High commission
High commission of South Africa in Lesotho
Cnr Kingsway and Old School Road
Lesotho visa requirements for South African citizens
South African citizens do not need a visa for Lesotho. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 90 days.
Passport
ZAF
South Africa
Going to
LSO
Lesotho
No visa needed
Some passports allow visa-free visits, but the stay length is not stated.
- Visa
- Not required
- Max stay
- 90 days (3 months)
- Fee
- Free
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
What to do
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it.
Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
Note the maximum stay and count your days in Lesotho.
Ways into Lesotho
Check if your passport lets you visit without a visa.
Visa not required For your passportOther visa-free staysSome passports allow visa-free visits, but the stay length is not stated.
- Fee
- Free
How to apply
- Ask Immigration how long you can stay.
- Bring your passport, travel papers and proof of funds.
- Show your papers at the border.
Documents required
- Passport valid 6 months
- 1 blank passport page
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of enough money
- Do not assume you can stay for 90 days.
Visa on arrivalApproved arrival letterGet Immigration's approval and an arrival letter before you travel.
- Processing
- 10 days
How to apply
- Email visa-applications.immigration@gov.ls or ask your host to apply.
- Send the requested papers.
- Wait for approval and your arrival letter.
- Follow the letter's entry rules.
Documents required
- Passport valid 6 months
- Hotel booking
- Travel insurance
- Get approval before travelling.
Other routeTourist entry visaApply before travel if you need a visa for a holiday.
- Fee
- 1000 LSL single; 2000 LSL multiple
- Processing
- 3–5 days
How to apply
- Email visa-applications.immigration@gov.ls.
- Send the papers Immigration asks for.
- Wait for the decision and entry instructions.
Documents required
- Passport copy
- Applicant and sponsor letters
- Travel plans and tickets
- Proof of where you'll stay
- Bank statements or funded card
- Medical report and health insurance
- 4 blank pages
- Return ticket
- Hotel booking
- You cannot use this visa for business.
- The government lists 3–5 working days; confirm fees and timing before paying.
Sources (15)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Ministry of Home Affairs: e-visa suspension, email applications and permit link
- Government of Lesotho: issuance of entry visas
- Home Affairs: entry visa requirements, 2021 document
- Home Affairs: revised visa application checklists
- Foreign Affairs: consular services and visitor visas
- Foreign Affairs: visa questions
- Lesotho Embassy in the United States: visa applications and nationality table
- Lesotho High Commission in the UK: official application website and entry advice
- Lesotho High Commission in the UK: nationality exemptions
- Lesotho High Commission in the UK: visa types and residence guidance
- Lesotho High Commission in the UK: application instructions
- Lesotho Embassy in Ireland: older e-visa programme information
- Government of Lesotho: work permits
- Official residence-permit portal linked by Home Affairs
- Government mission directory: New Delhi contact; no separate India mission visa page was established
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Coming from South Africa
- Plugs MAdapter for some
- MoneyLSL LSame as home
- TimeSame timeSame as home
- DrivingOn the leftSame as home
- LanguageEnglishSpoken at home too
- Emergency123 police121 ambulance
Planning your Lesotho trip
- Semonkong FallsThe falls drop 200 metres in a single plunge. The pool below can be used for swimming in summer and freezes in winter.
- Katse DamThis dam rises 185 metres in a narrow valley.
- Dinosaur footprintsWell-preserved footprints are found around the country. Some of the easiest to reach are near Moyeni and Morija.
- Liphofung CaveThe cave contains some of the country's most impressive rock art.
Scams to watch for in Lesotho
- Friendly conversation leading to requests for moneyA friendly conversation gradually turns into an indirect request for money. A request alone does not prove fraud, but you may feel pressure to give because you have already been chatting.
- Carjacking at nightSomeone takes a vehicle through force or threats. Night-time carjacking is a stated concern, but no particular attack method is described.
About Lesotho
Lesotho is a landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa, entirely enclosed by South African land.
- Capital
- Maseru
- Money
- Lesotho loti (L), South African rand (R)
- Languages
- English, Sotho
- Time zone
- UTC+02:00
- Cars drive on the
- left side
- Calling code
- +266
Other Africa passports
Going to Lesotho
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Lesotho with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do south african citizens need a visa for Lesotho?
South African citizens do not need a visa for Lesotho. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 90 days.
How long can south african citizens stay in Lesotho?
Up to 90 days each visit with the no visa needed rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Do mosotho citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Mosotho citizens do not need a visa for South Africa. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 30 days.
Do other Africa passports get easier entry to Lesotho?
Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Gambia Kenya, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Lesotho are easier for south african citizens?
Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Zimbabwe Angola, and 3 more let south african citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Lesotho?
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it. Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
What money is used in Lesotho?
Lesotho loti (L) and South African rand (R). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Lesotho?
English and Sotho.
How strong is the South Africa passport?
It ranks #51 and reaches 91 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck