Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs and is prevalent in urban areas.

• Be cautious when out in public places, especially at night
• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport, are secure at all times.
• Keep valuables with you in your carry-on when travelling and ensure it is secure at all times
• Stay in hotels or accommodations offering good security measures

Violent crime

Violent crime, such as armed robbery and residential break-ins, occurs and often targets foreigners. Hotspots include:

• popular restaurants
• local hotels
• the business district
• poorly lit or unlit roads

Crime is most prevalent in urban areas such as:

• Maseru
• Leribe
• Maputsoe

However, incidents have occurred in remote mountainous areas as well.

Carjacking also occurs.

• Don’t drive after dark
• Always lock windows and doors
• Don’t offer rides to hitchhikers
• Be vigilant when stopping at scenic points or rest stations
• Park in well-lit areas
• There is no visible police presence at night. Remain vigilant at all times
• Exercise increased caution in urban centres
• Don’t walk alone, especially at night
• If attacked or robbed, do not resist

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country.

The roads in the capital, Maseru, are adequate, as well as the roads leading to the airport and industrial areas. The roads leading to the Lesotho–South Africa border crossings and most of Lesotho’s district capitals are also in good condition. Aggressive and unpredictable local driving habits pose a risk in Maseru.  

The roads linking rural communities are gravel and poorly maintained.  They are poorly lit, and wandering livestock pose a risk to drivers. Some of these rural communities, mainly those in the mountainous areas, are only connected by dirt roads.  You may need a four-wheel drive vehicle in those areas. You must also have such a vehicle to enter and depart Lesotho through the Sani Pass on the eastern border. 

Tourist facilities are limited in Lesotho. There are few gas stations outside of cities and large towns, and no roadside assistance services operating throughout the country.

Weather conditions can change rapidly in mountainous regions. Even in the summer, it can become cold unexpectedly.

• Plan your travel accordingly
• Always carry a cell phone and charger
• Carry a blanket, warm clothes and a flashlight in case of snowfall or vehicle breakdown in mountain areas
• Contact the Lesotho Mounted Police Service in case of road emergencies

Public transportation

Bus and taxis

Although public bus and taxi services exist, poor vehicle maintenance, overcrowding and lack of driver training make them unsafe. Accidents occur regularly. 

The best way to travel is by private car.

Renting a car

Car rental services are available in Maseru. If you rent a car in South Africa, you may bring it into Lesotho with a letter of authorization from the rental company. 

• Check with the rental company to make sure they issue letters of authorization

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place from time to time. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Hiking and camping

Although hiking is a popular activity in Lesotho, there are no set hiking trails.

Given the country’s high altitude, mountaintop campsites will expose you to extreme weather, such as thunderstorms. Unpredictable rainfall can lead to flash floods in the valleys and flooding around rivers. Choose your campsite wisely. There is no reliable mountain rescue service in Lesotho.

If you intend to hike: 

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal

Women’s Safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Safe-travel guide for women

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of Lesotho. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Lesotho.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

• Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 30 days
• Temporary residence permit: required for stays longer than 44 days
• Work permit: required
• Study permit: required

If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for an extension with the Lesotho immigration authorities. You must apply for an extension before the end of the initial 14 days.

Health screening

Due to the ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease in neighbouring countries, you may be subject to a quick thermal scanner screening and a health questionnaire at the airport upon arrival or departure.

Children and travel

Learn about travel with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in Southern Africa, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Southern Africa. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Insects and Illness

In some areas in Southern Africa, certain insects carry and spread diseases like African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, chikungunya, malaria, Rift Valley fever, and West Nile virus.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in Southern Africa, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited in availability.

Outside of Maseru, healthcare is inadequate. Ambulance service is unreliable or non-existent. You will usually need to pay cash for medical care.

You may need medical evacuation to South Africa in the event of an accident or serious illness. The closest facilities are in Bloemfontein, South Africa, 140 km from Maseru. Should an evacuation be necessary, you may have to arrange your own transport, unless it’s specifically covered by your insurance policy.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines or long prison sentences.

Useful links

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

LGBTQ2 travellers

Lesotho law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between individuals of the same sex. However, Lesotho doesn’t recognise same-sex marriages or civil unions.

LGBTQ2 travellers could be discriminated based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Identification

Local authorities may ask to check your identity at any time.

• Carry identification documents at all times
• Keep a certified photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it is lost or confiscated

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Lesotho.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Lesotho, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Lesotho.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Lesotho by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Lesotho to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Driving

Traffic drives on the left.

You must carry an international driving permit.

More about the International Driving Permit

Money

The currency of Lesotho is the loti (LSL). The South African rand (ZAR) is also accepted.

Major credit cards are accepted, but only at major tourist establishments and banks. 

Natural disasters and climate

Severe weather

Lesotho is subject to severe weather. In the mountains, the weather can change quickly and unexpected rainfall can cause flash flooding and river swelling.

Extreme cold and snow

During winter months (June to August), expect extreme cold and heavy snowfall in the mountains. This could lead to road and mountain pass closures.  

Thunderstorms

Violent thunderstorms occur in the summer (November to February) and result in several deaths yearly.

• Plan accordingly
• Monitor local media and weather forecasts
• Follow the instructions of local authorities