Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Lesotho?
Official Requirement
Visa-free
for South Africa citizens travelling to Lesotho
Citizens of many countries may enter Lesotho without a visa. Most visa-exempt visitors are initially granted 30 days at the border and may apply for an extension up to 90 days through the Office of Immigration. All travel to Lesotho requires transiting through South Africa.
Last checked 5 months ago (19 April 2026)
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
No visa needed for this trip
South Africa passport holders can enter Lesotho for short visits without a visa. Check that your passport stays valid for the whole stay, carry proof of onward travel, and confirm the current entry conditions on the official source before you fly.
Official Lesotho entry requirements →
Maluti Mountains
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Lesotho
- Requirement
- Visa-free
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Lesotho
Check your passport is valid for the whole trip. Many countries also want it valid for a period beyond your departure date, so confirm the exact rule on the official page below.
Plan a trip of 90 days or fewer. Beyond that, Lesotho needs a different permission and this page does not cover it.
Carry proof of onward or return travel and of where you are staying. Border officers ask for both, and an airline can refuse boarding without them.
Check the requirement again close to your departure date. This route was last checked on 19 April 2026, and rules change without notice.
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Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Lesotho
No. South African citizens can enter Lesotho without a visa for a short tourist or business visit. This was last checked on 19 April 2026.
Up to 90 days on this entry route. A longer trip needs a different permission, which this page does not cover. A border officer decides the length granted on the day.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Lesotho uses LSL. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 19 April 2026.
Full change history for this route →