Lesotho Visa Policy

There are different types of visas available for Lesotho. You will be required a visa even if you are transiting through Lesotho unless you are from a visa-exempt group.

You can realize your planned trip to Lesotho by obtaining a Lesotho visa. Foreign nationals can apply to Lesotho short-term visas, e-Visa, or via embassy for temporary reasons (tourism, business, cultural, and other short-term purposes).  Visitors must apply for an extension if their stay is exceeded.

Lesotho E-Visa

You can check your eligibility through this website.

Furthermore, you can also apply for a visa in Lesotho embassies/consulates.

Lesotho Tourist Visa (E-visa)

Tourist Visa provides a traveler with temporary access to the country as a visitor. Guests are not allowed to engage in any sanctioned or paid business activity while visiting the Kingdom of Lesotho on a tourist visa. You can stay 44 days for a single entry as a tourist. 

Required Documents for Lesotho Tourist Visa (E-visa)

1. Application Form 

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your arrival in Lesotho.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least two free “visa pages.”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Photo

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months
• Format – JPG, PNG
• The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
• The photo should present full face, front view, eyes open and without spectacles.
• Center head within frame and present full head from the top of hair to bottom of the chin
• The background should be plain light-colored or white background.
• No shadows on the face or the background.
• Without borders.
• Minimum acceptable dimensions are 600 pixels (width) x 600 pixels (height).
• Maximum acceptable dimensions are 1200 pixels (width) x 1200 pixels (height).

4. Copy of the Main Page of Your Passport

5. Invitation Letter Requesting Your Presence in the Kingdom of Lesotho

6. An Introduction Letter

• From your employer detailing your position, salary, how long you have been employed, any authorized vacation, and the business purpose, if any, of your trip

7. Bank Statement/Evidence of Funds to Cover Your Expenses While in Lesotho

8. A Yellow Fever Certificate

• From travelers coming from an infected area where HIV/AIDS is prevalent.

9. Travel Insurance

10. When You Arrive in Lesotho, You Must Present also:

• Printed Lesotho e-Visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

11. Additional Documents can be Required:

• Address where you will be staying – if known.
• If you are traveling with a minor aged 16 and below, you must provide the following:
  • Names must be the same, family or birth certificates must be supplied.
  • If not of the same family, a letter from a birth parent, the guardian – with documentation showing guardianship, allowing the minor to travel to Lesotho.
• If booking for a tour group, the name and address of the tourist agency will be required.

Processing Time for Lesotho Tourist Visa (E-visa)

The average processing time for Lesotho Tourist Visa (e-Visa) is 72 hours.

Lesotho Tourist Visa (E-visa) Application Fee

Lesotho Tourist Visa (e-Visa) fee is 150-250 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality.

Where to Apply for Lesotho Tourist Visa (E-visa) Application?

You will apply to Lesotho Tourist Visa (e-Visa) online. You can apply for an e-Visa through this website.

Lesotho Business Visa (E-visa)

Business visas provide travelers who need to travel to Lesotho in connection with their business activities or on behalf of their company and plan to remain in Lesotho for a limited period. If your business trip requires an extended stay in the country of more than 90 days, you should obtain a one-year visa, and you may be required to register with the Immigration Department.

All business travelers must register with the Immigration Directorate. Passport and nationality verification must be submitted to travelers within 7 days of arrival.

Required Documents for Lesotho Business Visa (E-visa)

1. Application Form 

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your arrival in Lesotho.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least two free “visa pages.”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Photo

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months
• Format – JPG, PNG
• The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
• The photo should present a full face, front view, eyes open and without spectacles.
• Center head within frame and present full head from the top of hair to bottom of the chin
• The background should be plain light-colored or white background.
• No shadows on the face or the background.
• Without borders.
• Minimum acceptable dimensions are 600 pixels (width) x 600 pixels (height).
• Maximum acceptable dimensions are 1200 pixels (width) x 1200 pixels (height).

4. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport

5. Business License and Documentation to Validate Business Relations

6. Current Bank Statements

7. Business Itinerary that Includes Travel Accommodations

8. Business References:

• Employment letter from employer or an invitation letter from the Lesotho organization

NB: All documents submitted in a foreign language (other than English) must be accompanied by an official English translation

9. A Yellow Fever Certificate

• From travelers coming from an infected area where HIV/AIDS is prevalent.

10. Travel Insurance

11. When You Arrive in Lesotho, You Must Present also:

• Printed Lesotho e-Visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

12. Additional Documents can be Required:

• Address where you will be staying – if known.
• If you are traveling with a minor aged 16 and below, you must provide the following:
  • Names must be the same, family or birth certificates must be supplied.
  • If not of the same family, a letter from a birth parent, the guardian – with documentation showing guardianship, allowing the minor to travel to Lesotho.

Processing Time for Lesotho Business Visa (E-visa)

The average processing time for Lesotho Business Visa (e-Visa) is 72 hours.

Lesotho Business Visa (E-visa) Application Fee

Lesotho Business Visa (e-Visa) fee is 150-250 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality.

Where to Apply for Lesotho Business Visa (E-visa) Application?

