Lesotho visas
Whether you need a visa for the Kingdom of Lesotho depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay: many nationals of countries with visa-abolition agreements and several Commonwealth countries may enter visa-free, while everyone else must obtain a visa before travelling. Longer stays for work, study, family or settlement require a permit rather than a visitor visa. All visas and permits are administered by the Department of Immigration within the Ministry of Home Affairs, historically through the national e-Visa system.
Basotho visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Lesotho — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.2 visas
- Work visasComing to Lesotho to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Lesotho — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Lesotho.2 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Lesotho as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Lesotho long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.3 visas
Basotho visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Lesotho — key facts
- Visa authority
- Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Kingdom of Lesotho)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Lesotho Loti (LSL)
- Time zone
- South Africa Standard Time (UTC+2), Africa/Maseru
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.