Lesotho entry requirements for Iraq 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
Iraqi passport holders need an eVisa to enter Lesotho. The eVisa covers tourism and short visits, and you must apply online before you travel. As of 2026, this is the only visa option for Iraqi nationals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You must apply for a Lesotho eVisa online at the Lesotho Immigration Department portal before you fly. The application takes about 15 minutes and costs around $150 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Approval usually comes within 3–5 business days — do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Iraqi passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Lesotho. Lesotho does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check for at least 6 months — carry your eVisa approval printout to show at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Moshoeshoe I International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus/ticket to a neighboring country ready. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Officers sometimes ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host in Lesotho ready. A simple booking.com printout works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. ATMs are scarce outside Maseru, so bring some US dollars or South African rand. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Iraqi passport holders cannot enter Lesotho without an approved eVisa. There is no visa on arrival, and immigration at Moshoeshoe I International Airport will deny boarding if you don't have one. Apply early.
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 your passport expires in less than 6 months after your planned arrival, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Lesotho eVisa website, fill out the application form, upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50–$100 depending on processing speed) and submit. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Moshoeshoe I International Airport
Most flights from Iraq will connect via Doha or Johannesburg. At Lesotho immigration, present your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will stamp you in. The process is straightforward and usually takes 10–15 minutes.
Download Lesotho Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq 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.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostMUR 2,000 (~$50 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months
CostMUR 3,000 (~$75 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Lesotho company.
work visa
Work Permit (Class A/B)
1 year, renewable
MUR 5,000 (~$125 USD) per year
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Lesotho employer. Requires labour market test and contract.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
MUR 2,000 (~$50 USD) per year
For enrolled students at accredited institutions in Lesotho. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
MUR 10,000 (~$250 USD) initial fee
For investors with a minimum investment of MUR 500,000 (~$12,500 USD) in a local business. Requires business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | MUR 1,000 (~$25 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | MUR 2,000 (~$50 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extension possible at immigration office, subject to approval. | MUR 500 (~$12.50 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of MUR 10,000 (~$250 USD). | MUR 200 (~$5 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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
Iraqi passport holders transiting through Lesotho's airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, due to limited international flights, most transits require entering the country, which then requires an eVisa.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in lowland areas; 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; take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; consider prophylaxis if visiting rural lowlands.
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 extensions at border.
Practical information for IQ 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. There's no expedited option for Iraqi passport holders.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Lesotho and apply for a new eVisa from outside the country.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's less, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Immigration will deny entry otherwise.
Lesotho does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry. However, if you're traveling from a country with yellow fever risk, you may need proof of vaccination. Check with your airline.
No, Iraqi passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
The local currency is the Lesotho loti (LSL), which is pegged to the South African rand (ZAR). Both are accepted. US dollars are not widely accepted outside major hotels. ATMs are available in Maseru.
Lesotho is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing occurs in Maseru. Avoid walking alone at night in urban areas. The countryside is very safe. Register with your embassy on arrival.
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.