Lesotho Visa RequirementsFor Australia passport holders
Australian passport holders can visit Lesotho visa-free for up to 90 days. Lesotho is a small landlocked kingdom entirely surrounded by South Africa, often visited as a day trip or short detour from South Africa.
Great news! Australia passport holders can enter Lesotho without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for Australian passport holders visiting Lesotho for up to 90 days. Entry is typically made overland from South Africa through one of the border posts, with the most common being Maseru Bridge and Caledonspoort. On arrival, complete an immigration entry card. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond arrival. If crossing overland, also ensure your South African visa or visa-free allowance accommodates re-entry, as you will re-enter South Africa upon departure from Lesotho.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Australia to Lesotho: What You Need to Know
Lesotho is a mountainous country offering dramatic highland scenery, pony trekking, and authentic cultural experiences. The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution due to crime, civil unrest, and political instability. Armed robbery and carjacking occur, and travellers should take appropriate precautions, especially when driving at night. Most visits to Lesotho are trouble-free and it is popular among travellers already in South Africa.
Practical Tips
If travelling overland from South Africa, confirm in advance that your South African visa or visa-free entry allows for multiple entries, as you will need to re-enter South Africa on your way back. The maloti (LSL) is the local currency but South African rand is widely accepted at par. High altitude in much of Lesotho means temperatures can drop sharply at night even in summer; bring warm clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australians need a visa for Lesotho?
No. Australian passport holders can enter Lesotho visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. No advance application is needed.
How do Australians get to Lesotho?
Most travellers enter Lesotho overland from South Africa. There are several border posts between the two countries. Maseru Bridge is the most commonly used crossing. Moshoeshoe I International Airport near Maseru also handles limited international flights.
Can I use South African rand in Lesotho?
Yes. South African rand is widely accepted throughout Lesotho at par with the Lesotho loti. You do not need to exchange your South African currency before entering Lesotho.
Do I need a multiple-entry South African visa to visit Lesotho?
If you require a visa for South Africa, you will need a multiple-entry visa to re-enter South Africa after visiting Lesotho. Australians are visa-exempt for South Africa, so this is not an issue for most Australian travellers, but confirm your visa status before crossing.