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TRAVEL REPORT
Timor-Leste (East Timor)

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 9 has been updated (FAQ on transportation).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Timor-Leste

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Timor-Leste (East Timor). Canadians who would like to depart and are unable to do so are advised to contact the Australian Embassy in Dili (see Section 5 below). Canadians travelling to Timor-Leste despite this warning should maintain a high level of personal security awareness, monitor the news, and follow the instructions of local authorities. The security situation remains fragile and violent unrest could break out at any time.

On February 11, 2008 President Jose Ramos-Horta was shot during an attack on his home. Further violent attacks are possible. The attack on the President follows a prolonged period of civil unrest during which roadblocks have been set up and clashes have occurred between protesters and international police officers throughout the capital.

Violence or demonstrations may affect transportation routes and land border crossings as well as flights in and out of Dili’s airport. Disturbances have occurred in the vicinity of Dili’s Comoro airport, areas surrounding internally displaced persons camps, and at food storage warehouses. There has been continuing gang-related violence, arson, robbery, and vandalism. Gangs in Dili have attacked cars with stones and darts fired from slingshots, particularly during the early evening and at night. Local taxis should not be used. Travellers should avoid armed irregular groups, including martial arts groups that may be resident throughout the country. Canadians are advised to avoid unnecessary local travel and exercise extreme caution.

Violence has occurred in many areas of the country, where buildings have been burned and demonstrations have been held. Continuing volatility of food availability and price can be a catalyst for civil unrest. Canadians should avoid all demonstrations and stay away from areas where they might occur. Travellers are reminded that protests can turn violent without warning and a gathering, regardless of it size, may become a target for a terrorist threat or attack. Such demonstrations are likely to occur in the vicinity of government buildings, institutions or residences.

Military operations may take place in at any time throughout the country. Canadians should remain vigilant at all times and if they encounter a military operation, they should leave the area immediately. Travellers should follow the advice of the local authorities and maintain a high level of personal security awareness.

For information on the current security situation, Canadians may contact the United Nations Police (UNPOL) at 112 or +670 723 0365.

There is no resident Canadian government office in Timor-Leste (East Timor). Canadians should take note of the Australian Embassy's security advice to their nationals

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

The rate of petty crime, such as mugging, pickpocketing, and purse-snatching, has increased, and foreigners are frequently targeted by thieves. Remain vigilant; ensure personal belongings, passports, and all other travel documents are secure. Do not show signs of affluence.

Armed gangs have been known to operate in Dili and gang-related violence, including arson and robbery occur.

Foreigners have been targeted. Canadians are strongly advised against using taxis. Do not travel alone, especially after dark or in secluded areas.

Canadians should exercise extreme caution at bars and night clubs as there have been several recent instances of altercations between groups at a variety of venues.

Facilities and services, such as hotels, restaurants, and public transportation, are available in Dili but are very limited or non-existent elsewhere on the island. International calls are possible only from Dili and several districts close to the capital. Internet access and mobile telephone coverage is available in Dili but is limited elsewhere. Government services are limited.

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Timor-Leste. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the authorities of Timor-Leste, for up-to-date information. 

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Timor-Leste. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.

Entry permits are issued upon arrival to valid passport holders, based on the purpose and length of their stay. An entry fee of US$30 is payable for a visit of up to 30 days. Visa extensions are US$30 for each subsequent 30-day period to a maximum of 90 days. There are no currency exchange facilities at Dili Airport, so travellers should carry the exact amount in cash. Work permits are issued only to those who hold a letter of authority confirming their place of employment.

Entry is possible only via Indonesia and Australia, each of which has its own visa requirements. There are separate Travel Reports for Indonesia and Australia. Travellers should enter Timor-Leste only through Dili.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required

A fee of US$10 is required upon departure.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

There is no resident Canadian government office in Timor-Leste. Canadians in Timor-Leste can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Australian Embassy in Dili (under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement) at the following address:

Timor-Leste (East Timor) - DILI, Australian Embassy
Address: Avenida dos Mártires da Pátria, Dili, Timor-Leste
Tel.: 670 332-2111
Fax: 670 332-2247
E-Mail: austemb_dili@dfat.gov.au
Internet: http://www.easttimor.embassy.gov.au/

The Embassy of Canada in Jakarta, Indonesia, has consular responsibility for Timor-Leste. The address is as follows:

Indonesia - JAKARTA, Embassy of Canada
Address: World Trade Centre, 6th Floor, Jl. Jend Sudirman, Kav. 29, Jakarta 12920, Indonesia.
Postal Address: P.O. Box 8324/JKS.MP, Jakarta, 12084
Tel.: 62 (21) 2550-7800
Fax: 62 (21) 2550-7811
E-Mail: jkrta@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.indonesia.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Australia in Dili or the Embassy of Canada in Jakarta, Indonesia, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at +1 (613) 996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are very limited outside Dili. There are no dental facilities. In the event of a major accident or illness, medical evacuation is often necessary. Canadian travellers should be aware that medical transport is very expensive and payment up front is often required.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Penalties for drug-related offences can be severe. Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.

Foreigners are not permitted to participate in political activities. Offenders are subject to fine, detention and/or deportation.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Traffic drives on the left. Driving conditions can be hazardous. Roads are poorly maintained and lack adequate lighting. Accidents are frequent and travelling by road at night should be avoided. Frequent roadblocks occur. All motor vehicles must be registered with the Motor Vehicle Office. Public transportation services do not meet international safety standards. Taxis are available in Dili but are not recommended due to safety concerns.

Long-term visitors who wish to drive in Timor-Leste must obtain a local driver's licence from the Department of Transport. Travellers visiting for less than three months may drive if they hold a valid driver's licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP).

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the U.S. dollar. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Importation of certain amounts of foreign currency requires a permit, issued by the Banking and Payments Authority (BPA). Travellers should contact the BPA prior to arrival (country code: 670/ tel.: 331-3712, 331-7151, or 331-3718/ e-mail: cpayments@yahoo.co.uk). There are three banks in Dili: ANZ Banking Group, Banco Nacional Ultramarino and Bank Mandiri. The ANZ Banking Group has automated banking machines that dispense U.S. dollars using debit cards that are Cirrus/Maestro linked. There is also a Western Union for money transfers.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Timor-Leste is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Australian Embassy in Dili and the Embassy of Canada in Jakarta, Indonesia, in the event of an emergency.

The monsoon season extends from December to March. Heavy rains occur year-round and may cause flooding, especially in remote locations. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

See our Global Issues page for information on typhoons and monsoons.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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