From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Zambia Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Mon, 10 Jun 1996 14:11:23 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1076 Path: world!root Message-ID: <960610141123_76702.1202_CHN60-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 120 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zambia ============================================================ Zambia - Public Announcement June 7, 1996 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate Release There have been several incidents recently in which bombs have been placed in public places in Lusaka and the Copperbelt. On Thursday, June 6, a bomb exploded in a public area at Lusaka International Airport while the local police were attempting to dispose of it, resulting in the death of one officer and the injury of a second. There is no indication that these bombs have been directed against American citizens or property. However, Americans in or traveling to Zambia should exercise caution and report suspicious activity to the local police or the American Embassy. American citizens visiting Zambia are encouraged to check with the American Embassy for further guidance upon arrival. For further information, consult the Department's latest Consular Information Sheet on Zambia. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement on Zambia issued June 5, 1996 and will expire on July 31, 1996. Zambia - Consular Information Sheet February 23, 1996 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. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid or accepted 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 and medical evacuation coverage 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. 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. Transportation and Road Safety: Zambia railways has suffered several recent accidents caused by poor maintenance or badly trained personnel. Public buses and taxis are also generally unreliable and unsafe. Other Information: During 1996, Zambia will hold local, parliamentary and presidential elections. Travelers should be aware that spontaneous political demonstrations, especially in urban areas, have the potential to turn violent. Travelers should be especially alert to the possibility of violent demonstrations in the weeks immediately before the October presidential election. Travel to military areas and photographing military facilities are prohibited. Photography of areas other than tourist attractions may be challenged by authorities. When Americans are arrested, Zambian authorities are often slow to inform the U.S. Embassy. Embassy Location/Registration: 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. 96-046 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated June 16, 1995, to update information on entry requirements, medical facilities, other information; and, to include information on transportation and road safety. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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