Travelers to East Timor, including the USA, Canadian, Australian, and British nationals, need a visa for entry. However, a single-entry visa valid for 30 days is issued upon arrival at Presidente Nicolau Lobato. The Australian Government advises travelers to exercise high degree of caution, as vaccines cannot protect against many diseases in Timor-Leste.
Public transport is generally considered unsafe and should be avoided, as driving accidents can attract large crowds that can turn violent at short notice. Timor-Leste is generally stable, but there are ongoing security risks, such as disturbances, fighting between martial arts gangs, and violence during political events. Offenders mostly target women, but may also target men.
Travellers are at higher risk of experiencing gang-related violence, robbery, arson, and vandalism in major towns, including Dili. Rocks are sometimes thrown at vehicles and property, which mostly affects safety.
In general, Timor-Leste is a safe place to travel to, although some precautions are necessary. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria are present, especially in the wet season. The country has seen isolated instances of police responding to incidents of crime.
In summary, Timor-Leste is generally safe to travel to, but travelers should be aware of potential risks such as mosquito-borne diseases, robbery, and potential bag theft. Travelers should also consider their health, safety, and legal differences when planning their trip to Timor-Leste.
📹 How Safe Is Timor Leste for Travel?
The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, otherwise known as East Timor, is located in Southeast Asia. It is positioned northwest of …
Is English spoken in East Timor?
Timor-Leste has two official languages, Portuguese and Tetum, and two working languages, English and Indonesian. The country also has 32 indigenous languages, including Tetun Prasa, Tetun Terik, Adabe, Atauran, Baikenu, Bekais, Bunak, Dadu’a, Fataluku, Galoli, Habun, Idalaka, Idate, Isni, Kairui, Kawaimina, Kemak, Lakalei, Lolein, Makalero, Sa’ani, Makasai, Makuva, Mambai, Midiki, Nanaek, Naueti, Rahesuk, Raklungu, Resuk, Tokodede, and Waima’a. The General Directorate of Statistics maintains statistics on language usage, including the latest 2015 statistics.
Why do people not travel to Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste has experienced incidents of police responding to protests with force and tear gas, as well as stone throwing attacks during gang conflicts and unrest. Gender-based violence and sexual harassment are prevalent in the country. Travelers should maintain a low profile, be aware of their surroundings, use caution when walking or driving at night, avoid demonstrations or crowds, keep travel documents updated, obtain comprehensive medical insurance, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter, review the Country Security Report, visit the CDC page for travel health information, prepare a contingency plan, and review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Is East Timor safe for tourists?
Dili is advised to avoid large public gatherings, especially around Tasi Tolu and Comoro, due to increased risk of violent and petty crime. Home invasions are not frequent, but can occur. Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste from 9-11 September will likely demand additional infrastructure and resources, leading to disruptions in transportation services, telecommunications networks, and utilities. Fresh food, water, and medicine shortages may also be a concern. Dili’s President Nicolau Lobato International Airport will be closed for commercial flights, making hotel accommodations difficult to find.
Does East Timor have tourism?
Timor-Leste is a beautiful and new travel destination offering natural beauty, rich history, and unique cultural experiences. The capital of Dili, Timor-Leste, can be reached by flight from Bali, Singapore, or Australia, or by land from the Indonesian side of the island, West Timor. It is just over an hour by plane from Darwin. If you are interested in exploring unique cultures, different places, and having an adventurous spirit, Timor-Leste is for you.
To explore Timor-Leste, you can choose from a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, guest houses, and hom estays. Activities include exploring the country’s history and culture, getting out and about in nature, and trying the delicious dishes that Timor-Leste has to offer. The beauty of the country and the friendly people inspire visitors to explore ancient ruins, hike through lush forests, or relax on pristine beaches.
In conclusion, Timor-Leste is a beautiful and new travel destination with a rich history, beautiful beaches, tropical reefs, and a rugged mountainous interior. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring ancient ruins, hiking through lush forests, and relaxing on pristine beaches.
Is it safe to swim in Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste has estuarine crocodiles around its coast, with fatal attacks occurring in rare cases. It is important to check with locals before swimming and if crocodiles have been recently sighted. When hiring a vehicle, hire a driver unless experienced with local driving conditions. Use seat belts, wear helmets, and slow down, especially when passing through villages. Driving licenses are required for vehicles. Eat and drink responsibly, as tap water in Timor-Leste is not safe unless boiled or chemically treated, and bottled water is readily available.
