🇱🇸Lesotho Visa 2026: Entry Requirements
Africa· Updated 10/10/2026
Do you need a visa for Lesotho?
It depends on your passport. Out of 196 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 78 enter Lesotho visa-free and 118 obtain an e-visa or a visa on arrival.
Visa-free
78
nationalities
E-visa
118
nationalities
Check the rule for your nationality
Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom
- 🇺🇸United States
- 🇳🇬Nigeria
- 🇬🇭Ghana
- 🇮🇳India
- 🇵🇰Pakistan
- 🇰🇪Kenya
- 🇺🇬Uganda
- 🇿🇦South Africa
- 🇵🇭Philippines
- 🇨🇦Canada
- 🇦🇺Australia
- All nationalities
Data updated on · Official source
Pick your nationality to see the rule
Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
Lesotho visa types, fees and processing times
Every visa category Lesotho publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.
| Visa | Category | Allowed stay | Official fee | Processing time | Entries | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay (tourism) | Short stay | Portal | ||||
| Business visa | Business | 90 days | 1,000-2,000 LSL | 15 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Work visa | Work | 1 year (renewable) | 1,000-2,000 LSL | 30 business days | Multiple | Portal |
Visas
Visas from this country
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Information
Capital
Maseru
Population
2,007,201
Currency
Lesotho Loti (LSL L)
Languages
Southern Sotho, English
Continent
Africa
Calling code
+266
Timezone
Africa/Johannesburg
Area
30,355 km²
Government
Constitutional monarchy with parliamentary system
National day
October 4 - Independence Day
Internet domain
.ls
About
Lesotho is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, completely surrounded by South Africa. It is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system, led by King Letsie III. The country focuses on sustainable development and economic reforms.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(Medium)
- Avoid nighttime travel in urban areas
- Do not display valuables
- Stay vigilant in public transportation
- Use official taxis or reliable transport services
Terrorism(Low)
- No major terrorist threat currently identified
- Stay informed about regional developments
Transport
- Use well-maintained vehicles
- Avoid night travel
- Check road conditions before traveling
- Wear a seatbelt
Natural risks(Moderate risks related to extreme weather conditions and minor earthquakes)
- Prepare for snowstorms in winter (June-August)
- Stay informed about weather alerts
- Have an emergency plan for extreme weather conditions
Health(Basic healthcare system. Modern medical facilities are limited, mainly in Maseru.)
- Yellow fever vaccination recommended
- Malaria prevention in low-altitude areas
- International health insurance highly recommended
- Essential medications to bring from abroad
- Avoid untreated water
Practical tips
- Register your presence with your embassy
- Keep copies of important documents
- Keep emergency contacts up to date
- Respect local laws and customs
- Avoid political gatherings
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD in Maseru · estimated in October 2026
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Left
Generally safe in urban areas
10% in restaurants, optional
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Photos
Lesotho
Fikelephi Ndisile
Lesotho
Wayne Bisset
Lesotho
Ts'epo Qhobela
Lesotho
Elina Emeleeva
Lesotho
jade xie
Lesotho
Ts'epo Qhobela
Lesotho
Leodan Zamalloa
Lesotho
Rodrigo Arrosquipa
Lesotho
Ts'epo Qhobela
Lesotho
Nurcan Aytas
Lesotho
Ivan Vizcarra
Lesotho
Ronaldiño apaza
Lesotho
Tatsu T.
Lesotho
Emma Jane Seymour
Lesotho
Nonzuzo Pama
Lesotho
Ryan Lansdown
Lesotho
Dario Gouveia
Lesotho
Salih Deniz
Lesotho
Mareike Mgwelo
Lesotho
Muhammed Fatih Beki
Plan your trip
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
Transit visa 2026: when a simple layover requires a visa
Staying airside and crossing immigration are not governed by the same rules. When a transit visa becomes mandatory, the Schengen case, the…
Schengen Visa Travel Insurance: The 3 Official Criteria and the Pitfalls (2026)
€30,000 minimum, repatriation, full Schengen validity: what the Visa Code really requires, the mistakes that get applications refused, and…
Visa Refusal: The 10 Most Common Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Funds, home ties, insurance, inconsistencies… The 10 most common visa refusal reasons, how to avoid them, and your appeal options region by…
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Lesotho?▾
It depends on your passport. IziVisas documents the entry regime for Lesotho across 196 nationalities: 78 visa-free, 118 with an e-visa. Pick yours for the exact rule, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality →How much does a Lesotho visa cost?▾
Fees vary by visa type and nationality. The lowest published official fee is 1,000 LSL (Business visa). These are government fees only, providers and visa application centres add their own service charge.
Is it dangerous to travel to Lesotho?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "Moderate risk. Lesotho faces security challenges related to urban crime but remains relatively stable compared to other countries in the region.". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in Lesotho?▾
The official currency is Lesotho Loti (LSL L). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of Lesotho?▾
The capital of Lesotho is Maseru. The main spoken languages are: Southern Sotho, English.
Visa alerts and regulations
Receive the latest visa updates and travel advice
We will never share your email. Unsubscribe at any time.