smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
East Timor
| East Timor overall | This Advice is current for Saturday, 31 July 2010. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Civil Unrest/Political Tension (update on the handover of policing duties) and Entry and Exit Requirements (changes to visa on arrival). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
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Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets includes hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, embassies, schools, churches and other places of worship, shops, outdoor recreation events, tourist areas and transport hubs or identifiably western businesses and interests.
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in East Timor because of the uncertain security situation and the possibility of civil unrest. The situation could deteriorate without warning. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety and security risks.
At present, law and order is maintained by the United Nations Police (UNPOL) working with the local police. Additional security is provided by the International Stabilisation force which consists of Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces personnel. You should check the security situation with UNPOL. See Local Travel (below) for contact details. In 2009, the United Nations commenced a phased, district by district, handover of policing responsibility from UNPOL to the national police. This has continued in 2010. The districts of Lautem, Manatuto, Oecusse, Viqueque, Ainaro and Baucau have been handed over to local police. Remaining districts will also be handed over progressively.
You should avoid demonstrations, protests, street rallies and public gatherings as they may turn violent. The risk of such events may increase in the lead-up to and on days of national, political or historic significance. From time to time, protesters have expressed anti-Australian sentiments and threats have been directed towards Australians and Australian interests.
Violent disturbances and minor disputes can erupt in Dili without notice and escalate quickly. Be particularly vigilant, especially at night, in the vicinity of markets, particularly Comoro Market and in other areas where there is a concentration of people.
Disputes have occurred between individuals from national and international security forces. Several such incidents have occurred late at night at nightspots frequented by foreigners. You should immediately leave the area if a dispute breaks out.
Robbery (in some cases armed), assaults, theft and bag snatching have been directed at foreigners in East Timor, particularly individuals travelling alone or at night. Foreigners have been caught up in incidents of armed robbery and assault in Dili and on nearby beaches. 'Smash and grab' style theft of property from vehicles occurs. There have also been cases of intruders breaking into homes known to be occupied by foreigners.
There is a history of gang-related violence, robbery, arson and vandalism in Dili. Rocks have been thrown at vehicles, particularly during the early evening and at night. You should avoid armed groups of people, including martial arts groups, both in the districts and in Dili.
Harassment and violence against women, including expatriate women, has been reported, including near the Christo Rei (Jesus statue).
Concerns remain about criminal activity in the border regions.
Australians are advised to check the security situation, road conditions and the possibility of military operations with United Nations police (UNPOL) before undertaking travel. The National Operations Centre (NOC) is staffed by both UNPOL and PNTL officers, and can be called 24 hours a day on (670) 723 0479. The National Emergency Number, 112, should only be used in emergencies and will place the caller in contact with police in the vicinity of the caller. You can also get information from the Security Operations Centre (SOC) within the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor Leste (UNMIT). The centre can be contacted 24 hours a day on (670) 330 4100, extensions 5454/5451 or (670) 723 0635.
Driving conditions are frequently hazardous due to poor road quality, poor signage and a lack of street lighting. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety. Makeshift barricades are sometimes used as unauthorised road blocks and may appear anywhere in East Timor.
Take care if using taxis, microlets or trucks used as public transport due to the poor condition of many of these vehicles and poor driving standards. There is also an increased risk of robbery.
Unexploded ordnance is routinely discovered in open areas outside Dili. You should take particular care when hiking or moving about on foot in rural areas.
For advice on travel to Indonesia (including West Timor), travellers should consult our Indonesia travel advice.
Piracy occurs in South East Asian waters. See our travel advice on travelling by sea for more information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.
Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.
East Timor is in an active seismic zone and is subject to earthquakes.
All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis in the Indian and Pacific Oceans because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.
Tropical cyclones are unusual in East Timor. Severe storms may occur during the wet season, November to April, when flooding is common. These conditions may also cause landslides and affect roads and bridges.
