Money:
The US Dollar is the official currency of East Timor. The country's limited banking system will not exchange Pounds Sterling cash or, in many cases, Euros, credit cards are of little use outside of major hotels, and ATMs are hard to find in Dili. Banks, credit card facilities and ATMs are very limited outside the capital. Travellers should bring small notes when exploring the districts, as large denominations are hard to change. Notes older than 2009 are usually rejected.
Entry Requirements:
US nationals: US citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in East Timor, and must obtain a tourist visa on arrival (if not arriving at the airport visas must be arranged in advance).
UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in East Timor, and must obtain a tourist visa on arrival (if not arriving at the airport visas must be arranged in advance). Visa's are valid for 30 days and cost 30 USD. Tourist visa's can be extended up to a total of 90 days for a fee.
CA nationals: Canadian citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in East Timor, and must obtain a tourist visa on arrival (if not arriving at the airport visas must be arranged in advance). Visa's are valid for up to 30 days and cost 35 USD.
AU nationals: Australian citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in East Timor, and must obtain a tourist visa on arrival (if not arriving at the airport visas must be arranged in advance). Visa's are valid for up to 30 days, and there is a charge of 30 USD on arrival.
ZA nationals: South African citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in East Timor, and must obtain a tourist visa on arrival (if not arriving at the airport visas must be arranged in advance). Tourist visa's valid for up to 30 days are available for a fee.
IR nationals: Irish citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in East Timor, and must obtain a tourist visa on arrival (if not arriving at the airport visas must be arranged in advance). Tourist visa's valid for up to 30 days are available for a fee.
NZ nationals: New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of their arrival in East Timor, and must obtain a tourist visa on arrival (if not arriving at the airport visas must be arranged in advance). Tourist visa's valid for up to 30 days are available for a fee.
Passport/Visa Note:Visa:
All visitors to East Timor require a passport valid for six months beyond the date of entry, and a visa. Travellers arriving by air can apply for a 30-day tourist visa on arrival for a fee of 30 USD. Travellers arriving by land should apply in advance for a Visa Application Authorisation. Visa's on arrival at the land border with Indonesia are no longer available.
Travel Health:
Visitors to this exotic country should protect themselves from mosquito bites, as there is a risk of malaria in certain areas and during certain times of year. Safety measures include covering up, using insect repellent, staying in enclosed air-conditioned accommodations and taking antimalarial medication. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid; a yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers arriving from yellow fever infected areas.
Safety Information:
Though most visits to East Timor are trouble-free, travellers should note that robbery and gang-related violence are common. Road conditions and safety are poor throughout the country for reasons that include narrow, winding mountain roads, flashfloods during the rainy season, and poorly maintained roads. There is no recent history of terrorism but attacks can't be ruled out.
