From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Lesotho Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Wed, 12 Feb 1997 14:50:56 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1237 Path: world!bzs Message-ID: <970212145055_76702.1202_CHN66-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: bzs@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 97 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Lesotho ============================================================ Lesotho - Public Announcement February 11, 1997 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman In response to the ongoing dissident takeover of police headquarters in Maseru, which started on February 6, 1997, the U.S. Embassy issued the following announcement to the local American community: "The standoff at police headquarters continues undiminished from last week. Americans are advised to avoid police headquarters and the police training center in Maseru. If at all possible, Americans should postpone any unnecessary travel to Maseru until tensions have abated." Additional information on travel to Lesotho can be found in the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet. This Public Announcement will expire March 31, 1997. Lesotho - Consular Information Sheet November 15, 1995 Country Description: Lesotho is a developing country in southern Africa. Facilities for tourists are limited. Entry Requirements: For information on entry requirements travelers may contact the Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho, 2511 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 797-5533. Areas of Instability: Since the resolution of its political unrest in 1994, Lesotho has remained relatively calm except for occasional protests by local labor unions. This situation can change rather rapidly and travelers are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Maseru for the latest security guidance. 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. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside of the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provisions for medical evacuation, has proved useful. Information on health matters may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention'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 foreign diplomats and members of 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 and Embassy Location: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within Lesotho. 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. 95-137 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 21, 1994, and updates the paragraph on Areas of Instability. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories