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31/03/2005: "Bulletin for Travel to East Timor"

This bulletin was taken from the Governments Foreign Office Department of Health webpage, which you can find here: http://www.dh.gov.uk

Still Current at: 31 March 2005
Updated: 30 March 2005

East Timor (Democratic Republic of)

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Health section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

SUMMARY

East Timor shares with the rest of South East Asia a threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets.

In the first three months of 2005 at least 40 people have died from Dengue fever, which is transmitted through mosquito bites. There is currently no vaccine to prevent infections. You should take normal precautions against mosquitoes.
You should avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

You should consult the British Embassy in Dili before travelling to border areas, as there remains the potential for trouble there.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Terrorism

Westerners were deliberately targeted in terrorist attacks in Bali (October 2002) and Jakarta (August 2003 and September 2004). In the light of this and continuing terrorist activity in South East Asia we believe there is a threat from terrorism in East Timor. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

In 2001, Usama Bin Laden condemned the fact that East Timor was no longer under the control of a Muslim country (Indonesia) and in 2002 there were reports of possible terrorist threats from groups linked to Al-Qaida to UN, Australian, United States and Portuguese interests in East Timor.

Please read: Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas and Security and General Tips pages for further information and guidance.

The main air routes to Dili are via Bali (this normally involves an overnight stay) and Darwin. Due to the ongoing threat of terrorist attacks in Indonesia you are recommended to consult the FCO travel advice for Indonesia before planning to travel via Bali. You should reconfirm bookings in advance of departure from East Timor.

Crime

There have been a small number of personal attacks in Dili during both the hours of daylight and darkness, including on foreigners. You are advised to remain vigilant at all times and to avoid displaying expensive items of jewellery or large sums of money.

Political Situation

The security situation in East Timor has greatly improved but there remains a risk of violence. You should avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

Consult the British Embassy in Dili about the latest security situation if you are planning to travel outside Dili, particularly near the border where the situation can be volatile.

Local Travel

Accommodation and transport for independent travellers are extremely limited, particularly outside the capital, Dili.

You are advised to take extra caution if travelling during the hours of darkness, and to avoid travelling alone.

Road Safety

Drivers should take extra care on the roads, especially when it is wet. Travel in convoy whenever possible. Main routes are often single-track mountain roads, which can deteriorate rapidly and become impassable, particularly during the rainy season (December-April). Road quality even in Dili is poor and there is little street lighting. You should avoid walking on the road at night where possible.

Drivers must hold a current driving licence valid for the class of vehicle they plan to drive. Third Party motor vehicle insurance is not available.

Sea Safety

There have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in neighbouring waters. Mariners are advised to be vigilant; reduce opportunities for theft; establish secure areas onboard; and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You should not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for breaking the law can be severe.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Visas do not need to be obtained in advance for entry into East Timor. Instead an Entry Permit costing $30 US for a visit of not more than 30 days is normally issued to valid passport holders on arrival (provided entry into East Timor is regarded by the local authorities as being for a legitimate purpose). Extensions cost $30 US for each subsequent period of 30 days. Fines for overstaying can be much higher than the cost of arranging an extension in advance. There is a departure tax of $10 US.

Children (under 16) travelling alone need to have with them a letter of consent from their parents to obtain entry to East Timor. Authority is not required if they are accompanied by one or both parents.

HEALTH

You are advised to consult your GP about vaccinations and health issues before travelling.

In the first three months of 2005 at least 40 people have died from Dengue fever, which is transmitted through mosquito bites. Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection found in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. It is not normally fatal. There is currently no vaccine to prevent infection. You should take normal precautions against mosquitoes.

For more information, including the latest human fatality figures, please consult the World Health Organisation's Dengue fact sheet (under ‘health topics') at the following website: http://www.who.int/topics/avian_influenza/en.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

In 2004, 31 people died, 20 in Vietnam and 11 in Thailand, following outbreaks of avian influenza (AI) in parts of Asia. There have been recent renewed outbreaks of avian influenza amongst poultry in Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, China and Cambodia.

