Timor-Leste Country Report

East Timor one of the youngest nations in the world, having gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 after an often violent 24-year resistance movement. Despite possessing significant oil and gas reserves, the country has struggled since then to eradicate poverty and stamp out corruption, which remains rampant. Political stability remains a concern although there have been efforts to address divisive politics.

The main threat to foreign nationals is from crime, although this is likely to be mostly opportunistic in nature. Air travel is limited, whilst overland driving is hazardous. Much of East Timor is vulnerable to powerful earthquakes, and the threat of destruction is high due to weak structures and a lack of national emergency management. Powerful storm systems are rare, although heavy downpours that can trigger devastating floods and landslides are common during the wet season. Healthcare is limited, and the proliferation of counterfeit drugs is a concern.

Criminal activities pose the main threat to foreign travelers, although they are likely to be petty and opportunistic in nature. Protests are generally peaceful, although they bear the potential to degenerate into violence with little or no warning.

Air travel is highly limited.

Overland travel is considered hazardous due to the poor quality of roads outside the capital, which is exacerbated by damage resulting from rain-triggered floods and landslides, as well as reckless driving habits amongst most local motorists.

Timor-Leste has no seaports.

Access to utilities is limited, although efforts are underway to improve the electrification rate, mobile coverage and Internet speed.

Cyber crime is not a major concern due to the low number of Internet users.

Heavy downpours that can trigger devastating floods and landslides are common during the rainy season. In addition, there is a credible threat of earthquakes across the country, and the likely impact is exacerbated due to lack of a comprehensive, national emergency management. Unexploded ordnance is a threat in rural areas near the border with Indonesia, although authorities have made significant inroads in reducing the threat level.

Mosquito-borne and insect-related diseases are present, including dengue fever, chikungunya, and malaria. Healthcare service delivery is limited, particularly in remote areas. Similarly, pharmaceutical supplies are highly limited even in major administrative centers. Cash upfront is required for all health services rendered, irrespective of travel health insurance. Due to limited healthcare resources, all medical emergencies and specialist care require evacuation to Singapore or Australia. Tap water is unsafe to drink.

Jose Ramos-Horta won a second non-consecutive presidential term in May 2022 with the support of the highly influential Xanana Gusmao and his opposition National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) party. CNRT’s support has raised the potential that Ramos-Horta will call for an early parliamentary election ahead of its mid-2023 deadline.

Factionalism has undermined political stability and occasionally prevents effective governance. However, recent political power transitions have occurred peacefully. Levels of corruption remain high, and weak rule of law continues, despite recent efforts to improve governance.