This Travel Warning supersedes the August 21 Public Announcement to update information on the security situation and to reflect authorized departure status. Facilities for tourists are limited. The capital city is Maseru. A passport and visa are required for U.S. citizens traveling to Lesotho. Overseas inquiries may be made at the nearest Lesotho embassy or consulate.
Many medicines are unavailable.
Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provisions for medical evacuation, to be useful. Elections are set for May 23, 1998. Although there have been no specific incidents of unrest reported, the security situation can change rather rapidly.