A device believed to be a grenade was thrown over the perimeter wall of a U.S. Embassy residential property in Dili on January 18, 2015 and exploded in front of the house, damaging windows and a car. No one was harmed in the incident and all residents of the compound are safe and accounted for.
We are working closely with host nation security officials who responded immediately with increased security around U.S. facilities. An investigation is underway. At this time, we have no information regarding the motivation for the incident.
Please review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Timor-Leste enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) at travel.state.gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Timor-Leste. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy in Dili is located at Av. de Portugal – Praia dos Coqueiros and is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 670-332-4684. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance outside of business hours, the emergency after-hours number for the U.S. Embassy is 670-7723-1328.
