Timor-Leste
Country Specific Information
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September 23, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Occupying 5,743 square miles on the eastern half of an island in the Timor Sea between Indonesia and Australia, Timor-Leste has a population of approximately 1.1 million people. Timor-Leste became independent on May 20, 2002, and is now a democratically governed, independent nation with an elected President and Parliament.
In the violence that followed Timor-Leste's 1999 independence referendum, the country’s infrastructure, never robust, was
totally destroyed and has been only partially rebuilt. In April 2006, violence erupted again in and around the capital, Dili,
resulting in further damage to infrastructure and setting back economic growth. Electricity, telephone and telecommunications,
roads and lodging remain unreliable, particularly outside of the capital. Timor-Leste's economy relies largely on international
assistance and revenues from oil and gas production. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Timor-Leste for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport valid for six months beyond the intended date of departure from Timor-Leste is required. Tourist visas are not
required prior to arrival, but travelers arriving in Timor-Leste without a visa will need to pay a $30 fee for the 30-day
visa. There is an additional fee for each 30-day renewal of this tourist visa. Visitors traveling via air must transit Singapore;
Darwin, Australia; or Bali, Indonesia en route to Timor-Leste.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: American citizens in Timor-Leste should exercise caution, use common sense, avoid large gatherings, remain alert with regard
to their personal security, and avoid travel after dark to the extent possible. Americans should exercise caution in public
places, including, but not limited to, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreational events,
hotels, resorts and beaches and other locations frequented by foreigners.
American citizens should maintain a high level of security awareness while moving around in Dili; be alert to the potential
for violence; and avoid demonstrations, large political gatherings, and areas where disturbances have occurred. Demonstrations
can occur at or near symbols and institutions of the Government of Timor-Leste, including government buildings and houses
belonging to prominent politicians. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into
violence. Although social and political tensions have diminished in 2008, American citizens should exercise particular caution
in sites of past unrest. These areas in Dili include the international airport and its surroundings, and the areas around
internally displaced persons camps in the city.
Gang-related violence occurs sporadically in Dili, and Americans risk intentional or inadvertent injury when traveling in
affected areas. While the overwhelming majority of gang-related criminal violence has been Timorese-on-Timorese, foreigners
have been caught up in such violence and there have been credible reports of anti-Western attacks, most recently during a
surge of violence in Dili in and Baucau in August 2007. About 30,000 internally displaced persons remain in camps in and
around Dili, several of which have been sites of recurring incidents of violence.
Timor-Leste’s state institutions comprising the security sector remain fragile, and the country depends upon international
police and security forces to assist in the maintenance of public security. Although authorities have made progress toward
restoring public security in recent months, the risk of further violent civil unrest persists.
Timor-Leste has experienced several major episodes of violent civil disorder in recent years. When demonstrations in April
2006 protesting the Government’s dismissal of 595 members of the armed forces escalated into rioting, civil order in and around
the capital Dili broke down. Tens of thousands of Timorese fled the violence and settled in camps for internally displaced
persons (IDPs). The Government asked for the deployment of international security forces to assist in restoring order. An
Australian-led International Stabilization Force of about 1,000 troops remains in Timor-Leste.
Also at the Government’s request, the UN Security Council extended its mission in Timor-Leste. On August 25, 2006, the UN
Security Council approved a new expanded mission (the UN Integrated Mission for Timor-Leste, or UNMIT) providing for a policing
component of up to 1,608 personnel. The Security Council extended the mandate of UNMIT for one year in February 2007 and again
for one year on February 25, 2008. The Timorese national police (PNTL) in Dili were disbanded and are being reconstituted
under UNMIT guidance. For more information on UNMIT, consult http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unmit/.
In April through June 2007, the Government of Timor-Leste held three rounds of national elections in a largely peaceful atmosphere.
Localized, sporadic violence erupted in August after the President announced the formation of a new government. International
forces, alongside members of the National Police of Timor-Leste, contained the violence and the affected communities returned
to normal. The security situation can, however, deteriorate without warning, and the risk that foreigners may be specifically
targeted persists. On February 11, 2008, armed rebels attacked President Jose Ramos-Horta, who sustained gunshot injuries
and was evacuated to Australia for medical treatment. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao escaped unharmed when his bodyguards thwarted
a separate attack against him the same day. All of the rebels involved in this incident are now in custody.
Americans are advised that international security forces and UN police and the Timorese security forces occasionally establish
security checkpoints along roads. These legitimate checkpoints are intended to enhance security and should be respected. There
are also occasional illegal checkpoints which Americans should avoid, but which to date have been primarily targeted at Timorese.
Americans traveling in Timor-Leste should remember that despite its small size, much of the territory is isolated and can
be difficult to reach by available transportation or communication links.
