EAST
TIMOR
Travel Warning
This Travel Warning was issued on July
21, 2008, to update information regarding the security situation in
Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor). The Department of State advises U.S.
citizens of the continuing potential for violent civil unrest in Timor-Leste
and urges U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to
Timor-Leste at this time. Americans currently in Timor-Leste should
evaluate carefully their safety and security situation in light of this
Travel Warning. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on February 15,
2008.
While politically-related civil unrest in
Timor-Leste has diminished and security has improved, the potential for
violence remains. Security conditions could deteriorate without warning, and
foreigners may be specifically targeted. U.S. citizens should consider
carefully the risks of travel to Timor-Leste. Those already in Timor-Leste
should exercise caution, limit movements to the extent possible, and
maintain a high level of security awareness while moving around in Dili; be
alert to the potential for violence, and avoid demonstrations, large
gatherings, and areas where disturbances have occurred. Demonstrations can
occur anywhere, and especially at or near symbols and institutions of the
Government of Timor-Leste, including government buildings and houses
belonging to prominent politicians. Even demonstrations intended to be
peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
For
Information on How
to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your
Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
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877-211-3654 or
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In a separate incident, the recent
deaths of two Timorese citizens during an ISF intervention in Dili have
contributed to the volatile security situation. On February 27, the
Government of Indonesia temporarily closed its border with East Timor.
The Government of Australia
similarly has advised its citizens against travel to East Timor at this time
and warns that Australians and Australian interests may be specifically
targeted. Attackers could indiscriminately target foreigners, including
Americans. The Australian travel advice can be viewed at
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/East_Timor
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After the collapse of civil order in
April and May 2006, international troops and police arrived. The security
situation improved, but serious security concerns remain:
Indiscriminate communal violence
continues throughout the country. Gang-related violence occurs daily in Dili,
and Americans risk intentional or inadvertent injury. Stone-throwing attacks
on vehicles are frequent, and have affected American citizens on several
occasions.
Several areas of Dili have become sites of chronic security incidents,
particularly the areas around the camps for internally displaced people (IDPs).
Americans are advised to avoid these areas and check with the U.S. Embassy
regarding other areas of concern.
A rice shortage has caused tensions
and increased civil unrest. Americans are advised to avoid crowds and areas
near food warehouses.
For
Information on How
to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your
Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our specialists today.
info@worldwidemedicalplans.com
877-211-3654 or
559-294-0316
Click here
for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase
for Global Travel Medical, Accident
& Life Insurance
More public demonstrations are
possible in the coming weeks as campaigning for April 9 national elections
gets underway.
Sexual assaults against foreign nationals have occurred and may increase in
the current environment. Female travelers are advised to exercise particular
caution and to avoid travel alone on foot or in taxis, especially at night
and in unfamiliar or isolated areas.
Criminals continue to operate illegal checkpoints in some areas of Dili,
frequently stopping taxis and minibuses in order to extort money from
drivers and passengers; in some cases East Timorese are identified for more
violent targeting. American citizens are advised against using taxis or
minibuses for transportation.
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The international airport in Dili
continues to operate normally, but Americans who travel to East Timor
despite this Travel Warning should check the status of flights and security
in the area prior to commencing travel.
U.S. citizens in East Timor should exercise extreme caution and maintain a
high level of security awareness while moving about in Dili; be alert to the
potential for violence; and avoid demonstrations, large gatherings, and
areas where disturbances have occurred. Even demonstrations intended to be
peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
Americans in East Timor should immediately register at the Embassy and
obtain all recent messages sent to the American community in East Timor. The
U.S. Embassy in Dili can be reached at 670 332-4684 between the hours of 8
a.m. and 5 p.m. local time or the duty officer outside business hours at
670-723-0949. The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida de Portugal in the
Pantai Kelapa area. U.S. citizens living in or traveling to East Timor can
also register through the State Department's travel registration website,
https://travelregistration.state.gov
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For the latest security
information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor
the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at
http://travel.state.gov/,
where the current Worldwide Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel
Warnings can be found. Travelers should also consult the Department of
State's latest Consular information Sheet for East Timor. Up-to-date
information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll
free in the U.S. and Canada. Callers outside of the U.S. and Canada may call
a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except on U.S.
federal holidays).
For
Information on How
to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your
Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our specialists today.
info@worldwidemedicalplans.com
877-211-3654 or
559-294-0316
Click here
for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase
for Global Travel Medical, Accident
& Life Insurance
Haben Sie eine sichere
Reise!
Abbia un viaggio sicuro!
ˇTenga un viaje seguro!
Ayez un voyage sűr!
Have a safe trip!
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