You will apply to Lesotho Business Visa (e-Visa) online. You can apply for an e-Visa through this website.

Lesotho Student Visa (E-visa)

Before applying for a Student visa to Lesotho, it is expected that every student must have received a letter of admission from the authorized organizations.

Required Documents for Lesotho Student Visa (E-visa)

1. Application Form 

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your arrival in Lesotho.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least two free “visa pages.”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Photo

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months
• Format – JPG, PNG
• The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
• The photo should present a full face, front view, eyes open and without spectacles.
• Center head within frame and present full head from the top of hair to bottom of the chin
• The background should be plain light-colored or white background.
• No shadows on the face or the background.
• Without borders.
• Minimum acceptable dimensions are 600 pixels (width) x 600 pixels (height).
• Maximum acceptable dimensions are 1200 pixels (width) x 1200 pixels (height).

4. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport

5. Original Invitation Letter by the Educational Establishment in Lesotho

6. Acceptance Letter to Education Establishment in Lesotho

7. Current Bank Statements

8. Student Itinerary that Includes Travel Accommodations

9. A Yellow Fever Certificate

• From travelers coming from an infected area where HIV/AIDS is prevalent.

10. Travel Insurance

11. When You Arrive in Lesotho, You Must Present also:

• Printed Lesotho e-Visa
• Travel Itinerary including:
  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

12. Additional Documents can be Required:

• Address where you will be staying – if known.
• If you are traveling with a minor aged 16 and below, you must provide the following:
  • Names must be the same, family or birth certificates must be supplied.
  • If not of the same family, a letter from a birth parent, the guardian – with documentation showing guardianship, allowing the minor to travel to Lesotho.

Processing Time for Lesotho Student Visa (E-visa)

The average processing time for Lesotho Student Visa (e-Visa) is 72 hours.

Lesotho Student Visa (E-visa) Application Fee

Lesotho Student Visa (e-Visa) fee is 150 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality.

 Where to Apply for Lesotho Student Visa (E-visa) Application?

You will apply to Lesotho Student Visa (e-Visa) online. You can apply for an e-Visa through this website.

Even if your country is exempt from visa requirements, if you intend to stay longer in Lesotho, you will need to apply for an online Temporary Permit through this website.

In most cases, you get an e-Visa in order to make possible your entrance to Lesotho then you will apply for a residence permit at the Ministry of Home Affairs Lesotho.

A temporary permit for a period of 90 days will be issued to an applicant wishing to extend its current temporary permit within the Kingdom of Lesotho for the prescribed activity. If requested, the applicant will be granted an extension of 90 days on their current permit.

Required Documents for Lesotho Temporary Permit

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your arrival in Lesotho.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages.”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 2x2 size

4. ID Card Copy

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas/ Lesotho resident permit

7. Visa Request Letter

• Letter from Applicant (Requesting Permission from Director of Immigration to reside in Lesotho)

8. Proof of Payment

9. For Minors:

• Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
• Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied.

*Additional documents can be required.

Processing Time for Lesotho Temporary Permit

The average processing time for a Lesotho Temporary Permit is 2-3 months.

Lesotho Temporary Permit Fee

The Lesotho Temporary Permit fee is M1.000.00 (about 69 USD) up to 90 days for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Lesotho Temporary Permit?

You will apply for a Lesotho Temporary Permit online through this website. Applicants apply e-Visa for traveling to Lesotho, and they only apply for Temporary Permit when they have already arrived in Lesotho.

Lesotho Residence Permit

Even if your country is exempt from visa requirements, if you intend to stay longer in Lesotho, you will need to apply for an online Residence Permit through this website.

In most cases, you get an e-Visa in order to make possible your entrance to Lesotho then you will apply for a residence permit at the Ministry of Home Affairs Lesotho.

Lesotho Business People Permit

A Business People Permit is issued to an applicant currently holding a business in the Kingdom of Lesotho or to an applicant wishing to open a business in the Kingdom of Lesotho. 

Required Documents for Lesotho Business People Permit

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant 

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your arrival in Lesotho.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages.”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 2x2 size

4. ID Card Copy

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas/ Lesotho resident permit

7. Medical Certificate (to be filled by a government medical practitioner within Lesotho)

8. Police Clearance Certificate

• From Lesotho
• From the country of origin for 1st-time applicants

NB: No police clearance is required for applicants under the age of 16 years.

9. Work Permit (Certified by Department of Labor & Employment)

10. Visa Request Letter

• Letter from Applicant (Requesting Permission from Director of Immigration to reside in Lesotho)

11. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)

• The letter must include:
  • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
  • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
  • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
• Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
• Letter from University (if student)
• Copy of sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to letter from sponsor (if an applicant is a dependent)

12. Personal Tax Clearance (Certified from LRA)

13. Company Tax Clearance (Certified from LRA)

14. Traders License (Certified from Trade and Industry)

15. Employment Contract

16. Memorandum (For Directors only and Directors Fees)

17. Copy of Previous Permit (For Renewal applications)

18. Proof of Payment

*Additional documents can be required.

Processing Time for Lesotho Business People Permit

The average processing time for a Lesotho Business People Permit is 2-3 months. It depends on your visa application country.