Travellers to East Timor are not likely to be affected, but you should avoid live animal markets and poultry farm and places where you may come into contact with live poultry. For further information, please check the World Health Organisation (WHO) website at: http://www.who.int/topics/avian_influenza/en and the Department of Health’s website at: http://www.dh.gov.uk.

Medical services in East Timor are severely limited. Malaria, Dengue Fever and Japanese Encephalitis are common throughout the island. Tuberculosis is prevalent and cholera and rabies may also be present. There are no dental or optical services. Comprehensive medical and travel insurance is essential. In the event of medical emergency, evacuation to Australia is likely to be the only option for treatment, and insurance policies should cover this eventuality.

NATURAL DISASTERS

East Timor is located in an earthquake zone and major earthquakes can occur at any time.

GENERAL

You are strongly advised to bring either US dollars in cash or travellers cheques, as the US dollar is the currency in use in East Timor.

The limited banking system in East Timor will not exchange Pounds Sterling cash or sterling travellers cheques. You are also advised that the same often applies to the Euro currency.

Consular and Visa Services

The British Embassy in Dili is unable to offer any consular or visa services.

All consular or visa enquiries should be made to the nearest British Mission at either:

The British Embassy in Jakarta at Deutsche Bank Building (19th Floor), 80 Jalan Imam Bonjol, Jakarta 10310; tel: +62 21 390 7484; fax: +62 21 316 0850; website: http://www.britain-in-indonesia.or.id/

or

The British High Commission in Canberra at Level 10, SAP House, Canberra Centre, ACT 2601; tel: + 61 2 1902 941 555; fax: +61 2 1902 941 600.

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Insure a good time: Don’t run the risk of financial ruin just because you think ‘It'll Never Happen To Me’. Alpine holidays are expensive investments with gear, lessons, ski passes, etc – so don’t allow it to be any more costly than is necessary. Think ahead, take out the most appropriate Travel Insurance, something that will cover all your expensive equipment, yet ensure that you are not left to pay a monstrous bill in the event of an accident on the slopes.
Hasta la pista: The more confident skier / boarder may be tempted by the powder and adrenaline offered off-piste … if so take precautions. Where possible go with a registered guide or instructor, someone who knows the area and the dangers it presents. At the very least don’t go alone. Tell others, outside of your party, where you’re going and when to expect you back, so that in the event of an accident or ordnance failure, you’re not forgotten.
Stay warm in the storm: Prior to embarking on your winter snow break, make sure you have all the right gear. Snow is wet and cold so it’s important to have enough layers and waterproof equipment for the duration of your stay. Experts have advised that it is best to wear a number of thin layers (especially children) as opposed to one or two heavy ones.
Your name’s not down: Don’t be the one left miles from home trying to persuade a lift attendant (who may not speak English) to let you on the lift because you have lost your ski pass. These are very expensive yet very easy to lose. Ensure that yours is kept in a safe place … a lanyard round your neck represents a good investment.
Respect to your elders: The mountains can be a very dangerous place especially in the winter, so its important to show respect and heed any good advice offered. Authorities in all resorts will publish information and warnings where necessary on avalanche probability, visibility, ice levels and any other dangers specific to certain areas or times.
Be Prepared: The cold mountain air can often disguise the potency of the sun’s rays and can lead to a badly burnt face. Sun block and lipsil are a must for a day on the slopes (especially for children) and a good supply of water is advisable as dehydration is a very real threat at high altitudes. An energy snack is also a good addition to ensure your blood sugar levels remain high.
On the piste: For many it’s the apres-ski that makes the holiday but it’s important to know your limits whilst on the slopes, especially given the altitude factor. Excessive alcohol consumption prior to alpine activities not only puts you at risk but also those around you. It can also, in some resorts, lead to the confiscation of lift passes, and moreover in the event of any accident have a considerable affect on your insurance cover.
Unfit for the chair lift: While many consider alpine pursuits to be leisurely and relaxing, it is important to remember that they do in fact involve hours of physical activity. Good health care precautions and a reasonable level of fitness are therefore necessary to avoid any problems on the slopes. Visit your GP prior to travelling.