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đąđ¸ Lesotho for đ GB-OVERSEAS_TERRITORIES_CITIZEN citizens
Embassy visa
Embassy visa â apply in person at an embassy or consulate with an interview.
Government fee1000 LSL
AppointmentRequired
EntryMultiple
Documents
Always required
Valid passport bio-data page; passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond intended entry date and contain at least 2â4 blank pages for Lesotho and South African stamps.
Lesotho missions commonly require at least 6 monthsâ passport validity for visa issuance and entry, and South Africa (a typical transit point) requires at least two blank visa pages. Some official guidance from the Lesotho High Commission in the UK mentions 3 monthsâ validity beyond the date of entry; travellers should ensure their passport comfortably exceeds the strictest requirement among Lesotho and any transit countries.
Completed and signed Lesotho visa application form as provided by the Immigration Department or a Lesotho mission.
Applicants are typically instructed to email the Immigration Department (visa-applications.immigration@gov.ls) or a Lesotho mission, which then provides the current application form and instructions. Older eâvisa portals may be inactive; applicants should rely on instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs or an official mission.
Recent colour passport-size photograph of the applicant, taken within the last 6 months.
Some missions request two colour passport-size photographs; applicants should follow the specific missionâs checklist.
Formal application letter addressed to the Director of Immigration requesting a visa, stating purpose of visit, intended dates, and duration of stay.
The Lesotho Embassy in the USA lists a formal application letter as a core requirement for visa applications. Letter should include applicantâs full name, passport details, contact information, travel dates, purpose of visit (tourism/visit), and confirmation of financial responsibility.
Personal bank statements for the last 3â6 months showing sufficient funds to cover travel and stay in Lesotho.
The Lesotho Embassy in the USA lists three monthsâ bank statements as a requirement; some thirdâparty eâvisa facilitators request up to six months. Statements should ideally be stamped or otherwise authenticated by the issuing bank.
Proof of accommodation for the entire stay in Lesotho, such as hotel booking confirmations or a letter from the host confirming lodging.
The Lesotho Embassy in the USA lists confirmation of hotel bookings as a standard requirement. If staying with friends or relatives, an invitation letter including address and confirmation of accommodation is typically accepted.
Detailed travel plan and/or round-trip flight itinerary showing entry to and exit from Lesotho (often via South Africa).
Lesotho missions commonly request a travel plan and confirmation of bookings; many checklists specify a roundâtrip airline ticket or itinerary. Applicants are generally advised not to purchase nonârefundable tickets until the visa is approved; a reservation or itinerary is usually sufficient.
Proof of valid medical or travel health insurance covering the entire stay in Lesotho, including emergency medical care.
The Lesotho Embassy in the USA lists medical insurance as a required document for visa applications. Policy should clearly show the applicantâs name, coverage period including travel dates, and emergency medical coverage; specific minimum coverage amounts are not publicly specified.
If transiting or entering via South Africa, proof of any required South African visa or residence permit allowing re-entry after visiting Lesotho.
Official Lesotho guidance stresses that visitors must meet all South African entry requirements because most travellers reach Lesotho via South Africa. This may include a valid South African visa or residence permit, proof of onward travel, and sufficient blank pages in the passport.
Recommended
Invitation letter from host in Lesotho (individual, company, or organization) requesting the applicantâs presence, with hostâs contact details and address.
The Lesotho Embassy in the USA lists an invitation letter as a standard requirement; for pure tourism with hotel bookings, some missions may accept confirmed accommodation instead. Invitation should normally include hostâs full name, address in Lesotho, contact number, relationship to applicant, and duration/purpose of stay.
Introduction letter from the applicantâs employer on company letterhead, confirming employment, position, salary, length of service, approved leave, and purpose/duration of trip.
The Lesotho Embassy in the USA and multiple visa service checklists specify an employer letter detailing position, salary, employment duration, authorized vacation, and any business purpose. Selfâemployed applicants may provide business registration documents and a selfâemployment letter instead.
Basic medical report or certificate confirming the applicantâs fitness to travel, issued by a licensed medical practitioner.
The Lesotho Embassy in the USA lists a medical report regarding the applicantâs medical fitness to travel as part of the visa requirements. Official sources do not clearly define the format; a brief doctorâs letter or standard medical certificate is typically accepted. Applicants should confirm any specific wording or tests required with the processing mission.
International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) showing valid yellow fever vaccination, required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Lesotho and regional advisories commonly require proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. The Lesotho Embassy in the USA mentions a yellow fever certificate for travellers coming from an infected area; travellers transiting such countries may also be asked to show proof.
Travel tips
Quick local advice for smoother arrivals and day-to-day travel.
1
Shared minibuses/taxis often depart when fullâstart intercity travel early and build buffer time (a â2-hourâ hop can easily become half a day).
2
If youâre crossing near South Africa and need flexible transport, travellers sometimes arrange lifts near border postsâkeep small cash for a polite âcontributionâ if you do this.
3
Carry cash when heading into the highlands: ATMs and card acceptance can thin out quickly once you leave Maseru and main corridors.
Last verified: 2025-12-04