Lesotho — Visas and Healthcare
Passports and Visas
All foreign passengers to Lesotho must hold return/onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Visa-exempt visitors who wish to stay in Lesotho for longer than their allotted 14 days, should apply for extensions at the Lesotho Immigration Authorities WITHIN the initial 14-day period. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Lesotho, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Americans
US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Lesotho. No visa is required, for stays of up to 14 days (see note, below).
UK Nationals
British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Lesotho. No visa is required for British passport holders, irrespective of the endorsement regarding their national status contained therein, for stays of up to 14 days (see note, below).
Canadians
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Lesotho. No visa is required, for stays of up to 14 days (see note, below).
Australians
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Lesotho. No visa is required, for stays of up to 14 days (see note, below).
South Africans
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Lesotho. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days.
Irish Nationals
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Lesotho. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days.
New Zealanders
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Lesotho. No visa is required, for stays of up to 14 days (see note, below).
Healthcare
Lesotho's high altitude and crisp mountain air does not present many health problems for travelers, although its high elevation leaves the possibility for altitude sickness for recently arrived visitors. A yellow fever certificate is required from travelers coming from an infected area. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Water should not be drunk unless it is boiled or filtered. There is a lack of good medical facilities and medical attention is often sought in neighboring South Africa. Visitors should carry a personal supply of medicine, as supplies are limited. Lesotho's Flying Doctor service provides emergency medical services to remote parts of the country. Medical insurance is essential and should include emergency air evacuation coverage, especially if planning to spend time in remote mountainous regions.
Safety
Safety in Lesotho is not generally a serious issue but there has been an increase in opportunistic crime, and gun-related crimes, due to a high unemployment rate in the cities. Most incidents occur in Maseru, but visitors should also be alert elsewhere to theft, car hijackings and muggings. Muggers often target foreigners and foreign vehicles have been involved in recent hi-jackings near Malealea Lodge south of Maseru. Avoid walking around with valuables or keep them out of sight, and do not walk alone in isolated areas or in Maseru after dark. Driving through rural areas after dark is also not recommended. Sporadic demonstrations are possible and should be avoided if possible.
