Lesotho Travel Status

WATCH

Travel to Lesotho is operating normally overall, including flights and land-border crossings with South Africa. However, travellers should exercise increased caution because of crime and limited healthcare facilities.

Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa

Lesotho is completely surrounded by South Africa. Travellers entering or leaving the country must therefore also consider South African immigration requirements.

Flights

Scheduled passenger flights operate between Moshoeshoe I International Airport near Maseru and Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.

Moshoeshoe I International Airport

Lesotho’s principal international airport is operating. Airlink provides the country’s main scheduled international air connection with Johannesburg.

Land borders

Most visitors enter Lesotho overland from South Africa. Several official border crossings connect the two countries, but not every crossing operates 24 hours a day.

Sani Pass

Sani Pass is one of Lesotho’s best-known border routes, but mountain weather and road conditions can make the crossing difficult. Suitable vehicles may be required depending on conditions.

South African entry requirements

Travellers transiting South Africa on the way to or from Lesotho must satisfy South African immigration rules in addition to Lesotho’s requirements.

Passport requirements

Current UK guidance says passports should be valid for at least 90 days after arrival. Travellers should also have sufficient blank pages because both Lesotho and South African immigration authorities may need to stamp the passport.

Visa requirements

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Some nationalities can visit Lesotho visa-free for short stays, while others require a visa.

Crime

Armed robbery, carjacking, theft and other crime occur in Lesotho. Travellers should be particularly cautious at night and when travelling in isolated areas.

Healthcare

Medical facilities are limited. Serious illness or injury may require treatment or medical evacuation to South Africa.

Mountain weather

Lesotho’s high altitude means weather can change rapidly. Snow, ice, heavy rain and flooding can occasionally affect mountain roads and passes.

Travel operating normally

No significant current nationwide flight, airport, entry or border disruption has been identified.

Johannesburg flights operating

Scheduled Airlink services continue between Johannesburg and Moshoeshoe I International Airport.

U.S. advisory remains Level 2

The current U.S. State Department advisory is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution because of crime and health concerns.

Health warning added

The U.S. advisory was updated in June 2026 to add health as a risk indicator because of inadequate healthcare infrastructure and limited medical resources.

Canadian advice remains elevated

Current Canadian guidance recommends exercising a high degree of caution in Lesotho because of crime.

Check your airline, passport and Lesotho visa requirements before departure.

Remember that travel to Lesotho normally involves South Africa, so check South African immigration requirements as well.

If entering by road, check the opening hours of your intended border crossing shortly before departure.

If using mountain crossings such as Sani Pass, check current road and weather conditions and make sure your vehicle is suitable for the route.

Avoid unnecessary travel at night and take additional precautions against robbery, carjacking and theft.

Consider travel insurance that includes treatment or medical evacuation to South Africa because advanced healthcare facilities in Lesotho are limited.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.