About Lesotho
Tucked away in the heart of South Africa sits the Kingdom of Lesotho, known to locals as the Kingdom of the Sky and to travellers as the Switzerland of Africa.
As the nicknames suggest, Lesotho is mostly made up of the rolling highlands and dramatic, rugged peaks of the Maloti Mountains, the tallest of which stands at a shade under 3,500m (11,482ft) above sea level. Lesotho is the only independent state in the world that is entirely above 1,000m (304m) altitude.
The high altitude and mountainous geography lend a spectacularly scenic backdrop to the numerous outdoor activities on offer, including pony trekking, rock climbing, fishing, abseiling, hiking, bird watching, mountain biking and even skiing on the snow-covered slopes below the Mahlasela Pass.
The existence of valuable mineral and water resources led developers to build roads through some areas of Lesotho, but much of the kingdom and its villages remain remote and can only be reached on foot, by horseback or by light aircraft.
But Lesotho’s remoteness is a large part of its appeal, and this also helps preserve the rich traditional culture of the Basotho people, which you can experience at a number of cultural villages dotted across the kingdom. Lesotho also boasts some prominent examples of ancient rock paintings made by the nomadic San people that once inhabited this area.
Since Lesotho gained its independence from the British, poverty and unemployment have seen this protectorate lose a large percentage of its population to South Africa’s mines, while those that stayed behind have had to live with one of the world’s highest rates of HIV, which in turn has had detrimental effects on the country’s economy.
But while Lesotho might not be able to boast the wealth and infrastructure of its much larger neighbour, when it comes to raw adventure and natural beauty it can certainly hold its own.
Key facts
30,355 sq km.
2,160,309 (UN estimate 2016).
64.2 per sq km.
Maseru.
Constitutional monarchy.
King Letsie III since 1996.
Prime Minister Sam Matekane since 2022.
Travel Advice
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Lesotho’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance on foreign travel insurance.
The British High Commission in Pretoria provides consular support to British nationals in Lesotho. If you are in Lesotho and need urgent help from the UK Government call +27 12 421 7500. If you are in the UK and worried about a British national in Lesotho call 020 7008 5000.
Most visits to Lesotho are trouble free.
There are occasional planned or spontaneous political demonstrations in Maseru. You should avoid demonstrations, rallies and large public gatherings and stay at home if there is any unusual activity by the security forces. See Political situation
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Lesotho, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
Coronavirus travel health
Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Lesotho on the TravelHealthPro website
See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Entry and borders
See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Lesotho.
Be prepared for your plans to change
No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.
Plan ahead and make sure you:
- can access money
- understand what your insurance will cover
- can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned
Travel in Lesotho
All COVID-19 related restrictions have been lifted in Lesotho.
Healthcare in Lesotho
View Health for further details on healthcare in Lesotho.
For contact details for English speaking doctors, visit our list of healthcare providers.
If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms the healthcare providers in the list above can direct you to appropriate testing facilities.
Finance
For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.
Crime
Muggers in central Maseru frequently target foreign nationals. Don’t walk alone in isolated areas or after dark and avoid driving in rural areas at night. When driving in urban centres, especially Maseru, keep doors locked, windows shut and valuables out of sight. Park in well-lit areas and do not pick up strangers. Take care at the approaches to main border crossings, particularly at night. There have been cases of armed car-jacking. If you are involved in such an incident, offer no resistance.
Take precautions to safeguard valuables and cash. Leave them in hotel safes, where practicable. Keep copies of important documents, including passports, in a separate place.
There is often an increase in criminal activity, especially property crimes, leading up to the Christmas and Easter holiday periods. Take extra care and be vigilant during this period.
Local travel
There is no effective public transport system. Taxis can be arranged through hotels and you should use pre-booked taxis where possible.
Road travel
A British driving licence or International Driving Permit is valid for use in Lesotho for up to three months. If you wish to drive for a longer period, you will need a local driving licence.
Driving standards in Lesotho are poor and you should drive carefully. Local mini-bus taxis are often poorly maintained, uninsured, and ignore road safety rules. Animals roaming on the roads are a hazard, especially at night.
Air travel
The FCDO can’t offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. However, the International Air Transport Association publishes a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation has carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Lesotho.
A list of incidents and accidents in Lesotho can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety network.
Political situation
There are occasional planned and spontaneous political demonstrations in Maseru. Whilst the vast majority of demonstrations are peaceful, there is a risk of isolated incidents of unrest or violence. You should remain vigilant and avoid demonstrations, rallies and large public gatherings and stay at home if there is any unusual activity by the security forces.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Lesotho, attacks can’t be ruled out.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.
Consensual same-sex sexual relations between men are criminalised in Lesotho but the British High Commission is not aware of these laws being enforced. There is no explicit prohibitions of consensual same-sex relations between women. LGBTQI people may experience stigma and discrimination. It is advisable to refrain from overt displays of affection in public, such as holding hands or kissing. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
Possession of drugs is a serious offence and punishments can be severe.
The driving age is 18 and if you’re renting a car, the minimum age is 21.
This page has information on travelling to Lesotho.
This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Lesotho set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Lesotho’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.
Lesotho has lifted all COVID-19 travel restrictions. COVID-19 tests and vaccination certificates are no longer required for entry.
If you’re transiting through South Africa
All visitors to Lesotho must travel through or transit via South Africa. See our South Africa travel advice page for further information.
Check your passport and travel documents before you travel
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 90 days from the date of entry into Lesotho. You must have at least 2 blank pages in your passport when you present it at immigration to enter or leave Lesotho.
Visas
British nationals can obtain entry visas on arrival. Overstaying without proper authority is a serious matter. You may be held in detention.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
South Africa
If you intend to visit South Africa before or after travelling to Lesotho your passport should have at least 2 additional blank pages when you present it at immigration to enter or leave South Africa.
Travelling with children via a South African airport
If you’re transiting through a South African airport with children, see our South Africa travel advice page for information and advice about the documents you’ll need to carry.
If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.
See the Coronavirus travel health and Healthcare sections in the Coronavirus page for COVID-19 health information.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).
Medical treatment
For contact details for English speaking doctors, visit our list of healthcare providers.
Lesotho has basic medical facilities. Most expatriates use medical facilities in Bloemfontein, South Africa, a 90-minute drive (140km) from Maseru. If you are in Lesotho and need urgent help from the UK Government call +27 12 421 7500.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 80093030121 and ask for an ambulance. Services in Lesotho are limited. In Maseru or surrounding areas Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital (+266 2222 0319) or Willies hospital (+266 2233 3600) may be able to assist. Many expatriates also use private South African emergency response including the Bloemfontein Mediclinic who have an ambulance located in Ladybrand just across the Maseru border post. (Mediclinic +27 51 404 6225 and ambulance ER24 +27 102053588.)
You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
The currency of Lesotho is the Loti. It is pegged to the South African rand on a 1:1 basis and both are accepted as legal tender within Lesotho.
UK debit and credit cards are widely accepted for payment and in ATMs. It may not be possible to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes.
If you’re travelling outside Maseru, take sufficient funds in local currency with you. There may not be ATMs or currency exchange facilities at your destination.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. If you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).
Foreign travel checklist
Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.
Travel safety
The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.
When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.
Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.
Refunds and cancellations
If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.
For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Registering your travel details with us
We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.
Previous versions of FCDO travel advice
If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice Team a request.
Further help
If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.
Money and duty free for Lesotho
Lesotho Public Holidays
Lesotho Health Care and Vaccinations
Lesotho Visa and Passport Requirements