We advice you not to go to East Timor.
September 19th, 2008
In less than a week I’ll be in East Timor as part of the trip for my new book. And for the first time in all of my travels I’ve registered my itinerary with the Australian government. I probably should have done this before when I’ve gone to places like Haiti, Togo, Kyrgyzstan and Tasmania, but with the potential dangers and unrest in East Timor I thought I should do something responsible and sensible for the first time in my life. On the Australian government Smart Traveller website they warn:
· We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to East Timor at this time because of the fragile security situation and the risk of violent civil unrest. The situation could deteriorate without warning.
· Violence could occur anywhere at any time in East Timor. Food and fuel shortages or price increases may trigger civil unrest. You should take particular care to avoid demonstrations, street rallies and public gatherings as they may turn violent and you could get caught up in attacks directed at others.
· There have been several recent altercations between groups of people at nightclubs. You should take particular care and remain aware of your surroundings if you go to such venues.
· From time to time, protesters have expressed anti-Australian sentiments and threats have been directed towards Australians and Australian interests.
· Driving conditions are frequently hazardous due to poor road quality, poor signage and a lack of street lighting.
That doesn’t sound too bad at all. At least East Timor is only in the list for ‘Destinations for which we advise you to RECONSIDER YOUR NEED TO TRAVEL’ and not in the ‘We advise against ALL travel to these countries’ top ten list (Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Georgia, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Zimbabwe and New Zealand).
Okay, New Zealand didn’t really make the list but the Smart Traveller website does warn about ‘black ice’ whilst driving in winter and that you ‘you should also be aware that not all railway crossings have barriers, particularly in country areas.’
I have been to a country that was in the top ten ‘keep-the-hell-away-from’ list when I visited Haiti in 2003 for my book The Naked Man Festival. Back then the US state department website said this:
· The Department of State warns US citizens against any travel to Haiti due to the unstable security situation throughout the country.
· Haiti is one of the most dangerous countries in the Western Hemisphere.
· Protests and demonstrations occur frequently throughout the country, and can become violent with little or no warning. Activists often establish unofficial, temporary roadblocks throughout the country, cutting off major thoroughfares using flaming barricades, bonfires and firearms.
· Assistance from Haitian officials, such as the police, is often non-existent. There are no ‘safe areas’ in Haiti.
· Crime, already a problem, has mushroomed in recent years. Reports of death threats, murders, drug-related shootouts, kidnappings, armed robberies, break-ins or carjackings occur daily. Random stabbings are frequent.
Yes, I will be very cautious and careful in East Timor and there may have been ’several recent altercations between groups of people at nightclubs’ there, but at least they don’t have ‘frequent random stabbings’.
On September 20th, 2008 vicki said:
On September 21st, 2008 brianthacker said:
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On October 11th, 2009 bimeCapperb said: