Step Into the Mountain Kingdom – Your Journey Starts With the Lesotho Visa!
Nestled high in the mountains of Southern Africa, Lesotho—the Kingdom in the Sky—is a destination brimming with breathtaking landscapes, warm culture, and untapped adventure. Whether you're drawn to the majestic peaks, cultural experiences, or eco-tourism opportunities, your gateway to Lesotho begins with a Lesotho visa. As a visa expert, I’m here to give you a complete and enthusiastic guide to securing your visa—covering how to get a Lesotho visa, apply online, eligibility, visa requirements, fees, application procedure, visa types, and visa duration. Let’s get you ready for your trip to this hidden gem!
🇱🇸 Why Visit Lesotho?
Lesotho is one of Africa’s most unique travel destinations. Entirely landlocked by South Africa, this high-altitude kingdom offers year-round adventure, from skiing in winter to hiking and horseback riding in the summer. It's also rich in Basotho culture, traditional villages, and dramatic mountain views.
Before you pack your bags, let’s make sure your visa is sorted!
📌 How to Get a Lesotho Visa
Great news! Lesotho offers a fully online e-Visa system, making it simple, fast, and convenient to apply from anywhere in the world.
Here are the main options for obtaining your Lesotho visa:
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✅ Online via the official e-Visa portal (recommended)
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🏛️ At Lesotho missions/embassies (if applicable)
⚠️ Visa on arrival is not generally available, so applying in advance is essential.
💻 How to Apply for Lesotho Visa Online (e-Visa)
The Lesotho e-Visa system is efficient and user-friendly, allowing travelers to apply entirely online without visiting an embassy.
✅ Step-by-Step Application Procedure:
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Visit the official e-Visa portal: https://evisa.gov.ls
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Register an account and choose your visa type.
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Complete the application form with personal and passport information.
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Upload all required documents (see next section).
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Pay the visa fee securely online using a credit/debit card.
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Wait for processing—typically takes 3 to 5 business days.
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Once approved, download and print your e-Visa approval letter to present at the border.
📝 Tip: Use a valid email address throughout the process, as all updates will be sent there.
🧾 Lesotho Visa Requirements
To apply for a Lesotho visa, ensure you have the following documents ready:
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A valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)
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Recent passport-sized photo
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Travel itinerary (flight bookings, if available)
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Accommodation details (hotel booking or invitation letter)
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Proof of sufficient funds
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Supporting documents based on visa type (business invitation, event letter, etc.)
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Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if traveling from a risk country)
👥 Lesotho Visa Eligibility
Lesotho’s e-Visa is available to most nationalities worldwide. However, citizens of visa-exempt countries (such as South Africa, Botswana, and several SADC nations) can enter without a visa for short stays.
To check your visa eligibility, visit the Lesotho e-Visa eligibility checker.
If you’re not exempt, you’ll need to apply online or through a diplomatic mission before traveling.
💼 Types of Lesotho Visas
Lesotho offers several visa types to match the nature of your visit:
1. Tourist Visa
For leisure travel, sightseeing, and visiting friends/family.
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Usually valid for 30 to 90 days (single entry).
2. Business Visa
For conferences, meetings, or professional engagements.
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Requires an invitation letter from a host company or organization in Lesotho.
3. Transit Visa
For travelers passing through Lesotho en route to another country.
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Valid for short stays (typically up to 3 days).
4. Multiple Entry Visa
For frequent visitors; valid for a longer period with multiple entries allowed.
💰 Lesotho Visa Fees
Visa fees vary depending on visa type and duration:
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Single-entry Tourist Visa: Approx. $150 USD
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Multiple-entry Tourist Visa: Approx. $250 USD
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Business Visa: Approx. $250–$300 USD
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Transit Visa: Approx. $70–$100 USD
💳 All payments for e-Visa applications are made online during the application process.
Note: Fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
🕒 Lesotho Visa Duration and Validity
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Single-entry visas are valid for 30 to 90 days depending on approval.
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Multiple-entry visas are typically valid for 6 months to 1 year.
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Transit visas allow short stays for up to 72 hours.
🕐 Remember: The duration of stay is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry based on your visa approval.
📝 Final Tips for a Smooth Visa Application
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Apply at least one week before your travel date to avoid delays.
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Double-check your passport validity—it should be valid for at least 6 months.
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Print a physical copy of your e-Visa for immigration.
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Keep your supporting documents handy when traveling.
🎉 Conclusion: Explore the Kingdom of Lesotho With Ease!
Now that you know how to get a Lesotho visa, there’s nothing stopping you from exploring the rugged beauty, cultural richness, and adventure-filled terrain of this incredible mountain kingdom. Thanks to the e-Visa system, applying for your Lesotho visa has never been easier. Whether you're going for a cultural festival, a hiking expedition, or a peaceful retreat—Lesotho is ready to welcome you.
Apply online today and get ready to discover the magic of Lesotho—one mountain pass at a time!
Would you like a free downloadable Lesotho visa checklist or infographic to help share this guide on your travel blog or social platform? I’d be happy to create that too!