Lesotho entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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

Vietnamese passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Lesotho. It covers tourism and business visits. Apply online ahead of time. As of 2026, the process is simple, but you'll need to gather a few documents first.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online 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. The eVisa is valid for single entry up to 30 days.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months
Your Vietnamese passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Lesotho. Airlines check this at check-in — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Lesotho
Immigration officers at Moshoeshoe I International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Lesotho. Officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least 2,000 ZAR (or equivalent in USD) per day of your stay. Immigration may ask for this if you look underfunded.Recommended
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Lesotho does not offer visa on arrival for Vietnamese passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Print two copies and keep one separate from your passport.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive 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 the eVisa online
Go to the official Lesotho eVisa website and 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). Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa PDF. Print two copies — one to keep with your passport, one as a backup. Save a digital copy on your phone too.
3
Arrive at Moshoeshoe I International Airport
Most visitors fly into Maseru. At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
4
Keep your documents handy during your stay
You may be asked to show your passport and eVisa at hotels or by police. Keep them in a secure but accessible place.
Download Lesotho Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

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$100 USD (approx. 2,300,000 VND)

Apply at Lesotho embassy or on arrival. Extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. 4,600,000 VND)

Good for multiple visits. Extension possible per entry.

Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$250 USD (approx. 5,750,000 VND)

Requires invitation letter from Lesotho company.

work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (approx. 11,500,000 VND) per year
For those with a job offer in Lesotho. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 4,600,000 VND) per year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Lesotho. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 23,000,000 VND) initial fee
For investors with significant capital (minimum $50,000 USD) in Lesotho. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Vietnam passport holders applying online.$150 USD (approx. 3,500,000 VND)
Tourist visa (single entry, at embassy)If applying through Lesotho embassy or visa on arrival.$100 USD (approx. 2,300,000 VND)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.$200 USD (approx. 4,600,000 VND)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 11,500,000 VND).$10 USD per day (approx. 230,000 VND)

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

Vietnam 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
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 due to food and water contamination; practice safe eating and drinking.

HIV/AIDSHigh risk

High prevalence; take precautions and avoid risky behaviors.

Malaria risk: low

Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis recommended for travel to rural lowland regions.

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
Kingsway Road, Maseru 100
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.

Maseru
Lesotho Department of Immigration
P.O. Box 363, Maseru 100
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Handles visa applications and renewals.

Practical information for VN 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
updated May 29
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
Police123
Medical121
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. There's also an express option that can be processed in 1–2 business days for an extra fee. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The standard eVisa fee is around $50 USD. Express processing costs about $100 USD. Prices are subject to change, so check the official eVisa website for the latest fees.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa, or check with the Lesotho immigration office in Maseru about other options.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Vietnam is not a yellow fever risk country, so you won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an affected area. Check the latest health requirements before you go.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet the validity requirement. You'll receive a reason for rejection. You can reapply with corrected information, but you'll need to pay the fee again.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all official border crossings, including land borders from South Africa. Just present your printed eVisa and passport at the border post.
It's not officially required, but it's a good idea to have a credit card or some cash (South African rand or Lesotho loti) to show if asked. ATMs are available in Maseru but less common in rural areas.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.