Timor-Leste Travel Advisory Updated

The Travel Advisory for the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste was updated by the US Department of State due to civil unrest.

This ‘Exercise Increased Caution’ Advisory was published on January 15, 2020, saying Timor-Leste has seen isolated instances of police responding to protests with force. And, gender-based violence is high in Timor-Leste, and sexual harassment is fairly common.

Previously, the U. S. Embassy Dili, Timor-Leste, issued a Security Alert on January 7, 2020, regarding the heightened tension in the Middle East, which may result in security risks to U.S. citizens abroad. 

The U.S. Embassy said it will provide additional information as needed.

Timór-Leste has a population of about 1.1 million and is located in Southeast Asia, comprising the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecusse, an exclave on the northwestern side of the island surrounded by Indonesian West Timor. 

Australia is the country's southern neighbor, separated by the Timor Sea.

Timór-Leste’s tourism industry has been on a steady increase, now reaching about 70,00 annual visitors.

If you decide to travel to Timor-Leste, the State Department suggests:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Avoid demonstrations or crowds.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations, such as this Traveler’s Checklist.

From a health risk perspective, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) included Timór-Leste in the Global measles and Dengue travel alerts on January 3, 2020.

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The CDC says ‘before you travel internationally, regardless of where you are going, make sure you are protected. If you are not sure, see your healthcare provider at least 1 month before your scheduled departure.’

The CDC suggests the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and other travel-related vaccinations prior to visiting Timór-Leste in 2020.

Travel health and vaccine news published by Vax-Before-Travel.