COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution in Timor-Leste due to crime and isolated incidents of civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

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Timor-Leste

Pope Francis will visit Timor-Leste from 9 to 11 September. The Government of Timor-Leste will be hosting the Pope in Dili, and significant numbers of pilgrims are expected in the city. This will place pressure on accommodation, local infrastructure and resources.

Authorities are expected to close roads to non-essential traffic, and vehicle movement restrictions will apply across Dili. There will also be restrictions at land borders, which will begin to close from 1 September for non-Timorese passport holders. Commercial flights and ferries will be limited from 9 to 11 September. If you are planning to travel to Timor-Leste around this time, please contact your travel provider to see if your scheduled journey has been affected.

Given the additional vehicles on roads travelling to and from Dili, we advise extra care to be taken if driving in the municipalities.

Crime
There are occasional incidents of assault and other crime in Timor-Leste, including in Dili. Foreigners may be targeted for robbery because of their perceived wealth. Gang-related violence can occur, and in the past has included stone throwing at vehicles, robbery, arson and vandalism.

New Zealanders in Timor-Leste should exercise a high degree of personal security awareness at all times, and pay close attention to personal belongings. Sexual harassment of foreigners is common, predominantly against women. We advise against travelling alone at night and to isolated areas for security reasons.  Women should avoid using public transport (including taxis) alone, especially at night.

Road Travel
Poor road quality, poor driving standards and a large number of cars and motorbikes on the roads, especially in Dili, makes driving hazardous and accidents are frequent, especially at night when lighting can be minimal. Public transport is generally considered unsafe and should be avoided.

Driving accidents can attract large crowds that can turn violent at short notice. In the event that you are involved in a traffic accident you should remain in your vehicle and immediately call the Timor-Leste National Police (emergency number 3311380). Should you assess any threats to your personal safety you should remove yourself from the situation.

Checkpoints occasionally operate in Dili and throughout the country. New Zealanders should carry relevant personal identification and vehicle registration papers with them at all times.

Air Travel
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. We recommend New Zealanders refer to the International Air Transport Association’s list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. 

Sea Travel
We recommend caution in undertaking boating activities, including in travelling between islands.  Always check that appropriate safety standards are met prior to travel.

Civil Unrest
Timor-Leste is generally stable, but there are ongoing security risks.  Disturbances could occur with little warning and escalate quickly. This includes fighting between martial arts gangs in certain areas of Dili and Baucau and during political events.

New Zealanders in Timor-Leste are advised to avoid political protests and heavily crowded areas. Regularly monitor the media and local information sources to keep up to date on political and security developments. If you find yourself in an area of disturbance, leave the area immediately and move to a safe location.

Piracy
Piracy is a problem in South East Asian waters. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy report.

General Travel Advice
Medical services in Timor-Leste are very limited and pharmaceuticals are difficult to obtain. New Zealanders travelling or resident in Timor-Leste should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

Rabies has been detected in Oecusse and West Timor. Contact with dogs, cats, monkeys, bats and other mammals should be avoided.

New Zealanders undertaking adventure activities such as diving, should note there is no hyperbaric chamber in Timor-Leste.  If diving, check that you are covered by your travel insurance policy and always ensure safety standards are in place. 

Swimmers should be alert to the fact that there are no lifeguards on beaches. Wearing reef shoes or similar is encouraged to protect against coral cuts.

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. Exercise caution.

Exercise personal care regarding mosquitos. Dengue cases have been recorded in Timor-Leste in recent years, and travellers are advised to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Outbreaks can occur during the monsoon season which typically runs from December to April.

New Zealanders are advised to respect religious, social and cultural traditions in Timor-Leste to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Timor-Leste lies in an active seismic zone, and experiences earthquakes. Familiarise yourself with general safety procedures in the event of an earthquake.

New Zealanders travelling or resident in Timor-Leste are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

Travel tips

• For current health alerts

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The New Zealand Embassy Dili, Timor-Leste

Street Address Rua de Ermera, No.19, Motael, Dili, Timor-Leste Telephone +670 331 0087 Emergency Telephone +64 99 20 20 20 Email dil@mfat.govt.nz Hours Mon - Fri 8:30am - 12:30pm; 1:30pm - 4:30pm

See our regional advice for South East Asia