You should monitor the information available through the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and plan accordingly. Further information can also be obtained from the Asia-Pacific Centre for Emergency and Disaster Information the World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre or the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.
If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of the local authorities.
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Crocodiles have been sighted at various places, including near Manatuto and at Christo Rei beach, which are popular beach venues for Dili residents.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. Relatively few establishments (hotels, shops and restaurants) in East Timor will accept credit cards.
The official currency of East Timor is the US dollar. This is the only currency accepted as legal tender.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas, we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
When you are in East Timor, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
There are severe penalties for drug offences in East Timor.
Foreigners who interfere in local political processes or engage in political activity may be subject to fines, detention and deportation.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
There are conservative standards of behaviour and dress in East Timor. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Religious days are closely observed. Loud noise and frivolous behaviour are frowned on during these times.
Revealing clothing should not be worn in public places, including churches and markets.
Public displays of affection are not socially acceptable.
East Timorese authorities may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/East Timorese dual nationals who are arrested or detained.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of East Timor for the most up-to-date information.
A visa on arrival (of up to 30 days duration) is available to valid Australian passport holders who arrive at Nicolau Lobato International Airport or Dili Seaport, based on the purpose and period of stay stated by the applicant at the time of entry and provided entry into East Timor is regarded by local authorities as being for a legitimate purpose. Visa on arrival is only available for Australians arriving by air or sea. There is a charge of US$30 on arrival at Nicolau Lobato International Airport for an entry visa. There are no money exchange facilities at the airport. Australians arriving at the land border near Atambua/Batugade will need to obtain a visa prior to arrival. This can be arranged through the East Timor Immigration official email address at informacao@migracao.gov.tl. A departure tax of US$10 applies to departing travellers.
If travellers can demonstrate that they have a valid reason for extending their stay beyond 30 days in East Timor, an application to extend a visa may be submitted to the Immigration Department of Timor Leste located at Vila Verde. People applying for a work visa in East Timor are required to provide proof of their place of employment upon arrival. Foreign businesspeople can apply for a resident visa if they can provide proof of the registration of their business.
It is illegal to import currencies other than US dollars into East Timor, above certain limits, without a permit issued by the Banking and Payments Authority (BPA). It is not permissible, for example, to import more than the equivalent of US$2,000 in Australian dollars during each calendar month without approval from the BPA. For queries regarding importation of currency the BPA can be contacted on (670) 331 3712; 331 3714; 331 7151 and 331 3718 or by e-mail to info@bancocentral.tl.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for staying healthy and travelling with medicines while overseas.
Medical facilities are limited and evacuation may be required in cases of serious illness or accident. Generally, expatriates attend Dili National Hospital for treatment. Dental facilities are extremely limited. A limited supply of basic medicines is available.
Mosquito-borne diseases: Malaria is prevalent in all areas of East Timor. Chloroquine-resistant strains are reported in some locations. Other insect-borne diseases such as filariasis and dengue fever are also prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. Japanese encephalitis is occasionally reported. We encourage you to consider taking prophylaxis against malaria and taking measures to avoid mosquito bites, including using an insect repellent at all times.
The mosquito-borne disease Japanese encephalitis is found throughout many regions of North, South and South-East Asia and Papua New Guinea. A Japanese encephalitis vaccine is registered for use and is currently available in Australia. For further details please consult your travel health doctor.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (such as tuberculosis, typhoid and hepatitis) are prevalent. We encourage you to consult your doctor about which vaccinations, including childhood booster shots, you may need before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering diarrhoea.
Avian influenza: The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions, see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
In East Timor, Australians and Canadians can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy
Avenida dos Martires da Patria
Dili EAST TIMOR
Telephone: (670) 332 2111
Facsimile: (670) 332 2247
Website: http://www.easttimor.embassy.gov.au/
E-mail: austemb_dili@dfat.gov.au
If you are travelling to East Timor, whatever the reason and however long you’ll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency – whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
