Timor-Leste

Recommended Vaccinations For Timor-Leste

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure through contaminated food or water. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.

For Some Travellers

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Long-term travellers (i.e., trips lasting a month or more) are generally considered to be at higher risk during Japanese encephalitis virus transmission season, especially if travel will include rural areas with rice fields and marshland where exposure to mosquitoes may increase. Short term (less than 1 month) travellers are generally considered to be at low risk, unless they spend time in areas where the mosquito breeds, such as rice fields or marshlands, or pig-farming areas. Vaccination should be considered for travellers whose itineraries or activities will increase their risk (e.g. spending substantial time outdoors in rural or agricultural areas; staying in accommodations without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets). Travellers who are going to an area with an ongoing outbreak of Japanese encephalitis or who are uncertain about their specific activities or duration of travel should consider obtaining the vaccination.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommeded to all infants 6 to 11 months old before travel.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Timor-Leste

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

The recommended anti-malarial medications are Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. There is chloroquine resistance.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Timor-Leste

For Most Travellers

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever can occur in Timor-Leste

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever can occur in this country.

For Some Travellers

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in the country through contaminated food or being around someone infected with the virus.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring measles in the country.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis occurs in this country with presumed year-round transmission. All travellers should take measures to avoid mosquito bites particularly between dusk and dawn.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Malaria

There is a low risk of acquiring Malaria in this country.

Rabies

Timor-Leste is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. Travelers engaged in occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Timor-Leste, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Safety & Security in Timor-Leste

Personal Safety

Timor-Leste experiences moderate crime levels that visitors should understand before traveling. Petty theft and opportunistic crime occur, particularly in the capital Dili and surrounding beach areas. Criminals sometimes target foreigners for theft, though violent crime against travelers is uncommon. Home and room invasions happen, and crime risks increase significantly at night and when traveling alone. Gang-related violence involving Martial Arts Groups operates in major towns, especially Dili. The government banned these groups in November 2023 and has extended the ban multiple times through 2025 due to ongoing violence concerns. These groups engage in fighting that often involves stone throwing and occasionally machetes and knives, mostly at night. While foreign nationals have not been specifically targeted in these incidents, you should leave any area immediately if fighting breaks out. Stone throwing attacks on vehicles can occur during gang conflicts and periods of unrest, particularly during early evening and night hours. Avoid areas around Tasi Tolu and Comoro in Dili where disturbances are more common. The security situation has improved since significant civil unrest in 2006-2009, though underlying tensions persist, especially during election periods when situations can deteriorate with little warning.

Extreme Violence

Timor-Leste does not experience the extreme violence levels seen in some developing nations. Gang-related incidents involving Martial Arts Groups and Ritual Arts Groups represent the primary concern for organized violence. These mass membership organizations have a complex history in Timorese society and frequently engage in violence against rival groups, which increases the potential for local disputes to escalate into communal violence. The government implemented a nationwide ban on all martial arts group activities starting in November 2023, which has been extended through December 2025. Fighting between these groups often involves stone throwing and occasionally weapons like machetes and knives, with most incidents occurring at night. Foreign nationals have not been targeted in these confrontations, but you should avoid any areas where fighting is occurring. Violence between groups can affect major towns including Dili, Maliana, Suai, and Same. Disturbances have occurred near Dili’s Comoro airport, food storage warehouses, and certain neighborhoods. The country has a homicide rate of approximately 3.9 per 100,000 population based on available data, which is relatively low compared to regional standards. There is no recent history of terrorism in Timor-Leste, though attacks cannot be ruled out. The security forces occasionally use tear gas and force when responding to protests, as seen in September 2025 student demonstrations.

Political Unrest

Political unrest occurs periodically in Timor-Leste, though the country is considered the most democratic in Southeast Asia. The security situation remains fragile with underlying tensions that can surface during significant political events. In September 2025, major student-led protests erupted in Dili over government plans to purchase luxury vehicles for parliamentarians and provide lifetime pensions. Thousands demonstrated over three days, with police using tear gas and rubber bullets after some protesters threw stones. Four people were injured. The protests ended when parliament agreed to cancel the vehicle purchases and eliminate lifetime pensions. Minor disputes can escalate into violence without warning. Protests and large public gatherings have the potential to deteriorate quickly and turn violent, particularly around Tasi Tolu and Comoro in Dili. Transport and essential services may be disrupted during periods of unrest. The political situation is tense, especially during presidential or parliamentary elections. Violent episodes could occur with little notice during these periods. No significant political violence has occurred since 2012, though vigilance remains important during election cycles. Military operations may take place at any time throughout the country. Political demonstrations and local unrest happen occasionally, and what begins as peaceful gatherings can escalate. Street gang fighting also contributes to localized instability. You should avoid all demonstrations, protests, large public gatherings, and areas where crowds are forming.

Areas To Avoid

In Dili, exercise particular caution around Tasi Tolu and Comoro, where gang-related violence, demonstrations, and disturbances are more frequent. These areas have a history of unrest and should be avoided during gatherings or protests. The vicinity of Comoro airport has experienced disturbances. Beach Road in Dili has been the site of sexual assaults and harassment incidents. Beaches near Dili and rural areas have seen occasional attacks on foreigners, though these remain uncommon. Border regions with Indonesia warrant caution due to security concerns about criminal activity. The porous border sees some trafficking activity. Air rifles and other weapons have been found being transported illegally from the Indonesian border. While not restricted for travel, these areas require additional awareness. Throughout major towns including Maliana, Suai, and Same, gang-related violence including robbery, arson, and vandalism occurs. After dark, risks increase significantly across the country. Streets are often poorly lit, and groups of young men may gather in public areas. Criminal activity, harassment, and violence are more likely at night. Avoid traveling on foot or by vehicle after dark, especially outside Dili. Rural areas and districts face challenges with emergency services access. If traveling outside urban centers, travel during daylight hours only. The eastern districts and southern coast have reported crocodile attacks. Crocodiles have been seen on beaches and inland waterways, including in Dili. Check with locals before entering water.