East Timor
Last update 04 August 2023Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 3: Increased level of risk (recommendation not to travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
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We call on Bulgarian citizens to refrain from travelling!
Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste is a newly established country. It gained its independence in 2002. Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Bulgaria and Timor-Leste were established in 2003. Bulgaria does not have its own embassy in the capital, Dili, and Timor-Leste has no third-country embassy accredited to Bulgaria. The Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Jakarta is accredited to Timor-Leste.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Jakarta, Indonesia
Address: Jakarta 10310, 34-36, Jalan Imam Bonjol
Telephone: +62 21 390 40 48; +62 21 391 31 30
Telephone/fax: +62 21 390 40 49
Consular Office
Opening hours by a preliminary scheduled appointment – Monday to Friday.
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/indonesia
General information
Security level:
Following the parliamentary elections on 22 July 2017, there have been incidents of violence related to the rallies held in the Dili capital. In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises to avoid rallies, demonstrations and protests, as the situation may suddenly deteriorate.
Crime continues to be a problem in Timor-Leste, including gang-related violence, robberies (in some cases armed), assaults and attacks on vehicles. Even though there have been no recent terrorist attacks they should not be completely excluded.
Timor-Leste is still in the process of establishing its state administration and functioning institutions. In 2008, the president of the country was seriously injured in an assassination attempt. In 2011, the situation was again seriously destabilised. Since 2006, the UN Mission in Timor-Leste, UNMISET, has been responsible for maintaining law and order in the country.
Widespread crime and high levels of poverty create certain security risks for foreigners visiting the country. Any travel outside the capital of Dili is not safe. The situation is particularly risky in the western border area, where armed conflicts between militias and local authorities continue.
The poorly developed tourist infrastructure should be taken into account for urgent trips inland. It is advisable to inform yourself about the current situation in the areas to be visited before travelling outside the capital. Situation reports can be read on the official website of the UN Mission in Timor-Leste HERE.
Emergency telephones: 112 — unified number for all kinds of emergencies; +670 723 0365 — UN Security Operations Centre.
Healthcare:
Diseases such as malaria and dengue fever as well as Japanese (mosquito) encephalitis are widespread in East Timur. Medical care is at a very low level. It is recommended to carry with yourself the most necessary medicines and medications.
The hospital in Dili can provide emergency medical care and the Portuguese Embassy also has a medical centre, but more serious illnesses and complications require evacuation to Darwin, Australia or Singapore, so we recommend you take out insurance to cover such type of costs.
Customs requirements:
You can bring items such as a personal mobile phone and laptop into the country without hindrance, as well as goods worth up to USD 300 per person, up to 200 cigarettes and up to 2.5 litres of liquor. There are no restrictions on currency imports and exports. Credit cards can be used very rarely due to the extremely insufficient number of ATMs.
There are no customs restrictions on the export of money or goods.
Specifics of the local legislation:
In general, unmarried couples are allowed to stay in hotels in the country. Homosexuality is not prohibited by local laws. However, it is advisable to avoid demonstrative displays in public places.
Road traffic:
The road structure is in very poor condition. During the rainy season, some roads in mountainous areas become impassable.
There is no organised bus service in Timor-Leste yet, but many bus drivers would offer their services. However, their buses are crowded and in very poor technical condition. Taxis and rental cars are widely used in the capital.
Practical advice:
Like all countries with tropical climates, in Timor-Leste it is recommended to pay particular attention to the water you drink and the food you eat, and to observe strict personal hygiene.
Avoid the consumption of pasteurized dairy products, non-bottled cold beverages such as sweetened milk/water and fruit drinks, fresh salads, cold meat dishes, unpeeled fruit, especially mayonnaise and ice cream.
It is recommended to drink only bottled water.
Carry with yourself the most necessary medicines and medications (Attention! Do not use aspirin when you are unwell, as it is contraindicated in the event of a tropical illness that presents with cold symptoms).
Emergency contact can be made at the following numbers:
— Police: 112;
— Fire: 115;
— urgent (medical) care: 115.
Local currency:
US Dollar.
Climate:
The climate is tropical, hot and humid (up to 80% humidity). Two seasons alternate — dry and rainy. The rainy season lasts from November to April. The average annual temperature is 21 degrees. Tropical cyclones are common. The best months to travel are the dry season months from May to October. The heaviest rains are in January and February.
Travel papers and visas
To visit East Timor as a tourist or for business, the required visa should be issued. For short-term visits, the relevant visa can be obtained upon arrival.
Travellers should fill in an arrival card (available at border crossing points). Upon request the following elements should be provided:
— evidence of the nature of the visit – as a tourist or for business;
— sufficient funds to support yourself during the stay;
— evidence that arrangements have been made for accommodation during the stay.
General requirements:
• the passport/travel document must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country. The passport should have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker. The requirement is for all types of Bulgarian passports. Where the validity of the passport is less than 6 (six) months at the date of entry, the holder of such passport shall not be admitted to the territory of Timor-Leste;
• a return or onward ticket and funds for the departure should be presented;
• USD 30 in cash should be paid.
There are different methods for issuing a visa depending on whether you enter the country via a land border, by air or by sea.
Main types of visas:
• Tourist visa — Class I. Holders of regular Bulgarian passports can obtain single entry visas (visa on arrival) on arrival at the airport or the port in the Dili capital. The cost of the visa is USD 30 and allows a stay in Timor-Leste of up to 30 days. The visa can be extended twice for 30 days each, for USD 35 for each extension;
• Business Visa — Class I;
• Transit Visa — Class II. Valid for a maximum of 72 hours;
• Student visa — Class III. For those wishing to study in local educational institutions;
• Culture, Science, Sport or Media — Class IV. Issued to representatives of organisations travelling for the reasons cited;
• Work visa — for those wishing to work in Timor-Leste.
Up-to-date information on visa requirements for long-term stays is available at the embassies of Timor-Leste.
Competitive service
European Emergency Travel Document:
In extreme situations — in case of damage, loss or theft of a passport, Bulgarian citizens staying on the territory of Timor-Leste can apply for an Emergency Travel Document to the diplomatic mission of Portugal, which is the only EU member country with an embassy in Timor-Leste.
Embassy of Portugal in Timor-Leste:
Address: Rua 30 de agosto, n.º 2, Edifício ACAIT, Dili, Timor-Leste
Telephone: +670 3310050
Fax: +670 3312526
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]