Last updated: 26 Oct 2012
Security and health
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller site provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to East Timor. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
It is strongly recommended that Australian travellers take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before their departure. They should confirm that their insurance covers them for the whole time they will be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in their policy.
It is also recommended for Australian travellers to register, before travelling, on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, in case of an emergency.
Health
Both dengue fever and malaria are prevalent and visitors are advised to take precautions to protect themselves against mosquito attacks. The use of tropical strength insect repellents and wearing sensible clothing at appropriate times of the day are recommended.
In most cases water cannot be drunk straight from taps, except in buildings where it is specially treated onsite for drinking. Bottled water is freely available. There are a number of reliable restaurants and hotels that serve meals.
For visitors staying in East Timor for longer periods of time, vaccination against various diseases including typhoid, TB and cholera, along with preventative treatment for malaria is recommended.
A suitable medical contact in Darwin is:
Health Services Australia
Level 1, 43 Cavanagh St
Darwin
Tel: +61 8 8981 7492
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a voluntary mechanism which promotes and supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the full publication and verification of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining.
The EITI is supported by governments, industry, and non-government organisations around the world. The Australian Government supports the EITI and encourages Australian companies operating internationally to comply with its recommendations.