As a result of the spread of the corona virus, East Timor has introduced a state of emergency from March 28 and until April 26. For more information about coronavirus, see the entry Entry and Health.
Safety
Norwegian citizens who are going to travel to or settle in East Timor are encouraged to register via the website reiseregistrering.no (the request to register also applies if you have changed your contact information or have moved from the country).
East Timor is a young country with a conflicting history. This affects the population to some extent. Today, the country is perceived as safe, but political, economic and social tensions have occurred in recent years and can create challenges for travelers at short notice.
Norway has no diplomatic presence in East Timor, but covers the country from our embassy in Jakarta.
Political markings may escalate into violent demonstrations. During and after the 2018 elections, tensions arose between rival political factions in some areas outside the capital Dili. It is therefore recommended to stay away from larger demonstrations/crowds. One should also keep abreast of the situation in the country before arrival and be aware of any developments during the stay.
Robbery, thefts and violent assaults are a problem. Sexual harassment of women also occurs. Generally, normal precautions will be sufficient. It is recommended to inquire locally what areas to stay away from. One should be extra careful with valuables, and be careful about using drugs. Single travelers, especially women, should exercise extra vigilance.
The country has a poor health system and it is strongly recommended that you have good travel insurance that covers evacuation costs.
There is no special terrorist threat in East Timor. However, after decades of armed resistance and internal turmoil, large numbers of weapons are still in circulation.
Public transport is poorly developed and often in poor condition. Traffic is partly chaotic and in the event of accidents or traffic jams, unrest can occur. For many visitors, a rental car (often four-wheel drive) with a driver will be the preferred vehicle outside Dili. If possible, it is recommended not to drive after dark.
East Timor is located in an earthquake exposed area. The country is also exposed to tropical storms, especially during the rainy season, ie November to April, but it is relatively rare for these to reach a large extent. During the rainy season, there is a danger of flooding, which can wash away roads in the districts or overturn trees that close the roads.
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
As a result of the spread of the corona virus, East Timor has introduced a state of emergency from March 28 and until April 26. This affects services and freedom of movement in the country. Temporary regulations have been introduced that prevent foreigners from entering the country, with only a few exceptions. It is recommended to investigate the current entry regulations of official East Timorese sources.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): Coronavirus infection has been detected in East Timor. There is limited opportunity for testing, and if one were to become ill by covid-19, one would find that the health and hospital services have a significantly lower standard than we have in Norway.
You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.
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The health services in East Timor are not very well developed. It is strongly recommended to have good travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. One can also check health information at the World Health Organization.
There are hospitals in Dili, but expertise and available equipment are not necessarily satisfactory. If possible, it is recommended that only emergency medical cases or routine treatment be performed in East Timor.
In case of serious illness/accidents, evacuation to Singapore or Australia is recommended.
Be prepared for hot and sometimes very humid climates. Use sunscreen with high sun factor. Tap water should not be drunk. Water should be boiled before drinking. Possibly drink only bottled water, but check that the seal on the bottle is complete. Avoid ice cubes if in doubt if these are made from bottled water. If you have a fever or diarrhea, it is recommended to see a doctor.
Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, chikungunya (virus), dengue, filariasis and Japanese encephalitis are prevalent throughout the country. For several of these there is no vaccine, therefore protection against mosquito bites is the most important preventive measure.
The Public Health Institute does not currently have its own recommendations on vaccines for East Timor, but vaccination recommendations can be found at, e.g. the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Practical information
The current is 220 volts and the sockets are often, but not always, as in Norway.
Tetum and Portuguese are official languages, but only a small proportion speak Portuguese. Many speak Indonesian and an increasing number of people speak English, especially in Dili. In addition, dozens of local languages are used.
The official currency in the country is USD, there are ATMs at the airport and larger hotels. Cash is recommended, especially when traveling out of the capital.
Emergency phone is 112. According to allcitycodes, East Timor area code is +670.
In winter, East Timor is eight hours ahead of Norway, in the summer seven hours.
The telephone network is under development. The coverage in Dili and the district capitals is usually good.
Drug offenses are severely punished. The purchase and sale of coral/coral jewelery is punishable by imprisonment or large fines.