Lesotho entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Lesotho. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips.
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 — do not book flights until approved. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to the border.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Latvian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Lesotho. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Lesotho law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | 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 ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Border officials may ask where you are staying. Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Lesotho. A printed copy avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry a recent bank statement or a credit card with a visible limit. No specific minimum amount is published, but having at least 5,000 ZAR or equivalent in cash is sensible. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Lesotho does not offer visa on arrival for Latvian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight or cross the border. Apply at least a week in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in Lesotho, not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Lesotho eVisa portal. Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and accommodation. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print eVisa
You'll get an email with your eVisa PDF. Print a copy and also save it to your phone. Keep it with your passport when travelling.
3
Arrive at Moshoeshoe I International Airport
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. The process is usually straightforward — expect 10–15 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There's a customs desk — declare any goods over M5,000 or restricted items. Then you're free to exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Lesotho Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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$150 USD (approx. €140)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$250 USD (approx. €230)
Ideal for multiple trips within six months.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. €185)
Requires invitation letter from Lesotho company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. €280) per year
For those with a job offer from a Lesotho employer. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. €140) per year
For enrollment at a recognized Lesotho institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Lesotho business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Single Entry)Standard fee for Latvia passport holders applying online. | $150 USD (approx. €140) |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Same as eVisa; may be obtained on arrival if eligible. | $150 USD (approx. €140) |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $250 USD (approx. €230) |
| Overstay FinePayable at immigration office or border exit. | $50 USD per day (max $500 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
Latvia passport holders transiting through Lesotho airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine Vaccines (MMR, DTP, Polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Diarrheal diseasesModerate risk
Common from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Lesotho is high-altitude; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low overall, but prophylaxis is advised for travel to rural lowland areas, 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 extensions at the border.
Practical information for LV 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 = 16.69 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
Typically 3–5 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The standard eVisa fee is around $50 USD (about €45). Payment is by credit card on the application portal. There are no additional embassy or service fees.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter with a new eVisa.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Latvia is not a risk country, so you won't need it unless you've recently travelled to an endemic area. Check the WHO list before you go.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo doesn't meet requirements, your passport has less than 6 months validity, or you have a criminal record. You'll get an email explaining the reason. You can reapply after fixing the issue.
Yes. The eVisa is valid for entry at all land borders and at Moshoeshoe I International Airport. The Maseru Bridge border post is the busiest. Have your eVisa printout ready for the immigration officer.
Not officially required, but it's wise to have a credit card or some cash (South African rand is widely accepted). Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.