels from $25 . Meals are pretty cheap, costing about $4 to $8 depending on location. Transportation is generally by car or bus, and taxi fares are paid for in US Dollars.

My latest blog posts about Timor Leste

How To Get An East Timor Visa On Arrival (VOA)

East Timor is becoming an increasingly popular destination for diving and snorkeling trips, and part of the novelty is that it’s also one of the world’s youngest …

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