Lesotho, a small landlocked country in Southern Africa, is renowned for its mountainous terrain, rich cultural heritage, and unique position as a kingdom entirely surrounded by South Africa. Home to iconic landmarks like the Maletsunyane Falls, Sehlabathebe National Park, and the capital city Maseru, Lesotho offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. The country's geography is dominated by the Maloti Mountains, earning it the nickname "Kingdom in the Sky."

Basotho culture is deeply rooted in traditions, reflected in its vibrant blanket-wearing customs, traditional music, and cuisine featuring dishes like papa (cornmeal porridge) and moroho (wild spinach). Known for its stunning landscapes, as Africa's only country entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation, and for its warm hospitality, Lesotho presents a captivating destination that combines breathtaking mountain scenery with rich cultural heritage.

Documents

Driving

Currency

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Lesotho.
Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Lesotho.

Visa Requirements

Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from several nations, including most Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, the UK, US, and EU nations, can enter Lesotho with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
Visa-required countries: Travelers from nations not on the visa-exempt list must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Lesotho, either through an embassy or upon arrival (subject to approval).

Special Entry Provisions

Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) can enter Lesotho without an additional visa.
Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) can enter without a Lesotho visa.
Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK can enter without a visa.

ID Card Entry

The following citizens can enter Lesotho using only a valid national ID card:
- Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states (e.g., South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana)

Visa Types

Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for 90 days within 180 days. Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 3 years.
Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days. Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit.

Important Links

Official Lesotho e-Visa application portal: https://www.evisa.gov.ls/
Visa regime information: https://www.gov.ls/ministry-of-home-affairs/immigration-visa-services/
Lesotho Immigration Services: https://www.immigration.gov.ls/

Additional Considerations

Length of stay: Visa-free stays are typically limited to 90 days within a 180-day period for eligible countries.
Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; contact the nearest Lesotho embassy or high commission.
COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements (e.g., vaccination certificates or testing) via the Ministry of Health.

Driving in Lesotho

Current Toll Roads

As of 2025, Lesotho has no official toll roads. Major routes like the Maseru-Mafeteng road are publicly funded, but tolls may be introduced on key routes in the future due to infrastructure needs.

Toll Rates and Payment

Toll rates: Not applicable yet; monitor updates from the Lesotho Road Authority.
Payment Methods:
- Cash: Lesotho Loti (LSL) would be accepted if tolls are introduced.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Unlikely to be accepted initially; cash is king.
- Electronic Toll Collection: No system currently exists.

Driving in Lesotho

Drive on the left side of the road (due to historical ties with the British Commonwealth).
Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
Speed limits:
- Urban areas: 40 km/h
- Rural roads: 80 km/h
- Highways: 110 km/h
Road conditions: Poor outside major cities like Maseru; unpaved, damaged, and unlit roads are common, especially during the rainy season (October to April). Exercise caution, particularly in mountainous areas.
International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license for stays up to 3 months; longer stays require a Lesotho driver’s license.

Important Considerations

Vignette System: Lesotho has no vignette system, but road taxes or checkpoints may apply—check locally.
Road Safety: Remain vigilant due to aggressive drivers, livestock on roads, and poor conditions in rural and mountainous areas. Avoid night driving outside urban areas.
GPS and Maps: GPS is unreliable in rural areas; keep an updated physical map and a reliable communication device.
Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, and fire).

Useful Links

Lesotho Road Authority: https://www.mot.gov.ls/roads (Ministry of Public Works and Transport).
Ministry of Infrastructure: https://www.infrastructure.gov.ls/
E-Lesotho Services Portal: https://www.gov.ls/

Lesotho Currency

The official currency of Lesotho is the Lesotho Loti (LSL).
(Note: The Loti is pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand (ZAR), which is also legal tender in Lesotho.)

Key Information

Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 LSL
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 lisente; 1, 2, 5 LSL
Symbol: M

Currency Exchange

Exchange services available at banks, Moshoeshoe I International Airport (Maseru), and major hotels in Maseru.
ATMs widely available in urban areas for direct LSL or ZAR withdrawals (major UK, US, and Euro cards accepted).

Payment Methods

Cash is preferred, especially in rural areas.
Credit/debit cards are accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments in Maseru and other urban areas.

Travel Tips

Inform your bank of travel plans.
Carry some cash for small purchases and rural areas.
Check for currency conversion fees when using cards.
For current exchange rates, visit the Central Bank of Lesotho website: https://www.centralbank.org.ls/exchange-rates

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Lesotho

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Lesotho, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences. Even small quantities can lead to criminal charges.
Alcohol & Smoking:
- Public intoxication is frowned upon and may result in fines or detention.
- Smoking banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport.
Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing sensitive political or royal family issues, especially related to the monarchy or regional tensions.
LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal, with penalties up to 10 years in prison. 2SLGBTQI+ travelers should carefully consider the risks of traveling to Lesotho.
Photography: Restricted near government buildings, royal palaces, or sensitive installations. Always ask permission for portraits of locals.

Duty-Free Limits

Alcohol: 1L spirits | Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
Cash: Declare amounts over $10,000 USD (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

Narcotics, weapons, endangered species products.
Counterfeit goods (may face fines or confiscation).

Luggage Issues

Report lost/damaged luggage within 7 days at the airport via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

Complaints

Submit grievances to the Lesotho Tourism Office or local police stations.

Beach Access

No specific legal mandate for public beach access, as Lesotho is landlocked, but riverfront areas are generally open to the public where applicable.

Key Resources

Lesotho Tourism Agency: https://www.lesothotourism.co.ls/tourist-rights (Tourist rights & complaints).

Lesotho Travel Safety

Lesotho is generally safe for travellers, with low crime rates and a reputation for hospitality. However, travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Lesotho.

Safety Overview

Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like markets or tourist sites in Maseru. Violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon.
Solo/Female Travelers: Lesotho is considered safe, with locals often going out of their way to assist visitors. Avoid isolated areas at night.

Road Safety

Driving can be challenging due to narrow, winding roads, aggressive drivers, and poor rural road conditions, especially in mountainous areas.
Avoid night driving outside urban areas due to limited lighting and road hazards.
Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory.

Health Risks

Food/Water Safety:
- Avoid tap water; drink bottled or purified water.
- Practice safe eating habits to prevent travelers’ diarrhea.
Vaccinations:
- Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, polio, hepatitis B, rabies (for long-term stays), and COVID-19.
- Yellow Fever: Required only if arriving from a risk country.
Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against malaria, dengue, and tick-borne illnesses.
Altitude Sickness: Risk exists in areas above 2,500 meters, like the Maloti Mountains (up to 3,482m, Thabana Ntlenyana). Ascend gradually and stay hydrated.

Medical Facilities

Hospitals: Private facilities like the Maseru Private Hospital offer higher standards. Rural areas often lack advanced care.
Pharmacies: Available in cities; stock essential medications.
Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation.

Emergency Contacts

General Emergency: 112 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
Ambulance: 112 | Fire: 112 | Police: 112.
Tourist Police (Maseru): +266 22 31 93 33.