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- Destinations
- Asia
- East Timor
East Timor
Charming, beautiful and full of smiles, East Timor may not be
top of everyone's dream destination list, but it is certainly off
the beaten track, offering visitors a taste of something completely
different. With beautiful beaches, exotic forests and exciting
mountain trekking, the coral reefs and colonial towns are drawing
an increasing number of adventurous travellers each year.
Colonised by Portugal in the 16th century, declaring
independence in 1975, only to be invaded and occupied by Indonesia
nine days later and burdened by tragedy, it's been one bumpy ride
on East Timor's road to independence. The tourism infrastructure
isn't the most developed but it seems things in this troubled land
are slowly on the mend, and visitors are now able to enjoy a spot
of snorkelling, diving, hiking and exploration round the exotic
countryside.
One of East Timor's more famous landmarks is the
Cristo Rei, a 100-foot (30 metre) high statue of Jesus,
believed to be the second tallest such statue in the world,
rivalled only by Rio de Janeiro's
Cristo Redentor. Beyond the capital of Dili lies a
mysteriously and intensely beautiful land where empty beaches lead
into dense tropical forest and mountains juxtapose the water's
edge.
Visitors to this exotic country should arm themselves with
mosquito prophylaxis and plenty of mosquito repellent, as malaria
is a problem in certain areas.
The best time to visit East Timor and experience its warm, clear
seas dotted with tropical fish, manta rays, turtles and sharks is
just after the wet season, from late April to July when the weather
is warm and the shore diving is at its exquisite best.
Information & Facts
Duty Free
Customs information for East Timor was unavailable at time of
writing.
Passport Visa
All visitors to East Timor require a passport valid for six
months beyond the date of entry, and a visa. Tourist visas may be
obtained on-arrival, provided that visitors can show proof of the
following: (i) a return or onward ticket, and the required travel
documentation for the next destination; (ii) accommodation
arrangements in East Timor; and (iii) sufficient means of support
while in East Timor (USD 100, plus USD 50 per day of stay).
Single-entry tourist visas, valid for 30 days, cost USD 30 (only
payable in US dollars), and require an unused passport page for a
visa sticker. Multiple-entry visas, or visas valid for more than 30
days and less than 90 days, are available, but require a Visa
Application Authorisation issued by the Immigration Department,
which must be used within 12 months of issue. These visas also cost
USD 30, and also require an unused passport page for a visa
sticker. Note that money-changing facilities at Dili International
Airport are extremely limited. Visitors in possession of a 30-day
tourist visa can extend their stay to a cumulative total of 90
days, by submitting their application to the Immigration
Department. The costs involved are USD 35 (for up to 30 extra
days), and USD 75 (for between 30 and 60 extra days). NOTE: It is
highly recommended that your passport has at least six months
validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your
travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different
rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.