Lesotho visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens

Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland do not need a visa for short visits to Lesotho. The visa‑free period is up to 90 days per entry, provided the passport is valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date. No electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required.

If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must obtain a visa from a Lesotho diplomatic mission before you travel. The standard tourist visa is usually valid for 30 days and can be extended in‑country at the Department of Immigration in Maseru.

Applications are submitted to Lesotho diplomatic missions abroad. Required documents typically include a completed visa form, a recent passport‑size photo, a passport copy, proof of accommodation, and a return‑air ticket. Fees (2026 estimate) are around US$50 for a single‑entry tourist visa, payable in local currency or major credit cards.

All visitors must clear immigration at the border post, usually at the Maseru entry point from South Africa. Customs allows personal effects, but cash over US$10 000 must be declared. There is no mandatory vaccination for entry, but a yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a yellow‑fever‑risk country.

Travelers should be aware that Lesotho is landlocked; most arrivals are via South Africa, so a valid South African visa or visa‑free entry (if applicable) is also needed for the transit.