Visitor & short-stay visas
Basotho Visitor Visa (Single and Multiple Entry)
The standard entry visa for foreign nationals who need one to travel to Lesotho for tourism, family visits or short business trips, available with single or multiple entry.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Fees (M1,000 / M2,000) and the ~10 working-day processing time are embassy-published figures, not confirmed on the Ministry of Home Affairs site; verify current amounts and timelines before publishing.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Lesotho government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Lesotho Visa (Single Entry / Multiple Entry)
- Route type
- Short-stay visitor visa
- Single-entry validity
- Valid for three months, for a single journey
- Per the Department of Immigration.
- Multiple-entry validity
- Valid for six months, for multiple journeys
- Per the Department of Immigration.
- Fee (regular passport)
- Single entry M1,000; Multiple entry M2,000
- Figures published by the Lesotho Embassy (USA); confirm current fees with the Department of Immigration.
- Processing time
- Up to about 10 working days
- Embassy-published guideline; verify.
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals from countries that require a visa for Lesotho
- Tourists, people visiting family or friends, and short business visitors
- Travellers needing single or repeated entries within the visa validity
Requirements
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Completed visa application form
- For travellers routing through South Africa, appropriate South African transit/entry authorisation
- Supporting documents such as an invitation or hotel booking, proof of funds (e.g. bank statements) and return travel details
- Yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country
What you can do
- Enter Lesotho for tourism, visiting, or permitted short business activity
- Stay for the period authorised on the visa
- Use a single entry for one journey, or a multiple-entry visa for repeated trips within validity
How to apply
- Apply through the Lesotho e-Visa system before travel
- While the e-Visa portal is suspended, applications are made by emailing the Immigration Department (VISA-Applications.Immigration@gov.ls) with the completed form and supporting documents, or in person at the Department of Immigration
- Submit well ahead of travel and await the approval/entry letter
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.