2. ATTENTION
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to this country. (IDW3)
Canadians should avoid all travel to Timor-Leste (East Timor).The security situation in Dili has deteriorated significantly; it is unpredictable and could change rapidly without notice. Due to a recent increase in violence, transportation routes, including flights in and out of the airport, may be affected. There have been reports of an increase in gang related violence, arson and vandalism. If you choose to remain in Timor Leste, you should monitor the news, and follow the instructions of local authorities. Canadians in Timor-Leste who would like to depart and are unable to do so are advised to contact the Australian Embassy in Dili (see section 7 below).
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 (http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/East_Timor).
Demonstrations in Dili occur and while most are peaceful, some have turned violent. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness and keep informed of recent developments. Canadians should avoid crowds and public places if there are any signs of protests rallies or demonstrations.
Reports indicate that there is a threat of a terrorist attack in Timor-Leste. Such an incident could occur anywhere in the country and target locations frequented by foreigners. There is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Canadians in Timor-Leste should take all possible security precautions and exercise caution when using public transport and visiting commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events, and government buildings in the capital city of Dili), as well as tourist areas and Western businesses.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.
BACK TO TOP
3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
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. Violent attacks against foreigners have occurred. Do not travel alone, especially after dark or in secluded areas.
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.
BACK TO TOP
4. LOCAL TRAVEL
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. 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.
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).
BACK TO TOP
5. 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 or 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 Current Issues page for information on typhoons and monsoons.
BACK TO TOP
6. LOCAL 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 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
Dual nationality is not recognized. This 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.
Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.
Penalties for drug-related offences can be severe. Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.
BACK TO TOP
8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Timor Leste and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on March 28, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries 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 country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
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. There are no 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 through Indonesia and Australia, each of which has its own visa requirements. There are separate Travel Reports for Indonesia and Australia. Given the security situation at border areas and the lack of border control procedures, travellers should enter only through Dili.
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
A departure tax of US$10 is charged for all departures.________________________________________
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
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.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries 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.
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 may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
BACK TO TOP
9. MONEY
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 ATMs 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 ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs 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.
BACK TO TOP
10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Timor-Leste (capital: Dili), formerly East Timor, occupies the eastern half of the island of Timor in Southeast Asia, north of Australia. The official languages are Portuguese and Tetum. 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. Mobile telephone coverage is available in Dili. There are Internet cafes in Dili. Government services are limited.
The United Nations political mission to Timor-Leste (UNOTIL) will be ending on August 20, 2006.
BACK TO TOP
11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
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 Medicine Program 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.
BACK TO TOP
12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical facilities are very limited outside Dili. There are no dental facilities. Evacuation may be required in cases of serious illness or accident.
BACK TO TOP
13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
BACK TO TOP
14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, 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.
BACK TO TOP
15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
BACK TO TOP
16. 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.
BACK TO TOP
17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
N/A
BACK TO TOP
18. ANNEX
N/A
BACK TO TOP
