United States Visa RequirementsFor Lesotho passport holders
Citizens of Lesotho must obtain a B1/B2 visitor visa before entering the United States. There is no US Embassy in Maseru. Lesotho residents apply for US visas at the US Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.
Lesotho passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply online at ceac.state.gov using Form DS-160. Pay the $185 USD non-refundable MRV fee. Since there is no US Embassy in Maseru, you must travel to the US Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa to attend your interview. Schedule your appointment and arrange travel to Pretoria.
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
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov before scheduling interview
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable visa application fee
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled via US Embassy website
Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, family ties, or enrollment
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended travel dates and purpose
Current Travel Situation
Lesotho to United States: What You Need to Know
Lesotho and the United States have a supportive bilateral relationship centered on health, particularly HIV/AIDS programs, and economic development. Lesotho is an AGOA-eligible country and exports textiles to the US under AGOA trade preferences. The US has a significant development aid presence through PEPFAR and other programs. The Basotho diaspora in the US is small.
How to Get There
From Maseru or nearby Moshoeshoe I International Airport, connections to the United States typically route through Johannesburg (JNB) via South African Airways or Airlink. From Johannesburg, South African Airways, Delta, and United operate flights to JFK, IAD, and ATL. Ethiopian Airlines also connects via Addis Ababa from Johannesburg.
Money & Banking
The US dollar (USD) is the currency in the United States. Credit cards are widely accepted. Budget around $100 to $150 per day for modest travel. Tipping is customary: 15 to 20% at restaurants and a few dollars for hotel staff.
Practical Tips
Apply at least 4 to 5 months before your intended travel date. Interview wait times at the US Embassy in Pretoria typically range from 2 to 4 months. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes. Demonstrating stable employment, property, or family ties in Lesotho is important. Your AGOA textile industry ties or other formal employment are good supporting evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a US Embassy in Lesotho? Where do Lesotho citizens apply for a US visa?
There is no US Embassy in Maseru. Lesotho citizens must apply at the US Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. You will need to travel there for your visa interview after completing the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov and paying the $185 MRV fee.
How long are US visa interview wait times from Lesotho?
Interview wait times at the US Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa for Lesotho citizens are typically 2 to 4 months for a B1/B2 visitor visa. Wait times fluctuate based on demand and embassy staffing. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes before planning your application.
How far in advance should Lesotho citizens apply for a US B1/B2 visa?
Given current interview wait times of 2 to 4 months, apply at least 5 months before your intended travel date. This allows time for scheduling your appointment, attending the interview, and receiving your passport with the visa. Applying early also gives you time to gather supporting documents.
What airlines and routes are available from Lesotho to the United States?
There are no direct flights from Maseru to the United States. Common routing options include South African Airways via Johannesburg and Airlink via Johannesburg. Ethiopian Airlines is Africa's largest carrier and connects many African cities to JFK, IAD (Washington Dulles), ATL (Atlanta), IAH (Houston), and ORD (Chicago) via Addis Ababa.
How can I strengthen my US B1/B2 visa application from Lesotho?
The key to a strong US B1/B2 application from Lesotho is demonstrating strong ties to your home country and that you will return after your visit. Submit a stable employment letter, property ownership documents, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and evidence of family responsibilities. A clear travel purpose, realistic itinerary, and clean travel history also help.
What documents should I bring to my US visa interview as a citizen of Lesotho?
Bring your valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay, your DS-160 confirmation page, your MRV fee payment receipt, your interview appointment confirmation, a 2x2 inch passport photo, bank statements, employment letter or proof of ties to Lesotho, and any other supporting documents that demonstrate your intent to return home.
What is the US B1/B2 visa fee for Lesotho citizens?
The US B1/B2 visa application fee is $185 USD, known as the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Pay the fee through the payment portal linked on the US Embassy website before scheduling your interview.
Can a Lesotho citizen with a US B1/B2 visa work in the United States?
No. A B1/B2 visa only permits business visits (B1) and tourism or pleasure (B2). Working for a US employer is not permitted on a B1/B2 visa. Unauthorized work can result in deportation and future visa denials. If you intend to work in the United States, you must apply for an appropriate work visa such as H-1B, L-1, or O-1.