Lesotho Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK passport holders can enter Lesotho without a visa for up to 90 days. Lesotho is a small landlocked kingdom entirely surrounded by South Africa, and is typically visited as part of a broader southern Africa itinerary.
Great news! United Kingdom passport holders can enter Lesotho without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No advance visa application is needed. Present your UK passport at Moshoeshoe I International Airport near Maseru, or at land borders with South Africa including the Maseru Bridge crossing. Ensure your UK passport has at least 6 months validity. If arriving overland from South Africa, ensure your South African visa or visa-free status is also in order.
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
United Kingdom to Lesotho: What You Need to Know
Lesotho is a Commonwealth member and British nationals benefit from visa-free access for extended stays. The country is known as the Kingdom in the Sky due to its high-altitude geography; almost the entire country lies above 1,000 metres with highland areas exceeding 3,000 metres. Most travellers arrive via South Africa.
Practical Tips
The Lesotho loti (LSL) is the local currency, pegged 1:1 to the South African rand; rand is accepted everywhere. Lesotho is one of the few countries in Africa with no malaria risk. The Sani Pass (requiring a 4WD vehicle) connects Lesotho with KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and offers spectacular mountain scenery. Skiing is available at Afriski Mountain Resort in winter. Pony trekking through highland villages is a unique local experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Lesotho?
No. British passport holders can enter Lesotho without a visa for up to 90 days. No advance application is required; present your UK passport at the border or airport on arrival.
How do I get to Lesotho from the UK?
There are no direct flights from the UK to Lesotho. The most common route is to fly to Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport) in South Africa, then take a connecting flight to Moshoeshoe I International Airport near Maseru, or cross overland by road. The Maseru Bridge crossing is the main land border with South Africa.
Is there malaria in Lesotho?
No. Lesotho is one of the few sub-Saharan African countries with no malaria risk, due to its high altitude. Almost all of Lesotho sits above 1,000 metres with much of the country above 2,000 metres. This is a notable health advantage compared to many neighbouring countries.
What are the main attractions in Lesotho?
Lesotho is known for pony trekking through remote highland villages on Basotho ponies, which is a unique and authentic experience. The Sani Pass offers spectacular mountain scenery on the border with KwaZulu-Natal. Afriski Mountain Resort near Oxbow provides skiing in winter (July to August). Katse Dam is one of Africa's largest and most impressive dams. The country's authentic Basotho cultural heritage is accessible through rural homestays.