Lesotho

🇱🇸

Phone Code

+266

Capital

Maseru

Population

2.1 Million

Native Name

Lesotho

Region

Africa

Southern Africa

Timezone

South African Standard Time

UTC+02:00

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Lesotho is a mountainous landlocked kingdom completely surrounded by South Africa, making it one of only three enclaved countries in the world (with Vatican City and San Marino). Known as the 'Kingdom in the Sky,' Lesotho is the only country in the world where the entire territory lies above 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) elevation, with lowest point at 1,400m. Maseru, the capital, sits on the western border with South Africa. Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy with King Letsie III and maintains strong cultural identity distinct from South Africa. The Basotho people are known for traditional blankets, conical straw hats (mokorotlo), and horseback culture. Visitors are drawn to Sani Pass 4x4 route (highest pub in Africa at 2,874m), Maletsunyane Falls (192m single-drop waterfall), Katse Dam hydroelectric project, Ts'ehlanyane National Park highland hiking, pony trekking through villages, Thaba-Bosiu plateau (historical capital), traditional Basotho culture and villages, dinosaur footprints, and mountain landscapes. Lesotho offers authentic mountain kingdom experience, pristine wilderness, and cultural tourism with limited infrastructure.

Visa Requirements for Lesotho

Lesotho has relatively open visa policies for tourists. Citizens of many countries including United States, United Kingdom, EU member states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and SADC (Southern African Development Community) members can enter visa-free for periods ranging from 14 days to 90 days depending on nationality. Most Western nationalities receive 14 days visa-free, which can be extended. SADC citizens (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, etc.) receive 90 days. E-visas are available for some nationalities through the government portal. Some nationalities can obtain visa on arrival at ports of entry. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Lesotho's visa system is straightforward, though as a landlocked enclave, most visitors enter through South Africa, so South African visa requirements (if any) also apply. Entry points are limited - main crossings are Maseru Bridge, Caledonspoort (Sani Pass), and Ficksburg Bridge.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (Short Stay)

14 days typically for most Western countries; 90 days for SADC citizens; passport valid 6 months required; extendable at Ministry of Home Affairs in Maseru; proof of funds and onward travel advisable.

For tourism or business for citizens of US, UK, EU, SADC members, and many other countries.

E-Visa (Tourist)

Up to 14 days typically; apply through Lesotho e-visa portal; processing 3-5 business days; requires passport scan, photo, return ticket, accommodation proof; print e-visa approval; costs vary by nationality.

For nationalities requiring visa who can apply online before travel.

Visa on Arrival

14 days typically; available at Maseru Bridge and major border crossings; requires valid passport (6 months), return ticket, accommodation confirmation, fee in cash (LSL or ZAR); processing at border can be slow.

For eligible nationalities who haven't obtained visa in advance, available at entry points.

Visa Extension

Extensions up to 90 days total possible; apply at Ministry of Home Affairs in Maseru before current visa expires; requires passport, application form, fee, reason for extension, accommodation proof; relatively straightforward process.

For visitors wishing to extend stay beyond initial visa-free or visa period.

Important Travel Information

Completely surrounded by South Africa: Lesotho is an enclave entirely within South Africa. All entry requires transiting South Africa. If you need South African visa, must obtain before traveling to Lesotho. Lesotho visa doesn't grant South Africa entry.

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date. Blank pages required for entry/exit stamps.

Altitude: Entire country above 1,000m elevation. Capital Maseru at 1,600m. Mountain passes over 3,000m. Altitude sickness possible. Acclimatize gradually. Stay hydrated. Cold even in summer at high elevations.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Maseru
States & Regions in Lesotho

Explore different regions and their cities.

Hosted missions

Embassies in Lesotho

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in Lesotho

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