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This Public
Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to recent
violent demonstrations in East Timor. U.S citizens are reminded
of the continued need to take appropriate security precautions
while traveling in or to East Timor. This supersedes the Public
Announcement for East Timor of October 23, 2002. It expires June
23, 2003.
American citizens
traveling to East Timor should exercise caution, avoid large
gatherings, and remain alert with regard to their personal
security. Citizens should also remain alert to the possibility
that curfews may be imposed from time to time. Additionally, in
light of recent attacks in Southeast Asia, Americans should
exercise extreme caution especially in public places, including
clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor
recreational events, hotels, resorts and beaches and other
locations frequented by foreigners. For more information on
terrorist threats against Americans worldwide, and steps that
U.S. citizens should take as a result of these threats.
We recommend
travelers to East Timor transit through Darwin, Australia. We do
not recommend transiting through Bali, Indonesia, and refer
travelers to the Travel Warning and Consular Information Sheet
for Indonesia.
On May 20, 2002,
East Timor became an independent nation governed by the people
of East Timor. East Timor was previously under the authority of
the United Nations, and the United Nations continues to maintain
command authority over the police and the military.
East Timor
continues to experience problems with criminal activity, both
violent and non-violent. Most of the crime occurs in the
capital, Dili, with expatriates sometimes targeted by muggers
and burglars. Americans are strongly encouraged to exercise
caution, particularly at night, and in unlit or secluded areas.
Travelers wishing
to visit areas outside the capital should consult the U.S.
Embassy in Dili before departing. Travelers to East Timor should
be aware that suitable accommodations outside of Dili are
virtually non-existent.
The U.S. Embassy
in Dili is able to provide only limited emergency services to
American citizens. The U.S. Embassy is located on the seafront
in the Farol district of Dili, tel. (670) 390-324-684, fax (670)
390-313-206. Registration may be completed in person at the
Embassy or by fax. Most non-emergency consular services are
provided by the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.
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