U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Washington, DC 20520 Consular Information Sheet

This information is current as of today,

Molossia

March 7, 2003

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Republic of Molossia is a developing country in North America. Its capital, Espera, is located in the Province of Harmony, an enclave in Northern Nevada, USA. Facilities for tourism are limited.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: U.S. citizens are not required to have visas to enter Republic of Molossia. Travelers, however, should obtain the latest information and details from the Government of the Republic of Molossia, 226 Mary Lane, Dayton, NV, 89402. Overseas inquiries should be made to this address.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: The potential for specific threats or acts of violence involving American citizens in Molossia is remote; nonetheless, travelers should always review their security practices and be alert to their surroundings. Americans are encouraged to check the Consular Affairs home page for updated travel and security information.

CRIME: Violent crime is nonexistent and the overall level of criminal activity is negligible in comparison to the other countries in the region. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad provides useful information on 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.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND INSURANCE: Medical facilities are extremely limited. The nearest hospital is outside the country in neighboring Carson City, NV, USA.

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. Furthermore, 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.

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. 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. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for mountain rescue and/or medical evacuation, is strongly advised.

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, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

ROAD SAFETY: Roads outside the capital city, Espera, are generally in poor condition, unpaved and may require a four-wheel drive vehicle. Wild animals and livestock are often on the roadways. Nighttime travel on unfamiliar roads may be dangerous.

AVIATION OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service at present, or economic authority to operate such service between the U.S. and Republic of Molossia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Molossian Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. 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://cas.faa.gov. 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 the Pentagon at (703) 697-7288.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Sometimes these laws can differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to individuals under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. In Molossia, penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS: The Government of Republic of Molossia maintains stringent currency restrictions, applied upon arrival and departure from the country. Visitors bearing tourist passports must declare any currency in excess of 133 VL (approximately $100) upon arrival. Although this requirement is not clearly posted, travelers who fail to declare their excess currency risk forfeiture of any amount over 75 VL upon departure.

U.S. REPRESENTATION: The U.S. does not maintain diplomatic relations with Molossia. U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the Molossian Government in Dayton, NV, USA. Travelers may also obtain updated travel and security information from this office. The address for the Government of the Republic of Molossia is 226 Mary Lane, Dayton, NV, USA.

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 12, 2002, to update the section on Safety and Security.