Is Timor-Leste safe for solo female travellers?
Travelers in Timor-Leste are facing harassment and violence, including sexual assault, lewd remarks, and indecent exposure. Offenders target women and men, often in public places like Beach Road in Dili. To avoid such incidents, travel as a group, especially during outdoor activities, and avoid using public transport or taxis alone at night. Group fights, often involving stone throwing and machetes, occur at night and are not targeted by foreign nationals.
Is Timor-Leste expensive to visit?
During a recent trip to Timor-Leste, a South Pacific country known for its unspoiled waters and coral reefs, budgeting became more challenging than ever. The country, which shares half of Timor Island with Indonesia, is one of the world’s least-visited and one of the more expensive due to high trade costs. The centavo is the currency used in the country, and the US dollar is also used, making it more expensive than nearby countries like Indonesia and Australia.
The cost of return plane tickets from Bali to Dili is $500. The only cities with flights to Dili are Bali, Indonesia, and Darwin, Australia. Only two airlines, Citilink and Aero Dili, fly between the two cities. The flight from Bali is less than two hours long, and stopovers through larger airports like Singapore and Tokyo are often used.
Should I go to East Timor?
East Timor is a beautiful country with mountains, beaches, coffee plantations, and lush tropical forests. The people are friendly and welcoming, often greeting with a smile or handshake. The capital city, Dili, offers grand sunsets and a laid-back vibe, providing a glimpse into Timorese life. Although not the prettiest town, it is real and raw. Taxis are not overcharged, and foreigners can still get the normal rate even when using meters. Although drivers may not know street names or main avenues, they can figure it out through fun back and forth chatting. This makes East Timor a unique and authentic experience for travelers.
Can you travel to East Timor?
To visit Timor-Leste for tourism, a single-entry tourism visa is required, valid for up to 30 days, issued at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili or Dili seaport. The visa costs $30 and is payable in cash. If traveling overland to Oecussi, a separate visa is required on arrival at the Wini border checkpoint or in advance at the nearest Timor-Leste embassy or consulate. If entering through Indonesia at the Atambua-Batugade border crossing, a visa can be purchased on entry or in advance from a Timor-Leste embassy or consulate in Denpasar or Kupang. These visas are usually single-entry and last for 30 days.
Can you swim in East Timor?
Ataúro, a popular destination in Timor-Leste, is known for its lack of crocodiles and its ability to swim anywhere. The island has a small local medical clinic in Vila, but it is better to seek medical treatment in Dili. The US dollar is the currency used, but there are no ATMs, banks, or credit card facilities. Small notes are recommended as larger ones are not accepted in many areas. Electricity is variable and power outages can occur, so a power bank is recommended for charging devices and a flashlight for rural areas.
Local shops in Beloi and Vila offer vegetables, chips, cookies, and soda, but no supermarkets. Marine protected areas (tar bandus) protect the coral reefs from over-fishing. Swimming requires a $2 fee per person. For more information, visit the Traveler Pledge page.
Is Timor-Leste worth it?
Timor-Leste, a South Pacific country, is one of the world’s 14th least-visited countries and the least-visited in Asia. Despite being inaccessible and expensive, the country’s unspoiled coastline is worth visiting. The country, which consists of the eastern part of Timor Island and two smaller islands, is comparable in size to the Bahamas. In 2023, 81, 000 tourists visited Timor-Leste, just ahead of Chad and Sierra Leone, according to a January report from CEOWorld magazine. The country’s unspoiled coastline and inaccessibility make it a worthwhile destination for travelers.
