Lesotho
Summary
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
A nationwide nightly curfew has been implemented from 15th May 2023, between 10pm and 4am following reports of growing crime rates and the recent death of a public figure. Unless you have a permit, those failing to comply face a fine or up to two years in jail.
Update history
2023-12-20 14:24
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-06-22 11:28
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-05-26 10:44
Removal of information about a curfew (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-05-17 16:21
A curfew has been implemented from 15th between 10pm and 4am (‘summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-12-22 15:05
Updated text (‘Coronavirus’, ‘Safety and security’, ‘Local laws and customs’, ‘Entry Requirements’, ‘Health and ‘Money’ pages).
2022-10-17 15:31
Removal of references to election and crime spiking (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-10-03 15:57
Updated information on removal of remaining Covid-19 restrictions (‘Health’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages) and increased crime rates in advance of elections scheduled for 7 October (‘Summary’ page ).
2022-09-21 15:48
Removal of remaining Covid-19 restrictions (Entry requirements page and Coronavirus page)Increased crime rates in advance of elections scheduled for 7 October (Political situation and Crime pages).
2022-04-26 17:42
Updated information on requirements for entry and demonstrating proof of vaccination (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-04-13 13:05
Updated information on the removal of testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers entering and exiting Lesotho (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-03-17 11:18
Updated information on testing requirements for Lesotho residents and Basotho nationals (‘Coronavirus’ page)