Lesotho entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Lesotho. Apply online before you travel; approval usually takes 1–3 business days. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Lesotho eVisa at the official Immigration Department portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before departure. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Moshoeshoe I International Airport will check it before stamping you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Chinese passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Lesotho does not require 6 months validity beyond your stay — just enough to cover the dates. Airlines may still enforce the 6-month rule, so check with your carrier before check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. If you're overlanding to South Africa, show a bus or shuttle reservation. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Lesotho is a small country with limited accommodation — having a booking shows you have a place to stay and reduces questioning at immigration. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but around 1,000 ZAR per day is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have it. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
You cannot get a visa on arrival in Lesotho. Apply online before you travel. No exceptions.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Lesotho, not from your departure date. Double-check now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the official Lesotho eVisa website. Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 1–3 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Check your email for the eVisa approval. Download the PDF and save it on your phone. Print a paper copy as backup — some airlines ask to see it at check-in.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Pack your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation in your carry-on. Have them ready for airline check-in and immigration.
4
Arrive at Moshoeshoe I International Airport or other entry point
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa. The officer will stamp you in. Have your documents ready and be polite.
Download Lesotho Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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 date
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Allows multiple entries for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Lesotho company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
For employment in Lesotho. Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. $500 USD)
For investors with significant capital in Lesotho. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extension fee for additional stay, subject to approval. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Fine for overstaying visa validity, capped at $200 USD. | $10 USD (approx. $10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
China passport holders transiting through Lesotho do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsMoshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU)
Health & vaccines for Lesotho
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Present in lowland areas, especially during rainy season. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Diarrheal diseasesModerate risk
Common due to food and water contamination. Practice safe eating and drinking.
HIV/AIDSHigh risk
Lesotho has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally. Take precautions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in lowland areas (below 1,500m) from November to June. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to 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 Office - Maseru
P.O. Box 363, Maseru 100
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Maseru
Department of Immigration - Headquarters
Corner of Kingsway and Moshoeshoe Road, Maseru
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles complex visa issues and long-term permits.
Practical information for CN 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 = 16.49 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
Most eVisa applications are processed within 1–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
The eVisa fee varies depending on the type and processing speed. Expect around $50–$100 USD for a standard tourist eVisa. Check the official website for current rates.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new visa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or incorrect. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Lesotho immigration office for guidance.
Lesotho does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry. However, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check current health requirements before travel.
Yes, you can enter via land border crossings like Maseru Bridge or Ficksburg. The same eVisa rules apply — you need an approved eVisa before arriving at the border.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), approved eVisa (printed or on phone), return or onward ticket, and accommodation booking for the first night. Have them ready to speed things up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.