📹 Honest Government Ad | Visit Timor-Leste! 🇹🇱
The Australien Government has made a tourism ad about East Timor, and it’s surprisingly honest and informative! -*- Ways you …
Hi everyone, welcome to our latest Honest Government Ad: “Visit Timor-Leste”. This is about the Australian Government’s treatment of one of our smaller neighbours in the region. Which is especially relevant now that our Government has decided to prosecute a former intelligence-agent (“Witness K”) for revealing how said Government screwed over Timor-Leste – the youngest and poorest nation in our neighbourhood – during negotiations over access to oil and gas resources. To understand why this prosecution is so vile and self-serving, rather than about protecting our national security, we need to understand the history of the relationship between Australia and Timor-Leste – a sordid tale of repeated betrayals which most Australians are unfamiliar with. I’ve included a good list of sources and references in the article description, for anyone who wants to do further reading about this topic Or you can click directly on this online doc: docs.google.com/document/d/1RxQ4ycCiasVqk5sjPAn5-dOJWA5UutTa6B1inSGO0nI/edit Giordano
Do more on timor leste, alot of Australian Military Veterans would love to no why some of us are so screwed up from that deployment. DR Nelson, Minister for defence, deployed troops in 2006, May “Timor crisis”, ballistic gear, grenades, Armoured vehicles all sent… Wounded Troops from a multi national team, dead and mutilated bodies, skirmishes in the streets which went to the mountains, settled after a few months… no doubt the troops were being classified as a ” war like deployment” meaning troops are entitled to better coverage and benefits for injuries sustained, pay per day nearly triples, but more importantly, Troops didn’t feel they were allowed to speak of the traumas of this deployment as it wasn’t deemed anything more than a peace keeping ‘non war like deployment ” Yet in previous years and for certian operations in the same period, these were deemed as “war like”… I myself suffer from accepted injuries from this deployment, due to this betrayal and broken promise by our government, And parliament. Just my situation miss out on $1000 a ftn, my wife who takes care of me and reduced her working hours and income, she isn’t entitled to a thing no support, However if only the first deployment for the periods of May the start til August in 2006 to stop the civil war was recognised and not labelled as a nothing more than a vacation it would have changed my life and many more… So, a laugh would be good especially since all troops no the real reason we were there, and gas gas and security of our nation’s interests.
With a bang, Timor-Leste started its year as a nation… And then ofc got trapped by Australia because they trusted Australia so much then got robbed blind. Ironically, Indonesia was its supportive voice for it to join ASEAN (But it got repeatedly rejected by others like Singapore, who was the most adamant in its rejection), Indonesia even encouraged to make it so even if Timor-Leste is not a member they could still take some part in ASEAN activity that didn’t involve politics.
I remembered my brother told me he almost got punched in the face by some aussie redneck on a bus in Perth just because he said he’s from Indonesia. It was year 2000 when East Timor issue still hot. Luckily, there was this old lady asked to knock it off and said it was just things between goverments. 😀
To all those in the comment section saying shit like ‘this article ruined my perception of Australia’ … You guys know the country was basically birthed from the UK right. I mean you guys thought they just meet natives from a land they find, live with them in peace and harmony with no ill intent, had no urge to steal the native’s natural resources and continue to make fair agreements with them for generations to come ? I’m just surprised they didn’t full on unlock their UK DNA cause things could have been a lot worse
Australia is now doing the same thing in West Papua. But instead of coastal oil and gas rig in Timor Leste, it’s West Papua’s Grasberg Mine in Indonesia (biggest gold mine and second biggest copper mine in the world). Australia wants to divide and conquer Indonesia for it’s resources by creating multiple countries in Indonesia, similar tactics of the British Empire in divide and conquer India-Pakistan-Bangladesh, Ireland-Northern Ireland, Netherlands-Belgium, Iraq-Kuwait, and Yemen-Oman. They don’t want us united.
I work in NTT (Nusa Tenggara Timur). Though East Timor people “collectively” voted for independence, there are significant amount of East Timor people who worked in NTT in 90’s chose to remain in NTT as Indonesians because they refused to leave their home and well paid job for uncertain chance in a new country. Guess what, those Indonesian-Timor people couldn’t get happier.
As Indonesian, I laughed so hard at this… Yes, We did attrocities in Timor Leste decades ago under Soeharto regime, it was dark history in our page, and i’m not going to sugar coat that. Plenty blame to lay around, and it’s long history. But it is so frustating to see some Australian i met criticising and acting all mighty over this (and now Papua in recent years) while blind to their own part on this action, interference, motive, and political reason behind it. Australia was Timor Leste biggest supporter pre and around the time of Timor Leste referrendum for it’s own gain. Now that Timor Leste realized they got lulled and screwed over by Australia, they turn around and Indonesia is their largest trading partner (around 50% import per world bank 2017). Also, it’s kinda funny how that Australian stumbled and deflect when i get back at them with aboriginal people. PS : Let’s move forward and improve our relationship. We are afterall neighbor, so please treat each other with respect.
