Timor-Leste Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Timor-Leste
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated May 21, 2026
Timor-Leste recorded 4.1 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2015, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Timor-Leste #82 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 16% over the past decade (from 4.8 in 2005). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Timor-Leste at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
4.1 /100k
Safety Rank
#114 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2015
Homicide Rate Trend (2004-2015)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 16% over the past decade (from 4.8 in 2005). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Timor-Leste Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Timor-Leste:
There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise Increased Caution in Timor-Leste due to risk of unrest and crime . Read the entire Travel Advisory. Advisory summary Police in Timor-Leste sometimes use force and tear gas against protestors. Stone throwing attacks on vehicles can occur during gang conflicts and periods of unrest. Sex-based violence and sexual harassment are common in Timor-Leste. If you decide to travel to Timor-Leste: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Timor-Leste Population & Demographics
Population of 1,400,638, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Timor-Leste safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Timor-Leste at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 4.1 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste has an intentional homicide rate of 4.1 per 100,000 people (2015, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #82 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Timor-Leste compare to other countries?
Timor-Leste's homicide rate of 4.1 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and above the Asia average of 2.0.