From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Zambia Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Tue, 6 Jan 1998 13:55:24 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1584 Path: world!bzs Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Message-ID: <199801060858_MC2-2E34-466D@compuserve.com> Content-Disposition: inline Precedence: bulk Sender: "U.S. Department of State" <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Mime-Version: 1.0 Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 91 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zambia ============================================================ Zambia - Consular Information Sheet January 5, 1998 Country Description: Zambia is a developing African country. Tourist facilities outside of well-known game parks are not fully developed. Entry Requirements: A visa is required and must be obtained in advance. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia, 2419 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 265-9717. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Zambian embassy or consulate. Areas of Instability: Tourist destinations, including the national parks located in eastern Zambia, are visited by large numbers of tourists without incident. However, visitors' security is uncertain in border areas, especially on the Great East Road along the Mozambique border, the northern border with Zaire, and in the west near Angola. Other Information: Following an attempted coup in late October, 1997, the Zambian government has declared a state of emergency. As part of the state of emergency, all airports are closed between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and charter air flights are restricted. This declaration also gives the police broad powers of search and seizure. Travel to military areas and photographing military facilities are prohibited. Photography of areas other than tourist attractions may be challenged by authorities. Americans should also be aware that if they are arrested, Zambian authorities are often slow to inform the U.S. Embassy. Information on Crime: Crime is prevalent in Zambia. Armed carjackings, muggings and petty theft are commonplace in Lusaka, especially on Cairo Road, in other commercial areas and housing compounds. Travel at night is considered particularly risky, both in Lusaka and on roads outside of the city. 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 strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Doctors and hospitals often require 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 the United States. Travelers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provisions for medical evacuation to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Internet: http://www.cdc.gov. In-Country Travel: Travel on Zambian roads can be hazardous, especially at night, due to poorly maintained vehicles and roads. Public buses and taxis are generally unreliable and unsafe. Zambian railways have suffered several accidents caused by poor maintenance and badly trained personnel. Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka at the corner of Independence and United Nations Avenues. The mailing address is P.O. Box 31617, Lusaka, Zambia. The telephone number is (260-1) 250-955; the fax number is (260-1) 252-225. No. 98-01 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 24, 1996, to update the paragraph on other information. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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. 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