Lesotho Business People Permit Fee

The Lesotho Business People Permit fee is M3.000.00 (about 206 USD) up to 2 years for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Lesotho Business People Permit?

You will apply for a Lesotho Business People Permit online through this website. Applicants apply e-Visa for traveling to Lesotho, and they only apply for Temporary Permit when they have already arrived in Lesotho.

Lesotho Study Permit

A Study Permit is issued to an applicant currently enrolled in an educational institution within the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Required Documents for Lesotho Study Permit

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your arrival in Lesotho.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages.”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 2x2 size

4. ID Card Copy

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas/ Lesotho resident permit

7. Medical Certificate (to be filled by a government medical practitioner within Lesotho)

8. Police Clearance Certificate

• From Lesotho
• From the country of origin for 1st-time applicants

NB: No police clearance is required for applicants under the age of 16 years.

9. Admission Letter from School

10. Visa Request Letter

• Letter from Applicant (Requesting Permission from Director of Immigration to reside in Lesotho)

11. Copy of Previous Permit (For Renewal applications)

12. Proof of Payment

13. For Minors:

• Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
• Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied.

*Additional documents can be required.

Processing Time for Lesotho Study Permit

The average processing time for a Lesotho Study Permit is 2-3 months. It depends on your visa application country.

Lesotho Study Permit Fee

The Lesotho Study Permit fee is M500.00 (about 35 USD)- M1.500.00 (about 103 USD) for up to 4 years for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Lesotho Study Permit?

You will apply for a Lesotho Study Permit online through this website. Applicants apply e-Visa for traveling to Lesotho, and they only apply for Temporary Permit when they have already arrived in Lesotho.

Lesotho Spouse Permit

Spouse Permit is issued to an applicant who has a spouse currently residing in the Kingdom of Lesotho, who holds either a temporary permit or an indefinite permit to become a citizen of Lesotho and wishes to join the spouse and reside in the Kingdom of Lesotho. Dependants under 21 are not required to pay the visa fee.

Required Documents for Lesotho Spouse Permit

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your arrival in Lesotho.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages.”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 2x2 size

4. ID Card Copy

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas/ Lesotho resident permit

7. Medical Certificate (to be filled by a government medical practitioner within Lesotho)

8. Police Clearance Certificate

• From Lesotho
• From the country of origin for 1st-time applicants

NB: No police clearance is required for applicants under the age of 16 years.

9. Visa Request Letter

• Letter from Applicant (Requesting Permission from Director of Immigration to reside in Lesotho)

10. Invitation Letter from Sponsor

11. Proof of Relationship

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate of the child

12.Copy of Sponsors Passport

13. Copy of Sponsors Permit (If Applicable)

14. Copy of Previous Permit (For Renewal applications)

15. Proof of Payment

*Additional documents can be required.

Processing Time for Lesotho Spouse Permit

The average processing time for a Lesotho Spouse Permit is 2-3 months. It depends on your visa application country.

Lesotho Spouse Permit Fee

The Lesotho Spouse Permit fee is M1.000.00 (about 69 USD) up to 2 years for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Lesotho Spouse Permit?

You will apply for a Lesotho Spouse Permit online through this website. Applicants apply e-Visa for traveling to Lesotho, and they only apply for Temporary Permit when they have already arrived in Lesotho.

Lesotho Joining Relative Permit

A Joining Relative Permit is issued to an applicant who joins a relative who currently has a Temporary Permit, an indefinite Lesotho Citizenship Permit, and wishes to reside with them in the Kingdom of Lesotho. Dependants under 21 are not required to pay the visa fee.

Required Documents for Lesotho Joining Relative Permit

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your arrival in Lesotho.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages.”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 2x2 size

4. ID Card Copy

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas/ Lesotho resident permit

7. Medical Certificate (to be filled by a government medical practitioner within Lesotho)

8. Police Clearance Certificate

• From Lesotho
• From the country of origin for 1st-time applicants

NB: No police clearance is required for applicants under the age of 16 years.

9. Visa Request Letter

• Letter from Applicant (Requesting Permission from Director of Immigration to reside in Lesotho)

10. Invitation Letter from Sponsor

11. Proof of Relationship

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate of a child

12. Copy of Sponsors Passport

13. Copy of Sponsors Permit (If Applicable)

14. Copy of Previous Permit (For Renewal applications)

15. Proof of Payment

16. For Minors:

• Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
• Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied.

*Additional documents can be required.

Processing Time for Lesotho Joining Relative Permit

The average processing time for a Lesotho Joining Relative Permit is 2-3 months. It depends on your visa application country.

Lesotho Joining Relative Permit Fee

The Lesotho Joining Relative Permit fee is M500.00 (about 35 USD) up to 2 years and M3.000.00 (about 206 USD) - M10.000.00 (about 686 USD) for an indefinite period of time for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Lesotho Joining Relative Permit?

You will apply for a Lesotho Joining Relative Permit online through this website. Applicants apply e-Visa for traveling to Lesotho, and they only apply for Temporary Permit when they have already arrived in Lesotho.