This travel advice has been revised and reissued on 24 May 2006 NZT.

We advise against all travel to Timor Leste/East Timor.

New Zealanders in Timor Leste should now consider leaving.

If you are departing the country please ensure that you keep the Embassy updated with your travel plans.

In the last week of April violent demonstrations took place in Dili resulting in some deaths and many people were rendered homeless. On 23 May there were gunfights between the East Timorese military forces and a breakaway military group near Becora and Fatuahi. Fighting is continuing and could spread to other areas.

New Zealanders are advised to avoid all travel outside Dili. Becora, Comoro, Taibesi, Tasi Tolu, Maneluana, Tibar areas as well as areas surrounding government buildings are potentially dangerous, and more so at night. You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings.

We urge you to monitor the media regularly to keep yourself updated on the security situation.

New Zealanders in Timor-Leste should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies that include provision for medical evacuation by air.

© Scoop Media