Timor Leste Travel Safety

General safety

Government services are limited. Be careful when trekking in rural areas and stay on well-used paths and roads. There have been crocodile sightings on beaches in Dili and other popular destinations. Crocodile attacks have also occurred in areas across the country. Check with locals for the latest on the situation. Facilities and services such as hotels, restaurants and public transportation are available in Dili but are very limited or non-existent elsewhere on the island. Locals regularly find unexploded ordnance in open areas outside Dili.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Driving conditions can be hazardous during the rainy season due to flash floods. Roads are poorly maintained and lack adequate lighting, and those outside of Dili are often unpaved. Serious accidents are frequent and travelling at night should be avoided. Roads in mountain areas can be narrow and winding. Avoid driving or riding motorcycles in Timor-Leste, even if you are an experienced motorcyclist, as motorcycle accidents are common. Frequent roadblocks occur. Do not travel alone, especially after dark or in secluded areas. Avoid unnecessary local travel. Public transportation services are poor and using them is not advised.

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. In addition, don't flash money or valuables in public. Doing so may make you a potential victim of criminal activity.

Crime

Petty crime such as mugging, car theft, pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs. Gangs in Dili have attacked cars with stones and darts fired from slingshots, particularly during the early evening hours and at night. Gang-related violence, arson, robbery and vandalism occur, especially in Dili. 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. Foreigners are frequently targeted by thieves. Do not show signs of affluence and be aware of your surroundings. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Dress and behaviour

To avoid offending local sensitivities: dress conservatively,behave discreetly, respect religious and social traditions. Certain religious or cultural sites may require special permission to enter.

LGBT

Although the laws of Timore-Leste do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is less tolerated socially and public display of affection may attract unwanted and negative attention. LGBT travellers should be aware of local sensitivities, particularly when visiting rural areas.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. Longer-term visitors 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.