Tetum (official), Portuguese (official), Indonesian, English
note: there are about 16 indigenous languages; Tetum, Galole, Mambae,and Kemak are spoken by significant numbers of people

Roman Catholic 98%, Muslim 1%, Protestant 1%

In the violence that followed East Timor’s 1999 independence referendum, its infrastructure, never robust was totally destroyed and has been only partially rebuilt.

East Timor Defense Force (Forcas de Defesa de Timor-L'este, FDTL): Army, Navy (Armada)

The U.S. Embassy is located at Avenida de Portugal, Praia dos Coqueiros, Dili, Timor-Leste, tel: (670) 332-4684, fax: (670) 331-3206.

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 a 30-day tourist visa. There is an additional fee for each 30-day renewal of this visa.  Visitors traveling via air must transit Singapore; Darwin, Australia; or Bali, Indonesia en route to Timor-Leste.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Timor-Leste.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

Airports:  8, Airports w/paved runways:  3

Dili – Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL/WPDL)
Dili Airport, East Timor, Dili, EAST TIMOR
Tel: (civil aviation)+670 331 7110
Fax: +670 331 7111

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. 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. Gang-related violence occurs sporadically in Dili, and Americans risk intentional or inadvertent injury when traveling in affected areas. 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.

Infant MR total:  44.46 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL 66.6 years (male 64.28/female 69.04)

Required: None
Recommended: Hep A & B, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Typhoid
Boosters: polio, MMR, DPT

There is a risk of dengue fever and Malaria. Dengue, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, and plague are diseases carried by insects thatalso occur in this region.
Rabies is common in the region and poses a risk to travelers, especially to rural areas.

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, or to the United States, can cost thousands of dollars.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection often contracted through recreational water activities in contaminated water, such as kayaking, is common in tropical areas of this region. An outbreak was reported among expedition travelers in 2000.
Avian influenza is also present throughout this region. Polio has resurfaced in Indonesia.

Country Calling Code: +670
Internet Country Code:.tl