Lesotho entry requirements for India passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
Indian passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Lesotho. The process is entirely online — you'll receive a digital approval via email. As of 2026, this is the only visa option for tourism or short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Lesotho eVisa at the official Immigration Department portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and you receive an approval letter by email. Print the letter and carry it with your passport to present at immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Lesotho. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your booking ready — they may also check that your onward destination matches your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Lesotho. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least 1,000 USD (or equivalent in local currency) available in cash, traveler's cheques, or a credit card statement. Immigration officers occasionally ask to see proof of financial means for your stay. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Indian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have the eVisa approved before you board your flight. Airlines may deny boarding without it.
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. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Lesotho eVisa portal. Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50–$100 depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for the approval email — typically 3–5 business days.
2
Print your eVisa and pack documents
Once approved, print a paper copy of the eVisa email. Also save a digital copy on your phone. Pack your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Moshoeshoe I International Airport (Maseru)
Most flights arrive via Johannesburg or Cape Town. At immigration, present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in — usually for up to 30 days. The queue is generally short, but allow 20–30 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. There's a customs desk — declare any goods over $500 or restricted items. Then walk out into the arrivals hall.
Download Lesotho Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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
Cost$50 USD (approx. ₹4,150)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. ₹8,300)
Ideal for multiple trips within validity.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. ₹12,450)
Requires invitation letter from Lesotho company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. ₹16,600) + processing
For those with a job offer from a Lesotho employer. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. ₹8,300)
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Lesotho. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. ₹41,500)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Lesotho business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Indian passport holders applying online. | $50 USD (approx. ₹4,150) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; typically processed online. | $50 USD (approx. ₹4,150) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. ₹8,300) |
| Stay extension feePer extension request, subject to approval. | $30 USD (approx. ₹2,500) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | $10 USD (approx. ₹830) per day, max $200 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
Indian passport holders transiting through Lesotho do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for South Africa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsMoshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU), Maseru
Health & vaccines for Lesotho
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Diarrheal diseasesModerate risk
Common due to food/water contamination; practice safe eating and drinking.
HIV/AIDSHigh risk
High prevalence; take precautions and avoid risky behaviors.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most areas, but prophylaxis is recommended for travel to lowland regions, especially during rainy season (October–April).
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 - Headquarters
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
Maseru Border Post Immigration Office
Maseru Bridge Border Post
Mon–Sun 06:00–22:00
For entry/exit issues and short-term extensions at the border.
Practical information for IN 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 = 16.52 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
No. Lesotho does not offer visa on arrival for Indian nationals. You must obtain an eVisa before travel. Apply online at least a week before your departure.
Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. There is an expedited option (24–48 hours) that costs more — around $100–$150. Apply early to avoid stress.
The standard eVisa fee is approximately $50–$70. Expedited processing can cost up to $150. Fees are paid online during the application.
Yes, but you must visit the Department of Immigration in Maseru before your current visa expires. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and cost around $50–$100. Start the process at least a week before expiry.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, no. Check the WHO list before travel.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined (around $50–$100) and could face a ban or difficulty re-entering. Always apply for an extension before your visa expires.
Yes. The eVisa is valid for entry at any official border post, including land crossings from South Africa (e.g., Maseru Bridge, Caledonspoort). Just present your eVisa and passport at immigration.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.