Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Expanded eVisa System
Lesotho has streamlined its eVisa process for easier online applications, allowing most travelers to apply digitally up to 30 days in advance for a fee of around $40. This update reduces processing times to 3-5 business days and is ideal for those needing extensions beyond visa-free stays.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Lesotho, with at least two blank pages available for entry and exit stamps. Always verify your passport's condition to avoid issues at border points, as damaged documents may be rejected.
Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized consent letter to prevent delays.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, UK, EU countries, Canada, and Australia can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism purposes, extendable under certain conditions. This policy applies to most Commonwealth nations and facilitates short visits to explore the mountains and cultural sites.
Always confirm your nationality's status on the official Lesotho immigration website before travel.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, apply via the new eVisa portal or at a Lesotho embassy/consulate abroad, submitting proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds (at least $50 per day). The standard fee is $40, with processing times of 3-7 days for eVisas.
Include yellow fever vaccination certificates if arriving from endemic areas, as health checks are mandatory.
Border Crossings
Lesotho is an enclave surrounded by South Africa, so most arrivals are via road borders like Maseru Bridge or Sani Pass, where expect vehicle inspections and possible delays of 1-2 hours. Air entry through Moshoeshoe I International Airport in Maseru is smoother with minimal checks for visa-free travelers.
Carry your passport at all times, as random checks occur in rural areas near the borders.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation due to Lesotho's remote high-altitude terrain and activities like pony trekking or hiking in the Maloti Mountains. Policies should include coverage for altitude-related illnesses and adventure sports, starting at $10 per day.
Ensure your policy covers repatriation, as medical facilities are limited outside Maseru.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to 90 days by applying at the Department of Immigration in Maseru before your initial period expires, providing reasons like ongoing tourism or business. Fees range from $20-50, and approval is at the discretion of authorities with supporting documents.
Overstaying can result in fines up to $100 or deportation, so plan extensions early.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Lesotho uses the Loti (LSL), pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand (ZAR), which is also widely accepted. For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Maseru by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially from Johannesburg hubs.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at roadside stalls for affordable meals like seswaa (shredded meat) under LSL 80, skipping tourist lodges to save up to 50% on food costs.
Local markets in Maseru offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and ready-made pap at bargain prices daily.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared minibuses (taxis) at LSL 50-100 per leg, or negotiate multi-day rates with drivers for rural routes to cut costs significantly.
No formal passes exist, but bundling rides with locals can reduce expenses by 40%.
Free Attractions
Visit public viewpoints like God's Window in the highlands, traditional villages, and river walks, which are cost-free and offer authentic Basotho experiences.
Many cultural sites and national parks have free entry for day hikes on marked trails.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in Maseru hotels and shops, but carry cash (ZAR/LSL) for rural markets and small eateries where ATMs are scarce.
Withdraw from bank ATMs for better rates, avoiding airport exchanges that charge high fees.
Activity Bundles
Look for multi-day packages combining pony treks and village tours at LSL 500-800, which often include meals and transport for better value.
These bundles pay for themselves by covering multiple experiences that would cost more individually.
Smart Packing for Lesotho
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack layers including thermal base layers, fleece jackets, and a waterproof windbreaker for Lesotho's high-altitude chill, even in summer when nights drop to 5°C. Include long-sleeve shirts and pants for sun protection during daytime hikes and modest attire for visiting Basotho villages.
Opt for quick-dry, moisture-wicking fabrics to handle sudden rain showers in the mountains.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type D/M plugs (South African style), a solar charger or power bank for remote areas with unreliable electricity, and a rugged smartphone with offline maps of trails like those in Sehlabathebe National Park.
Download language apps for Sesotho phrases and a torch (flashlight) for evening walks in unlit villages.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance details, a basic first-aid kit with altitude sickness remedies like paracetamol, personal medications, and high-SPF sunscreen for intense UV at elevations over 3,000m.
Include water purification tablets, insect repellent for summer months, and a whistle for hiking safety in remote terrains.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for pony treks and hikes, a reusable water bottle with filter, a lightweight sleeping bag for potential cold nights, and small-denomination cash in a secure pouch.
Bring passport copies, a multi-tool knife (check airline rules), and a scarf for dust on dirt roads.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support for rugged paths in the Drakensberg and Maloti ranges, plus lightweight sandals for warmer lowlands and village visits.
Waterproof gaiters and extra socks are essential to combat mud from summer rains and stream crossings during treks.
Personal Care
Include biodegradable soap, moisturizer for dry highland air, lip balm with SPF, and a compact hat for sun exposure during outdoor adventures.
Travel-sized wet wipes and toilet paper are handy for remote areas where facilities are basic or nonexistent.
When to Visit Lesotho
Spring (September-November)
Mild weather with temperatures of 15-25°C makes it perfect for wildflower hikes in the highlands and exploring cultural sites without extreme heat. Fewer rains mean clearer roads for 4x4 drives to remote villages.
Ideal for birdwatching and introductory pony treks as the landscape greens up after winter.
Summer (December-February)
Peak warm season with daytime highs of 20-30°C, great for river rafting on the Orange River and festivals like the Morija Arts & Culture Festival. Expect afternoon thunderstorms that add drama to mountain scenery.
Vegetation is lush, enhancing photography and nature walks, though some trails may be muddy.
Autumn (March-May)
Cooler temperatures of 10-20°C with golden grasslands ideal for long-distance hiking in Ts'ehlanyane Nature Reserve and harvest-time village visits. Dry conditions make it safer for off-road adventures.
Lower crowds and rates allow for relaxed stays at lodges with fewer tourists.
Winter (June-August)
Cold snaps with lows of -5°C and occasional snow in the highlands suit snowshoeing or cozy cultural immersions in rondavels, plus budget-friendly travel. Clear skies offer stunning stargazing in remote areas.
Perfect for those seeking solitude, though prepare for frost and limited daylight hours.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Loti (LSL), pegged 1:1 to South African Rand (ZAR), which is also legal tender. ATMs are available in cities; cards accepted in urban areas but cash preferred rurally.
- Language: Sesotho and English are official; Zulu and Xhosa spoken in border areas. English suffices for tourism.
- Time Zone: South Africa Standard Time (SAST), UTC+2
- Electricity: 220-240V, 50Hz. Type D/M plugs (South African three-pin round)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire assistance; ambulance 991 in Maseru
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; 10% in restaurants, LSL 20-50 for guides and drivers
- Water: Tap water unsafe; boil or use bottled/filtered, especially in rural highlands
- Pharmacies: Available in Maseru and larger towns; look for "chemists" with green signs