GoLesotho Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

Online visa application for Lesotho is temporarily unavailable and requires approval through the visa-applications.immigrations@gov.ls Send an email to apply for a visa. Chinese citizens can apply for a visa with a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. After the visa application is approved, the Lai side will only send an approval notification via email and verify the visa approval record when the holder enters the country. Lai usually issues a one-time entry tourist visa with a validity period of three months. When entering the country, immigration officials stamp the passport with a seal allowing the duration of stay. Do not apply for a visa on arrival. Please consult the Embassy of Lesotho in China for specific matters.

Lesotho is a "country of China" within South Africa, and anyone traveling to Lesotho must transit through the Republic of South Africa. When transiting through South African airports, the South African Immigration Department has the authority to inspect the passports and visas of transit personnel. Whether a South African transit visa is required for transit through South Africa should be consulted with the South African Embassy in China or the South African Consulate General in Shanghai.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

Lesotho Customs has the right to inspect items entering Lesotho, including passenger luggage. Entrants are required to fill out their entry card and item declaration form. False reporting and omission are illegal, and customs have the right to impose fines or confiscate relevant items.

Lesotho Customs allows passengers to bring the following items with a value of less than 500 marotti (equivalent to 70 dollars) per person: 1 liter of wine or liquor or any alcoholic beverage, 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 300 ml of perfume. Carrying cash worth 25000 or more or its equivalent into or out of the country requires declaration.

Prohibited items: counterfeit currency; Dangerous weapons, such as swords, bayonets, daggers, and knives with blades exceeding 30 centimeters (excluding knives used for household, agricultural, or carnivorous purposes); Obscene materials.

Residency and Naturalization

Long term residence in Lai requires a long-term residence permit, which is processed by the Lai Immigration Bureau. Those who fail to leave the country without a residence permit may be fined or expelled by the Lai Immigration Bureau.

Lai recognizes dual citizenship, and the Lai Ministry of the Interior accepts applications to acquire Lai citizenship.

The risk level of Lesotho is yellow (medium risk).                                           

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds Chinese citizens in Lesotho to closely monitor the local security situation, be vigilant, strengthen prevention, and pay attention to safety. In case of emergency, please report to the police in a timely manner and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the local area.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas embassies and consulates will continue to closely monitor changes in the overseas security situation, dynamically adjust relevant risk assessments, and release and update corresponding security reminders in real time on platforms such as the China Consular Service Network. Please continue to pay attention.

public security

The social security situation in Lesotho is unstable, with a high crime rate and a low police detection rate. Local residents are legally allowed to possess firearms, and there are a large number of illegal gun owners in society, with a high incidence of armed robbery or murder cases. In recent years, there have been many robbery and shooting cases against foreigners in Maseru, Mafeiteng and other cities. Chinese citizens should avoid going to high-risk areas for robbery when going out, and try not to go out at night. Do not expose valuable items in public places and only bring a small amount of cash for emergency use when going out. When driving, remain vigilant and pay attention to unlicensed and suspicious vehicles. Chinese citizens should respond calmly in case of robbery and prioritize ensuring their own safety. After the incident, promptly report to the police and contact the Chinese People's Police Center, overseas Chinese organizations, or the embassy in Lai for assistance.

natural disaster

Lai is located at 28-31 degrees south latitude and 27-30 degrees east longitude. The dry season is from May to September (winter and spring), and the rainy season is from October to April (summer and autumn). It belongs to a subtropical continental climate, with a large temperature difference between day and night in winter and spring. Warm clothes should be carried in winter.

Lai is prone to drought, snow disasters, frost, and hail attacks, often resulting in large-scale crop reductions. In addition, attention should be paid to avoiding lightning strikes on rainy days.

FDA

The overall food hygiene situation is good, and the food sold in large and medium-sized supermarkets and restaurants that have been approved for operation is relatively safe and reliable; The quality of tap water is poor, and water that has not been boiled should not be consumed directly.

Urgent Help

First aid: 22220000

Firefighting: 22317163

Bandit police: 22312934

Comprehensive alarm hotline: 22317263

air traffic

There is Moshu I International Airport in the suburbs of Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, about 30 kilometers from the city center. There are four daily flights between Johannesburg and Maseru in South Africa. There is no direct flight between Lai and China, and it can only be transferred through Johannesburg.

land transport

The total length of roads in Lesotho is 8638 kilometers, including 1817 kilometers of asphalt roads, 4358 kilometers of gravel roads, and 2463 kilometers of dirt roads. There are 11 border ports connecting South Africa, including the capital city of Maseru and the Fiksberg port, which are open 24 hours a day. The vehicle is driving on the left, contrary to the domestic trend. Lesotho has poor road conditions with many bends and mountain roads. It is recommended to avoid high-speed driving when traveling and all passengers must wear seat belts. The transportation conditions in the capital city of Maseru and several surrounding cities are poor. There are many pedestrians in the city, so drivers should slow down and avoid pedestrians when driving in the city. Holders of Chinese driver's licenses can apply for local driver's licenses at the Lesotho Ministry of Transport after obtaining long-term residency or work permits.

water communication

Lesotho is a landlocked country with no water transportation conditions within its borders.

Urban transportation

The transportation conditions in the capital city of Maseru and several surrounding cities are poor. There are many pedestrians in the city, so drivers should slow down and avoid pedestrians when driving in the city.

major city

The capital Maseru is the administrative center, trade and transportation hub of Lesotho. At an altitude of 1500 meters, with a population of 370000, the highest temperature is 35 degrees Celsius and the lowest temperature is -7 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

Most parts of Lesotho are located in high-altitude mountainous areas with large temperature differences between day and night, and low temperatures at night. It is necessary to prepare warm clothing when going to high-altitude areas.

Commodity prices

The main agricultural products are corn, sorghum, pumpkin, and potatoes. As the vast majority of agricultural products are imported from South Africa, their prices are relatively high. The currency of Lei is Maloti, which is equivalent to the South African currency (rand), and is currently valued at approximately 18.6:1 against the US dollar (November 2023).

Insurance Medical

Laiwu is one of the least developed countries in the world and a high incidence area of AIDS and tuberculosis.

Lai's medical conditions are relatively backward, with the capital city of Maseru having Queen's Memorial Hospital and Maseru Private Hospital. The Chinese aid medical team is currently working at the Motebang Hospital in the northern city of Leribe.

There are hospitals in all 10 administrative regions of China. Public hospitals are welfare hospitals with relatively cheaper fees, but their service quality and technical level are not as good as private hospitals. Lai citizens and foreign citizens can purchase private hospital insurance.

Customs taboos

90% of the Lessot people believe in Christianity and Catholicism, while the rest believe in primitive religions and Islam. Christmas (around December 25th) is a grand local holiday. In addition, Easter (late March and early April), King's Birthday (July 17th), and Independence Day (October 4th) are all local holidays. The traditional costumes in Lesotho are straw hats and blankets.

Communications Power

The communication conditions are average, mobile phones are widely used, and internet access is possible, but the internet speed is slow.

The voltage is 220 volts, with a South African standard (three round hole) socket.

contact information

Fire alarm hotline: 22317163

Alarm hotline: 22317262

Immigration Office Phone: 22314234/22314236

Airport phone number: 22350777

Ambulance phone number: 22220000

Marcelo Private Hospital Phone: 22313260

Maseru Bridge Pass Phone: 57458504

Visa Office of the South African High Commission in Lesotho: 22315758