East Timor September 7, 2004 COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Occupying 5,743 square miles on the eastern half of an island in the Timor Sea between Indonesia and Australia, East Timor has a population of approximately 850,000 people. East Timor became independent on May 20, 2002, and is now a democratically governed, independent nation with an elected President and Parliament. In the violence that followed East Timor's 1999 independence referendum, its infrastructure, never robust, was totally destroyed and is only slowly being rebuilt. Electricity, telephone and telecommunications, roads and lodging remain unreliable, particularly outside of the capital. East Timor's economy relies largely on international assistance. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport valid for six months beyond the intended date of departure from East Timor is required. Tourist visas are not required prior to arrival, but travelers arriving in East Timor without a visa will need to pay a $30 fee for the 30-day visa. There is an additional fee for each 30-day renewal of this tourist visa. Visitors traveling via air must transit Darwin, Australia or Bali, Indonesia en route to East Timor. Please refer to our Consular Information Sheets for these countries for their entry or transit requirements. In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure. SAFETY AND SECURITY: After the August 1999 United Nations (UN) - sponsored independence referendum, violence swept East Timor, as did widespread looting and burning and, in some cases, murder. UN peacekeeping forces quickly restored stability to the country, yet violent incidents remain possible in border areas due to incursions by smugglers and pro-integration militias. American citizens traveling to East Timor should use common sense and exercise caution, avoid large gatherings, and remain alert with regard to their personal security, particularly after dark. Additionally, in light of recent terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia, Americans should exercise caution especially in public places including, but not limited to, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreational events, hotels, resorts and beaches and other locations frequented by foreigners. Americans are advised that security officials occasionally establish security checkpoints along roads. These legitimate checkpoints are intended to enhance security and should be respected. Americans traveling in East Timor should remember that despite its small size, much of the territory is isolated and can be difficult to reach by available transportation or communication links. Travelers and residents should always ensure that passports and important personal papers are in order in the event it becomes necessary to leave the country quickly for any reason. Likewise, travelers should be aware that the U.S. Embassy in Dili is not able to issue emergency passports and has only limited capacity to process passport renewals. For the latest security information, Americans traveling to or in East Timor should regularly monitor the Department of State's web site, http://travel.state.gov, for changes in the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). CRIME: Crimes such as pick pocketing, residential break-ins and thefts occur throughout the country, but are more frequent in Dili, the capital. Victims who resist may be subject to physical violence. Gang related violence occurs, but has not targeted foreign nationals. Visitors should be particularly careful at night and avoid wearing clothing that may be regarded as insensitive or provocative, particularly in crowded public areas such as markets. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via http://www.gpoaccess.gov/index.htm, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs' web site, http://travel.state.gov. MEDICAL FACILITIES: Although limited emergency medical care is available in Dili, options for routine medical care throughout the country are extremely limited. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to Australia, the nearest point with acceptable medical care, or to the United States, can cost thousands of dollars. MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations. When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad available at http://travel.state.gov. OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning East Timor is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance: Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: None All traffic operates on the left side of the road, and most vehicles use right-hand drive. Roads are often poorly maintained and four-wheel drive may be required in some areas. Non-existent lighting and poor road conditions make driving at night hazardous. Taxis are available in Dili, and small buses and mini-vans provide public transportation throughout the area. However, public transportation is generally overcrowded, uncomfortable and below international safety standards. Driving in Dili is especially hazardous, with large trucks and military vehicles sharing the streets with vendors, pedestrians and livestock. Many cars and especially motorcycles operate at night without lights. During the rainy season, travel on all cross-island roadways should be considered to be risky. U.S. citizens should use caution when traveling on the cross-island roadways in the mountain areas of Aileu, Ermera, Manatuto, Ainaro and Manufahi provinces. In December 2003, rain showers severely damaged several cross-island roadways, and several UN vehicles had to be airlifted out of the area south of Aileu due to landslides and roadway damage. Accidents are frequent. When there is an accident, the police should be contacted. It is not uncommon for bystanders to attack the driver perceived to be responsible for a traffic accident. This is more common in rural areas and in accidents involving East Timorese drivers, but crowds have occasionally attacked expatriate drivers at the scene of an accident. If a U.S. citizen involved in an accident reasonably believes that there is a threat of bodily harm from people at the scene of the accident, it may be advisable to drive to the police station before stopping. While it is possible to obtain insurance for vehicles in East Timor, only a handful of foreigners have done so, and virtually no one else has automobile insurance. Most traffic accidents are settled informally between those involved. For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Bureau of Consular Affairs' web site, http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_roadsafety.html. For additional information on road safety, see the U.S. Embassy's web site http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/consular/dili.html. AVIATION OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, or economic authority to operate such service, between the United States and East Timor, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed East Timor's civil aviation system for compliance with international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801. CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Questions about East Timor's customs regulations should be directed to the border control unit via telephone in Dili at 670-331-2210. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found athttp://www.ustr.gov/assets/Document_Library/Reports_Publications/2003/2003_Special_301_Report/asset_upload_file665_6124.pdf. CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and do not afford the same protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the laws of East Timor, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession of, use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs in East Timor are strict and convicted offenders can expect severe jail sentences and fines. Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, to engage in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18, whether or not the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien intended to engage in such illicit sexual conduct prior to going abroad. For purposes of the PROTECT Act, illicit sexual conduct includes any commercial sex act in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18. The law defines a commercial sex act as any sex act, on account of which anything of value is given to or received by a person under the age of 18. Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998, it is a crime to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transmit information about a minor under the age of 16 for criminal sexual purposes that include, among other things, the production of child pornography. This same law makes it a crime to use any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transport obscene materials to minors under the age of 16. CONSULAR ACCESS: U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that if questioned by local officials, they have proof of identity and U.S. citizenship readily available. When U.S. citizens are arrested or detained, East Timorese officials will notify the U.S. Embassy in Dili, but the process may take several weeks. If detained, U.S. citizens are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Dili at (670) 332-4684. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: East Timor is in a state of transition, and many civil and governmental institutions are currently being developed. The information provided above may change quickly as new institutions and processes become operational. U.S. citizens traveling or doing business in East Timor may find it difficult to identify legal or administrative mechanisms should problems arise. The U.S. dollar is the official currency of East Timor. Money can be exchanged at the three banks in Dili, but only to or from a limited number of currencies. Only a few establishments accept credit cards, usually requiring a substantial additional fee, and visitors should be prepared to settle all bills in cash. Dili has two ATM machines that accept U.S.-issued bankcards. Travelers should not plan to rely exclusively on these machines, as they are frequently inoperative. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: East Timor is located in an area of high seismic activity. Though the probability of a major earthquake occurring during an individual trip is remote, earthquakes can and will continue to happen. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/. CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html or telephone Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328. REGISTRATION AND EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting East Timor are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Dili where they may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. The U.S. Embassy is located at Pantai Kelapa on Avenida de Portugal; telephone:(670) 332-4684; fax (670) 331-3206. The U.S. Embassy in Dili does not yet have a web site; in the interim, visit http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/consular/dili.html. The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta consular section can be reached by e-mail at jakconsul@state.gov. * * * This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for East Timor dated March 5, 2003 to update sections on Country Description, Customs Regulations and Criminal Penalties and Embassy Location. | 
