TIMOR-LESTE / EAST TIMOR TRAVEL ADVISORY
Consular Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

TIMOR-LESTE
EAST TIMOR

Revised 6 March 2007

There is extreme risk to your security in all parts of Timor-Leste and we advise against all travel. The security situation remains extremely volatile and could deteriorate further with little warning. New Zealanders currently in Timor-Leste concerned for their safety should consider departing. New Zealanders seeking to depart Timor-Leste should contact their airline directly at the earliest opportunity. Flights may become heavily booked and access to the airport could be disrupted.

There is extreme risk to your security in the city of Same and the surrounding area and we advise against all travel there. The International Security Force and the UN Police in Timor-Leste are recommending that foreign nationals leave Same.

There has been an increase in violence, including looting, robbery, arson, assault and attacks on vehicles, since the beginning of February 2007. There has been an increase in the frequency and scale of disturbances, particularly around the IDP (internally displaced persons) camp in the airport vicinity. Extreme caution should be exercised around Comoro airport and the road to the airport as well as around the food storage sites. We recommend you avoid, as much as possible, the areas from Comoro to Fatuhada and Marconi as well as Pantai Kelapa. Disruptions to flights and airport operations could occur.

New Zealanders are advised to steer clear of protests, demonstrations and street rallies as they could turn violent with little warning. The election period in Timor-Leste, which begins with the Presidential elections on 9 April 2007, could lead to demonstrations and protests. Government buildings should be avoided and New Zealanders should also avoid all unnecessary travel, especially at night.

On 27 February 2007 Indonesia temporarily closed its border with Timor-Leste.

The Australian Government has advised that Australians and Australian interests may be specifically targeted and that all Australians should exercise extreme caution. We advise New Zealanders to do the same.

New Zealanders are advised to regularly monitor the media and local information sources to keep up to date on the security situation.

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

New Zealanders resident in or travelling to Timor-Leste are strongly urged to record their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and to maintain regular contact with the New Zealand Embassy in Dili.

_______________________________________________________________
The New Zealand Embassy
Rua Alferes Duarte Arbiro,
Farol, Dili, Timor-Leste.

Telephone: +(670) 331 0087) Facsimile: +(670) 332 4982
Email: nzembassydili@gmail.com
or chrisday220@gmail.com

ENDS

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