American Embassy Maseru     

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Lesotho is an extremely mountainous developing country completely surrounded by the country of South Africa. The capital, Maseru, is at 5000 feet (1500M) above sea level, and the mountains reach to 11,400 feet (3500M).

Visitors to the interior of Lesotho should bring clothing and equipment suitable for cold weather. In the mountains, weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly. In winter (June-October), snow often closes mountain passes and temperatures often drop below freezing during the night, even in the lowlands.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required, but no visa is needed for visits of 30 days or less. For more information concerning 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. Overseas inquiries may be made at the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Lesotho.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry and departure.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Lesotho held completely peaceful parliamentary elections in May 2002. New general elections will be held in 2007, while local government elections may be conducted in late 2003. As a matter of general safety, U.S. citizens should avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times.

CRIME INFORMATION: Lesotho's high unemployment, aggravated by the return of large numbers of unemployed miners from South Africa, has contributed to an increasing number of armed robberies, break-ins, and carjackings. 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. Although traveling alone or at night is particularly dangerous, recent incidents have also occurred in the middle of the day.

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. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. Both are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/index.html, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

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When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of 50,000 dollars (US). Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs' brochure "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad," available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline AT 1-877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747), FAX: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), OR VIA CDC'S internet site at http://www.cdc.gov. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions, which differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Lesotho is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

The authority for road safety issues rests with the Lesotho Mounted Police. Never assume right-of-way, as aggressive and undisciplined local driving habits result in frequent collisions. Lesotho has a high number of traffic-related deaths and injuries given its small size. Even the previous king died in a road accident in 1996. Driving after dark is dangerous due to the absence of street lighting, animals on the roads and the prevalence of crime, including occasional carjackings.

Travel is best accomplished by private car. Rental cars are available, and cars rented in neighboring South Africa may be brought into Lesotho with written permission from the rental company. Although bus and public taxi services exist, chronic overloading combined with inadequate vehicle maintenance and lack of driver training make them unsafe. Some private taxi services exist in the capital, but roving mini-bus taxis should be avoided. There is no train service in the kingdom.

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Although the number of paved roads is gradually increasing, the majority of Lesotho's 5,000 miles of roads are unpaved. A few main rural highways are comparable to U.S. two-lane rural roads, but lane markings, signs, shoulders and guardrails do not meet U.S. standards, and unfenced livestock pose a particular danger. Lesotho's mountainous interior makes driving on secondary roads hazardous. Unpaved roads in the interior, although often narrow, twisty and steep, are poorly maintained. For travel in the interior, especially in wet or snowy weather, a high-ground clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Four-wheel-drive is required for entering Lesotho through the Sani Pass on the eastern border.

There are no auto-club or reliable ambulance services. Drivers should contact the police in emergencies.

For specific information concerning Lesotho driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, consult the Lesotho government official website via the Internet at http://www.lesotho.gov.ls/tourism.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, or economic authority to operate such service, between the U.S. and Lesotho, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Lesotho's civil aviation authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. The only scheduled air service is between Maseru and Johannesburg on a South African Airways subsidiary. There is no scheduled air service between towns within Lesotho.

For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA internet home page at http//www.intl.faa.gov/avr/iasa. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Lesotho law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Lesotho are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone 202-736-7000.

REGISTRATION AND EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Lesotho are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy and 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 266-22-312-666.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 11, 2002, to update sections on Safety and Security, Other Health Information, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, and Aviation Safety Oversight

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