Call 0330 880 3600 Calls may be monitored or recorded. Opening Times.
- TRAVEL INSURANCE
- COVID-19 ENHANCED COVER
- More Options
- Help & Advice
- Existing Customers
Call 0330 880 3600 Calls may be monitored or recorded. Opening Times.
Need help?
UK Customer Services0330 880 3600*
Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 6pm, Saturday 8:30am to 4pm and closed Sundays.
*Calls are recorded for training and quality purposes.
Official name: Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Capital city: Dili
Languages spoken: Tetum, Portuguese, Indonesian, English
Population: Around 1.3 million
Currency: US dollar (USD)
Time zone: GMT+9
Driving side: Left
Climate: Tropical, with a distinct wet season (Dec–Apr) and dry season (May–Nov)
Timor-Leste is one of the world’s newest nations, gaining independence in 2002. It offers pristine beaches, rugged mountains, and world-class diving spots along the Coral Triangle. Travellers are drawn by its unspoiled natural beauty, cultural diversity, and the sense of discovery in a destination still relatively untouched by mass tourism.
The country remains politically fragile, with occasional outbreaks of unrest. Demonstrations are not uncommon in Dili and can cause disruption. Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely accepted socially, and women may face traditional expectations in rural areas. Visitors should stay alert to local sensitivities and avoid political gatherings.
Timor-Leste occupies the eastern half of the island of Timor, sharing a land border with Indonesia, and includes the exclave of Oecusse, plus the islands of Atauro and Jaco. The landscape is dominated by steep mountains, tropical forests, and coral reefs. The highest peak, Mount Ramelau (Tatamailau), rises to nearly 3,000m and is a popular trekking destination.
Dili’s Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL) is the main gateway, with limited international flights from Darwin (Australia), Bali, and Singapore. Road conditions across the country are poor, with mountainous terrain and unpaved tracks common. Popular activities include diving and snorkelling at Atauro Island, trekking in the central highlands, and exploring the Portuguese colonial heritage of Dili. Infrastructure for tourism is limited but improving.
UK nationals need a visa to enter Timor-Leste, which can be obtained on arrival at Dili airport or by applying in advance. Passports must be valid for at least six months. The UK has no embassy in Timor-Leste - consular assistance is provided through the British Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, though an honorary consul is present in Dili.
The official currency is the US dollar (USD). While ATMs are available in Dili, they are scarce elsewhere. Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and restaurants in the capital but are unreliable outside urban centres. Cash is essential, preferably in small denominations. The local centavo coins are also used alongside US dollars.
Healthcare in Timor-Leste is very limited. Facilities are basic and medical supplies are scarce, even in Dili. Serious conditions often require evacuation to Singapore or Australia, making comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation vital. Malaria and dengue fever are present, so mosquito protection is crucial. Tap water is not safe to drink, and bottled or boiled water should always be used. Travellers should also take care in remote areas, where emergency services are minimal.
Get travel insurance
Single trip travel insurance Annual multi-trip travel insurance Pre-existing medical conditions Compare travel insuranceSubscribe to our newsletter
For discounts, competitions, news, tips & more.
