Lesotho Visa RequirementsFor Canada passport holders
Canadian passport holders can enter Lesotho visa-free for up to 90 days, making this highland kingdom entirely surrounded by South Africa easy to include in a Southern African trip.
Great news! Canada passport holders can enter Lesotho without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required. Canadian passport holders simply present a valid passport at the port of entry, whether at Moshoeshoe I International Airport in Maseru or at a land border crossing from South Africa. A 90-day entry stamp is issued at no cost. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and blank pages available.
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
Canada to Lesotho: What You Need to Know
Lesotho, known as the Kingdom in the Sky, is the only country in the world situated entirely above 1,000 metres in elevation. It is a popular destination for hiking, pony trekking, and skiing at Afriski Mountain Resort in winter. Most Canadian visitors enter from South Africa, either via the Maseru Bridge border post or through one of several mountain crossings. As Lesotho is completely encircled by South Africa, a valid South African visa or visa-free access is also required for the trip.
Practical Tips
- Carry your South African visa or proof of South African visa-free access, as you must pass through South African territory to reach Lesotho.
- The Maseru Bridge border post is the busiest and most straightforward crossing; mountain passes may be unpaved and require a 4WD vehicle.
- Altitude sickness can affect visitors in the highlands; acclimatise gradually and stay hydrated.
- The Maluti-Drakensberg park straddles the Lesotho-South Africa border and offers spectacular scenery accessible from both sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Lesotho?
No. Canadian passport holders can enter Lesotho visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid passport and proof of onward travel.
Do I need a South African visa to visit Lesotho?
You need to be able to legally enter South Africa, as Lesotho is entirely surrounded by South Africa. Canadians are visa-free for South Africa, so this is straightforward, but ensure your South African entry allows re-entry if you plan to travel between the two countries multiple times.
What are the main attractions in Lesotho?
Lesotho offers highland pony trekking, Afriski Mountain Resort skiing in winter, the Maletsunyane Falls (one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Africa), and traditional Basotho village experiences in the mountain kingdom.
Is Lesotho safe for Canadian travelers?
The Government of Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution in Lesotho due to crime and political instability. Stick to tourist areas, avoid travelling at night, and review travel.gc.ca before departure.