Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@compuserve.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: ALL:  NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Lesotho
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Thu, 19 May 1994 12:31:59 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Lesotho
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Lesotho - Consular Information Sheet
 May 17, 1994

Country Descrition:  Lesotho is a developing country in Southern 
Africa.  Facilities for tourists are limited.

Entry Requirements:  Visas are issued upon arrival at the point of 
entry for stays of three months or less, and can be extended.  For 
further information, travelers may contact the Embassy of the 
Kingdom of Lesotho, 2511 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, 
D.C. 20008.  The telephone number is (202) 797-5533.

Areas of Instability:  In at least three instances since January 
1994 the army and the police have challenged civilian control by 
going on strike, leading to political contention and episodes of 
unrest, such as random gunfire, in and around the capital, Maseru, 
as well as in other areas of the country.  During these periods of 
heightened insecurity, the U.S. Embassy has advised Americans that 
travel after dark should be avoided.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are minimal.  Many 
medicines are unavailable.  Doctors and hospitals often expect 
immediate cash payment for health care services.  U.S. medical 
insurance is not always valid outside the United States.  
Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has 
proved useful.  Information on health matters may be obtained from 
the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, 
telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Deteriorating economic conditions in the 
country, aggravated by the return of large numbers of unemployed 
miners from South Africa, have caused an increase in armed 
robberies, break-ins and auto thefts.  This occurs primarily in the 
capital city of Maseru but can occur elsewhere as well.  Victims 
have included members of the foreign diplomatic corps and foreign 
aid missions.  Traveling alone or at night is particularly dangerous.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported 
immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or 
consulate.  The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for 
Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on 
protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in 
the region in general.  Both are available from the Superintendent 
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 
20402.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the 
country in which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use 
or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders 
can expect jail sentences and fines.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can 
obtain updated information on travel and security within Lesotho.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located at 254 Kingsway, 
Maseru West;  the mailing address is P.O. Box 333, Maseru 100, 
Lesotho.  The telephone number is (266) 312-666.

 No. 94-083

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 18, 
1993, to add a paragraph on areas of instability.