Travelers and residents should always ensure that passports and important personal papers are in order in the event it becomes
necessary to leave the country quickly for any reason. Likewise, travelers should be aware that the U.S. Embassy in Dili
is not able to issue emergency passports and has only limited capacity to process passport renewals.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs’ website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada,
or for other callers, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern
Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.
For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see
the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Crimes such as pick pocketing, purse snatchings, residential and automobile break-ins and theft occurs throughout the country,
but are more frequent in Dili, the capital. Victims who resist may be subject to physical violence. Gang related violence
occurs, and has targeted foreign nationals. Stone-throwing attacks on vehicles occur during periods of gang conflicts and
civil unrest, and have resulted in serious injury and death. Visitors should avoid travel at night or in unfamiliar areas
alone. Women should avoid traveling alone, especially at night because sexual assault or banditry is possible. Timor-Leste
is a socially conservative country, and travelers should avoid wearing revealing clothing, particularly in crowded public
areas such as markets.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate. Those in need of police assistance should call the National Police of Timor-Leste at 112 or 723-0365. The UN
Security Operations Center can be reached at 723-0635. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting
to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for
example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.
Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers
can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Although limited emergency medical care is available in Dili, options for routine medical care throughout the country are
extremely limited. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to Australia, the nearest
point with acceptable medical care, to Singapore, or to the United States, can cost thousands of dollars.
The Government of Timor-Leste does not have any policy restricting the entry of persons with HIV/AIDS or imposing restrictions
on residents of Timor-Leste with HIV/AIDS.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en/.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Timor-Leste is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate
in a particular location or circumstance.
All traffic operates on the left side of the road, and most vehicles use right-hand drive. Roads are often poorly maintained
and four-wheel drive may be required in some areas. Non-existent lighting and poor road conditions make driving at night hazardous.
Taxis, small buses and mini-vans provide public transportation in Dili and elsewhere. However, public transportation is
generally overcrowded, uncomfortable, and below international safety standards. Public transportation operators have been
known to unexpectedly drop passengers at locations other than their destination due to the operators’ fears about certain
areas or hours. Disagreement about fares has occasionally led to hostilities. Public transport is generally inadvisable and
is unavailable after dark.
Driving in Dili is especially hazardous, with large trucks and military vehicles sharing the streets with vendors, pedestrians
and livestock. Many cars and especially motorcycles operate at night without lights.
During the rainy season, travel on all cross-island roadways should be considered to be risky. U.S. citizens should use caution
when traveling on the cross-island roadways in the mountain areas of Aileu, Ermera, Manatuto, Ainaro and Manufahi provinces.
In December 2003, rain showers severely damaged several cross-island roadways, and several UN vehicles had to be airlifted
out of the area south of Aileu due to landslides and roadway damage.
Accidents occur frequently. When there is an accident, the police should be contacted. It is not uncommon for bystanders
to attack the driver perceived to be responsible for a traffic accident. This is more common in rural areas and in accidents
involving Timorese drivers but crowds have occasionally attacked expatriate drivers at the scene of an accident. If a U.S.
citizen involved in an accident reasonably believes that there is a threat of bodily harm from people at the scene of the
accident, it is advisable to drive to the police station or U.S. Embassy before stopping.
While it is possible to obtain insurance for vehicles in Timor-Leste, only a handful of foreigners have done so, and virtually
no one else has automobile insurance. Most traffic accidents are settled informally between those involved.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the web site of the country’s national tourist office and national authority responsible
for road safety at http://www.timor-leste.gov.tl.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Timor-Leste, the U.S. Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Timor-Leste’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Timor-Leste remains in a state of transition. The country faces continuing challenges that limit its law enforcement capability.
Many civil and governmental institutions are still being developed with international assistance. U.S. citizens traveling
or doing business in Timor-Leste may find it difficult to identify legal or administrative mechanisms if problems arise.
The U.S. dollar is the official currency of Timor-Leste. Money can be exchanged at the three banks in Dili, but only to or
from a limited number of currencies. Only a few establishments accept credit cards, usually requiring a substantial additional
fee, and visitors should be prepared to settle all bills in cash. Dili has several ATM machines that accept U.S.-issued bankcards.
Travelers should not plan to rely exclusively on these machines, as they are frequently inoperative.
Please see our Customs Information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties
for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Timor-Leste’s laws,
even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession of, use of, or trafficking in illegal
drugs in Timor-Leste are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual
conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United
States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Timor-Leste are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through
the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Timor-Leste. Americans without Internet access
may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the
Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Avenida de Portugal, Praia dos
Coqueiros, Dili, Timor-Leste, tel: (670) 332-4684, fax: (670) 331-3206. The web site is http://timor-leste.usembassy.gov/.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information dated March 24, 2008, to update sections on Safety and Security, Crime, Information
for Victims of Crime, Medical Facilities and Health Information, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions and Registration/Embassy Location.