Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:536 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!compuserve.COM!76702.1202 From: 76702.1202@compuserve.COM (Wally Doerge) Subject: ALL: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Lesotho Message-ID: <940819124545_76702.1202_CHN31-1@CompuServe.COM> Sender: daemon@world.std.com (World Mail) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Fri, 19 Aug 1994 12:45:45 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 81 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Lesotho ============================================================ Lesotho - Travel Warning August 18, 1994 The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Lesotho. Because of a constitutional crisis, there have been demonstrations; some have been violent and caused deaths. The government of Lesotho has imposed a curfew. The U.S. Embassy has activated its warden system advising all American citizens who remain in Lesotho to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations. No. 94-035 Lesotho - Consular Information Sheet August 1, 1994 Country Description: Lesotho is a developing country in southern Africa. Facilities for tourists are limited. Entry Requirements: Visas are required and may be obtained at a Lesotho diplomatic mission prior to arrival in Lesotho. Americans arriving without visas have not been inconvenienced but must obtain a visa at the immigration and passport office in Maseru after entering the country. 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 may 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. 94-147 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 17, 1994 to revise the paragraph on Entry Requirements.