Lesotho entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bahraini passport holders need an eVisa to visit Lesotho. Submit your application online before traveling; approval usually takes a few business days. As of 2026, this is the only option for tourism or short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Lesotho eVisa at the official immigration portal. The eVisa is mandatory for Bahrain passport holders — you cannot get a visa on arrival. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your Bahrain passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Lesotho. No 6-month rule applies here — just cover your stay. Airlines may still check validity at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Moshoeshoe I International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Lesotho. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready showing you have enough money for your stay. Immigration may ask for it if you look underprepared — a few hundred USD equivalent is usually fine. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Lesotho does not offer visa on arrival for Bahraini passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines may deny boarding without proof of visa.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Lesotho, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Lesotho eVisa portal. Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee (around $50–$100 depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — usually 2–5 business days.
2
Receive your eVisa approval
You'll get an email with a PDF approval letter. Print it out and also save a copy on your phone. The letter has a reference number immigration will use.
3
Arrive at Moshoeshoe I International Airport (Maseru)
When you land, go to the immigration counter. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa approval, and return ticket if asked. They'll stamp you in. The process is straightforward — expect 5–10 minutes if you have everything ready.
4
Show proof of accommodation (if asked)
Immigration may ask where you're staying. Have your hotel booking confirmation ready. If you're staying with friends, a letter of invitation with their address works.
Download Lesotho Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostMUR 1,000 (~$25 USD)
Standard option for short visits; can be extended once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostMUR 1,500 (~$38 USD)
Ideal for multiple trips within 6 months.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostMUR 2,000 (~$50 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Lesotho company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
MUR 5,000 (~$125 USD) per year
For those with a job offer in Lesotho. Requires employer sponsorship and Ministry of Labour approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
MUR 2,000 (~$50 USD) per year
For enrolled students at accredited institutions in Lesotho. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
MUR 10,000 (~$250 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least MUR 500,000 in a Lesotho business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | MUR 1,000 (~$25 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | MUR 1,500 (~$38 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are possible for up to 2 months at immigration offices. | MUR 500 (~$13 USD) per month |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties apply; avoid by extending before expiry. | MUR 200 (~$5 USD) per day, max MUR 5,000 (~$125 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Lesotho
No transit visa needed
Bahrain passport holders do not need a transit visa for Lesotho if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, for land borders or exiting the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsMoshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU)
Health & vaccines for Lesotho
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Diarrheal diseasesModerate risk
Common from contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Lesotho is high-altitude; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low but present in lowland areas; consider prophylaxis if visiting rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Maseru
Lesotho Immigration Department - Maseru Office
Corner of Kingsway and Moshoeshoe Road, Maseru
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Maseru
Maseru Border Post Immigration Office
Maseru Bridge Border Post, Maseru
Mon–Sun 06:00–22:00
Handles entry/exit and some visa issues at the border.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalMaseru
LanguageSesotho, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyLesotho loti (LSL)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 16.25 LSL
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
MType M (three round pins, similar to South Africa)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing takes 2–5 business days. There's also an expedited option (24–48 hours) for a higher fee, around $100–$150. Apply early to avoid stress.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new visa. Plan your trip accordingly.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport has less than 6 months validity, you have a criminal record, or your application is incomplete. You can reapply with corrected info or contact the Lesotho embassy in your region.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Bahrain is not a risk country, so you likely don't need it. But check the latest health requirements before travel.
Yes, there are several land border crossings (e.g., Maseru Bridge, Ficksburg). You still need the eVisa — it's not available on arrival. The same rules apply at land borders.
The currency is the Lesotho loti (LSL), which is pegged 1:1 to the South African rand (ZAR). Rand is widely accepted. ATMs are available in Maseru but less common in rural areas. Carry some cash for smaller towns.
Roads can be narrow and winding, especially in mountainous areas. Drive during daylight hours. A 4x4 is recommended if you're heading into the highlands. Always carry your passport and eVisa copy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.