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Visa requirements for Lesotho

Who can enter Lesotho, by nationality. Tourism. Data as of October 14, 2026.

Passport holders from 111 countries can enter Lesotho without a visa in advance. All 111 enter visa-free on a valid passport. Everyone else needs a visa, or an e-visa where one is offered, before travelling.

111 visa-free
0 on arrival
0 eTA
0 e-visa
131 visa required

Visa-free entry

111 nationalities

Visa required in advance

131 nationalities

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Lesotho

Lesotho has 1 site on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Maloti-Drakensberg Park

Source: Wikidata, community-maintained and not the official UNESCO count.

Nearby destinations

South Africa Eswatini Botswana Mozambique Namibia Zimbabwe

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit Lesotho?

It depends on your passport. 111 nationalities can enter Lesotho without arranging a visa in advance (visa-free, on arrival, or eTA); everyone else needs a visa or e-visa. Use the tables below to check a specific passport.

What currency is used in Lesotho?

Lesotho loti (LSL). 1 USD is approximately 16.58 LSL.

What side of the road does Lesotho drive on?

Lesotho drives on the left.

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does Lesotho have?

1: Maloti-Drakensberg Park.

What is the emergency number in Lesotho?

112 / 114 / 115.

What time zone is Lesotho in?

Maseru (UTC+2).

What is the nearest airport to Maseru?

Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU), about 17 km away.

Visa rules change frequently and can depend on your specific circumstances. This site is compiled from public government sources and is provided for general information only. Always confirm requirements with the official immigration authority or a consulate of your destination before you travel.

About Lesotho

Lesotho, officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. Surrounded by South Africa, it is the largest of the three sovereign enclaves. Lesotho is located in the Maloti Mountains, with the highest peak in southern Africa. It has an area of over 30,000 km2 (11,600 mi2), with a population of about 2.3 million. Its capital and largest city is Maseru.

CapitalMaseru

RegionSouthern Africa

Population2.4M

Area30,355 km²

CurrencyLesotho loti, South African rand (1 USD ≈ 16.58 LSL)

LanguagesEnglish, Sotho

Calling code+266

Drives on theleft

TimezoneMaseru (UTC+2)

Nearest airportMoshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU), 17 km

Emergency number112 / 114 / 115

UNESCO sites1

Income levelLower middle income

GDP per capita$1,089 (2025)

Tourist arrivals1.1M (2019)

Climate in Maseru

Warmest January, coolest June, driest May, sunniest January.

Monthly climate normals for Maseru, 2020
Month	High	Low	Rainfall	Sunshine
January	23.7°C	12.3°C	148mm	368h
February	22.5°C	11.8°C	138mm	311h
March	21.1°C	10.1°C	90mm	325h
April	16.9°C	6.4°C	102mm	285h
May	15.4°C	1.6°C	1mm	311h
June	12.6°C	-1.5°C	6mm	294h
July	14°C	-1.6°C	7mm	308h
August	15.2°C	0.4°C	4mm	329h
September	20.2°C	5.4°C	16mm	341h
October	24.2°C	9.8°C	68mm	348h
November	21.3°C	10.3°C	196mm	316h
December	22.7°C	12.5°C	248mm	358h

Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)

Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.

Travel guide

Lesotho is a small landlocked country entirely surrounded by South Africa. It is known as the "Kingdom in the Sky" because the entire country is at a high altitude. Its lowest point is 1,388 m (4,554 ft) above sea level; no other country in the world has its lowest point above 1,000 m (3,300 ft). Lesotho is a fantastic adventure holiday destination because of its smiling and resourceful people and bracing climate.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Maloti-Drakensberg Park

Upcoming public holidays

October 4, 2026Independence Day

December 25, 2026Christmas Day

December 26, 2026St. Stephen's Day

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