Östtimor

Översikt

Much of the country’s security concerns revolve around domestic issues related to politics and the economy. The dire state of the latter has tended to simmer social tensions among locals and cause outbreaks of civil unrest. The threat of exposure to violent protests potentially represents a major security concern for the expatriate community. In December 2012, UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) peacekeepers and the Australia/New Zealand International Stabilisation Force (ISF) departed Timor-Leste after peaceful elections and a smooth transition to a new government. Law and order remains a key priority for the government. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Timor-Leste. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Timor-Leste has risk of ongoing Dengue and Chikungunya transmission.

Malaria risk is present throughout Timor-Leste, including urban areas. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Japanese Encephalitis is endemic and transmission occurs all year.

Typhoid fever vaccination is recommended when going outside the areas usually visited by tourists such as traveling extensively in the interior of the country, for persons on working assignments in remote areas, or travellers visiting for extended periods of time.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Timor-Leste.

Medical services in Timor-Lesteare limited. Hospitals exist in city centres and clinics can be found in some sub-districts elsewhere, but the medical system in Timor-Lesteis not equipped to handle sustained or complex medical emergencies. In many cases of major illness or where surgery is required, medical evacuation remains the only option for the patient. Travellers to Timor-Leste should understand this risk and equip themselves with medical insurance which covers medical evacuation (medivac) by air ambulance.

Pass

Travellers must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure.

Visum

A tourists and business visa (Common Class 1) can be applied for and decided upon arrival at the border through Dili air- or seaports. Travellers do not need to obtain a visa prior to travelling, although it is an option to do so. Timor Leste has signed a waiver agreement granting Schengen area nationals visa-free access for up to 90 days.

A tourist visa is required to enter, but a 30-day visa can be purchased upon arrival for $30 so long as the local authorities deem the traveller’s visit to be for legitimate purposes. Extensions to the 30-day visa cost US $35, and only two extensions may be purchased for a maximum stay of 90 days. Overstay fines start at $70 for the first 30 days and rise to $270 for 91 days or more. 

A tax of $10 is charged by local authorities upon departure.

Although Yellow Fever is not a disease risk in East Timor, visitors from countries where Yellow Fever is present must provide proof of Yellow Fever vaccination upon arrival.