Damn… I’m surprised as hell when i see this… As an Indonesian i value independence and “freedom” of nation… When the east timor demanded independence, they got it… With a heavy price… They are growing, but slowly… Exploited by their good ol’ “friendly” Neighbor Australia really kick the bucket for me… Now i fell a mixed feeling between happy for their misjudgement, and sorrow for their descendants… I hope they get better though, and learn their lesson well…
I think Australia is the main actor, who tried to seperate Timor Leste from Indonesia. After invasion, 2 of 3 party in Timor Leste were agree to join Indonesia. This means many Timor Lestenians were willing to join Indonesia goverment. But, in 1999, it turned 180°, Timor Leste wanted to a free nation, and supported by Australia After that tragedy, Australia can control Timor Leste, especially their Oils.. I hate western and their gangs. But it is a history, Fact, Indonesia and Timor Leste is in relationship. Indonesia state-owned company, PT. WIKA, builds building and other construction for Timor Leste such as roads, bridges, civil buildings, airports. PLNfor Electricity, Telkomcel(Telkom Indonesia) for communication, etc… and also Indonesia and Timor Leste is trade partner. Also Indonesia is promoting Timor Leste to join ASEAN, how generous we are. And I think, based on this article Indonesia is the best partner than Australia. Indonesia helps Timor Leste to build their state. But Australia only works for getting the oil, SHAME ON YOU, Australia 🙈
I’m indonesian,and we don’t really get teached about the brutal massacre of the timors by the indonesian military (it was soeharto’s reign,what do you expect he’s basically asian hitler) and i feel deeply sorry for our ignorance. It seems that us indonesians are in the same position with japan’s ‘comfort women’ denial. In highschool i took science as my major,maybe the social major would know better.
So sad to hear this, it’s been very violence since the invasion of Indonesia to East Timor, We have lost our Grandfathers our families few years ago for the independence of the country, Smart people and smart governments play their games to get what they want and they don’t care about the humanity. God Bless The Future of East Timor.
-. Grandma United Kingdom : Ooh,I am so proud of you Australia…………hugs n kisses ….. -. Cousin USA : yeah,that’s my li’l cousin Australia ……now let’s see you work Papua…… -. Australia : sure USA ….I’m working on it …..I’m working on it …….I’m already gathering those Pacific Islander’s voice,that’s my first step strategy …….I can be sneakier than you big brother USA,I’ll show you …..
Timore Leste: i want to break up Indnesia: what! But why? Timore Leste: i cheated on you and i am with the richer guy Australia shows*: -edited: wow, thanks for the likes and comments 🙂 here is part 2 for you guys Year 2020 Timore leste: i feel not good * cough *, * walk slowly wearing shabby clothes * * meets Australia on the street * hi, where were you? I need you… Australia: who are you? I dont know you! Get off! * riding Lamborghini * (suddenly the Lambo is burned badly) Timore Leste passed Indonesia on the street. Indonesia: hi, how are you? Are you okay? Timore Leste: i feel so sick, can you please take good care of me for just a moment * cough *. Indonesia: you are always welcome my friend, i will help you 🙂 Timore Leste: * cries happily *
You guys make great articles, As a 50 year old male that’s witnessed this bumfuckery manifest it’s ugly head over the decades .. it still reduces me to a half gibbering mess of sobbing manflesh.The things our successive governments have done to line their own pockets and future job prospects at the expense of people from an entire region is so much more than just criminal … I feel ashamed that I haven’t the power to make changes for our country or region by vote or by rebellion. I’m hoping one day soon (before I die) they’ll come a party that turn this mess around and work for Australia,Australians and the region once more.Until that time I can only say sorry to the younger generations,for the mess my generation have let manifest. I’ve been inspired to email the Attorney General at least
UK: Look at you son, I’m soo proud of you. It remembers me when I just a big muscular young man. USA: Dad, stop it, hey bud, later on. If you on my level. Come with me, we go to the middle east. CND: Ey brother, why you do this c’mon, I know you want to be like dad but this is to far bro. NZ: Hey, why did you exploit my lil brother stuff? “sigh”
Timor’s gas is shipped straight to Japan? That’s right, where it joins the tonnes of oil going towards plastic processing, which in turn ends up in a 3rd world country for waste, releasing microplastics into the ocean and further polluting the Oceanic environment. We call that Fish flavor enhancement, or FFE for short. Found right beside your Cayenne peppers, Soysauce and MSG.
