Travel Warnings

Warden Message #7
March 23, 2008

The Government of Timor-Leste declared on March 20, 2008 that the current state of emergency rule will be extended on Monday, March 24 by 30 days through April 23 in the districts of Dili, Baucau, Manatuto, Viqueque, and Los Palos, beginning on Monday, March 24. In these areas, the curfew hours will be from 11:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m.

On the same day, a state of siege was declared beginning on Monday, March 24 by 30 days through April 23 in these areas: the districts of Cova Lima, Ainaro, Bobonaro, Ermera, Liquica, Manufahi, and Aileu.  In these areas, the curfew hours will be from 10:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m.

Persons who violate curfew rules may be detained. A normal state has been declared for the districts of Oecussi and Atauro.  No curfew is in effect in these areas.

The state of emergency and state of siege ban all gatherings except for religious and political party meetings, all rallies, and impose a nighttime curfew. The extension measures were requested by the acting president and were approved by the National Parliament.

Effective in all areas, the government declared an exception to curfew hours during the Easter holiday period, ending on Sunday, March 23.  Curfew hours solely for this period are from 1:00 a.m. through 6:00 a.m. 

While there continue to be no reports of unrest in Dili or anywhere else in the country at this time, the U.S. Embassy urges American citizens and their dependents to remain vigilant, use extreme caution, and limit movements to the greatest extent possible.

The F-FDTL (military) and the PNTL (police) have set up checkpoints in Dili and outside the capital.  Searches may be conducted without warrants and suspects may be detained for up to 72 hours prior to reporting the detentions to the courts.

We strongly advise American citizens and their dependents to maintain at all times identity documents identifying them as American citizens or their dependents.  We also recommend that you store photocopies of your passport’s information (photo) page and Timor-Leste visa separate from your passport. We further advise American citizens and their dependents to cooperate with authorities in the event they come across a military or police checkpoint.  Please be aware of your surroundings.

The U.S. Embassy advises you to renew your U.S. passport at least six months before its actual expiration date.  Some neighboring countries require passports to be valid for at least six months in order to travel to/transit through their territory.  In addition, please be advised that passport renewals and requests for additional passport pages are processed through U.S. Embassy Jakarta and can take up to three weeks to process.

The U.S. Embassy will provide American citizens with further reports. For emergency contact, you may reach Consular Officer Roberto Quiroz at 723-1328.  Embassy Switchboard is 332-4684.  To reach an American staff member, please dial extension 2083, 2056, or 2171.