Common menu bar links
|
Last Updated:
October 22, 2007 14:55
EDT
Still Valid: November 15, 2007 22:45 EST |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1. RECENT UPDATES The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. A minor editorial change has been made in Section 2 of this Travel Report. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Timor-Leste
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Timor-Leste ( In Dili, the security situation is volatile and civil unrest has resumed following the announcement of the new government on Violence occurs in many areas of the country, with demonstrations being held and buildings being burned. Canadians are advised to limit their movements, particularly after dark. Canadians should avoid large gatherings and public areas where demonstrations could occur, such as symbols and institutions of the Government of Timor-Leste, and follow the advice of local authorities. Canadians are strongly advised against using taxis. Traveller should be advised that the border may close with little or no advance notice. There is no resident Canadian government office in Timor-Leste ( 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 in a foreign country, 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. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY It is the responsibility of individual travellers to make informed travel choices. The Government of Canada takes very seriously the safety and security of Canadians abroad and provides credible and timely advice in its Country Travel Reports. Situations vary from country to country, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high. 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 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. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. 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. 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. 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. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Timor Leste and 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 fee of US$10 is required upon departure. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. 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 visa requirements for this and other countries, 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 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. 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. BACK TO TOP 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 Tel.: 670 332-2111 Fax: 670 332-2247 E-Mail: austemb_dili@dfat.gov.au Internet: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/East_Timor 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 Postal Address: P.O. Box 8324/JKS.MP, Jakarta, 12084 Tel.: 62 (21) 2550-7800 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 008-800-105-171 Fax: 62 (21) 2550-7811 E-Mail: jkrta@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/asia/jakarta For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Jakarta, Indonesia, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. 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 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, 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. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL 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. 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). 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 ( BACK TO TOP 8. 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 9. 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 10. 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 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. See Canada's Health Portal. 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 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 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