Sekarang OPM, OPM pun di dukung asing, tujuanya apa? Merebut sumber daya.., kalau pun OPM merdeka, belum tentu mereka sejahtera, Contohnya? Timor timur.. australia mengelola sumberdaya mereka, Itulah kenapa, apa yg dilakukan jokowi sudah sangat tepat.. Membangun dan memperhatikan papua.. Terkadang beberapa penduduk di pulau jawa lupa, bahwa ada saudara kita di papua sana.. Yg dulu sangat sulit membeli bensin, Jalan penuh hutan berantara, infastuktur tidak banyak, Listrik pun jarang.. Kadang penduduk indonesia lupa.. Bahwa ini adalah ulah soeharto dan kroni2nya menjual sumberdaya papua ke asing.. Dan akhirnya saudara kita di papua miskin .. Akibat Keputusan Politik Soeharto dan kroninya.. Dan sekarang ketika ada presiden yg peduli pada papua, Secara konkrit, beberapa rakyat indonesia malah tidak suka….
Australia is the world’s largest exporter of LNG but earns around 10% of the royalties that Qatar made when it was the world’s number one. The Icthys Gas Project with the loading plant based in Darwin earns Australia no royalties on the gas. The NT government has leased the port of Darwin to the Chinese government for 99 years so that stream of income goes overseas as well. Australia’s politicians are the best money can buy. They have done a great job of ripping off the people of Timor but do a far greater job of impoverishing the citizens of Australia by selling every natural resource, public utility, water, land, anything they can claim that is government owned when it was owned by the citizens of Australia, for pennies in the dollar. They spend huge sums of taxpayer dollars on infrastructure projects with foreign owned contractors sending the big dollars overseas and then let other foreign owned businesses, ‘operate’ the infrastructure, which is politician speak for take all the tolls or earnings from the infrastructure, for decades. Australia, our politicians, the biggest bunch of crooks on the planet. John Howard put a 92 year gag order on police files that exposed some of Australia’s high profile pedophiles during the Royal Commission into child molestation. He should try to get a gig at the Vatican. He also should be charged for aiding criminals. If our governments were working in the best interests of its citizens you would need to clear 90% of the current mob and scrap the party system altogether.
Indonesian be like “we invaded timor leste to help you people.. but you didn’t understand.. you doesn’t realize who was your truly enemy. We try to help you !” And Timor replied : “No.. we don’t need your help! just get the fck off out here” 2016: “we runs out of oil.. our friendship with aussie doesn’t look good.. they claim our territory” Indonesia : “nevermind”
Indonesia invaded East Timor because it was becoming a communist country. Of course, the US did not like it. So they pressure Indonesia to invade it. They orchestrated coup d’etat against the current President Soekarno and social engineered the entire Indonesian society to hate communism. They put Soeharto as dictator in order to control Indonesia easily. Soeharto then invade East Timor and bam! Indonesian Occupation of East Timor as we know it. Indonesia gets all the blame, while western countries associated with US especially Australia benefit from it. When US and friends realized communism is losing its face, they didn’t support the occupation anymore. Then Australia hypocritically accused Indonesia of illegal occupation, and urged them to leave East Timor immediately. East Timor got their independence (this time as democratic country). Australia starts exploiting it. That’s the full story
Indonesia did this because firstly there was news that Timor Leste wanted to create a communist state, secondly because it was an archipelago that was taken over by the colonialists (including Australia), and thirdly we were also supported by America for the same reason as the first. Actually, we also rejected the invasion, but because we lived in the New Order era, we must have been suspected that we were pro-communist and what was certain was that we would be removed from the earth.
Congrats Timor Timor, i remembered Australia help you to get your freedom from us. I am an indonesian still think that you are my brother and sister. Even now there is a lot of Australia citizen live in Bali 😭😭😭. Some of my friends in university are come from what we called Timor Timor before. And they are funny and friendly person.