Lesotho

Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

B-There is a high crime risk against foreigners. There is a high corruption risk affecting all personnel. HSE risk is high as there is no regulation or HSE culture in country. The country scored 54/175 on the corruption perception index, with a score of 0.093 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes)

Crime

 

Muggers in central Maseru frequently target foreign nationals. Don’t walk alone in isolated areas or after dark and avoid driving in rural areas at night. When driving in urban centres, especially Maseru, keep doors locked, windows shut and valuables out of sight. Park in well-lit areas and do not pick up strangers. Take care at the approaches to main border crossings, particularly at night. There have been cases of armed car-jacking. If you are involved in such an incident, offer no resistance.

 

Take precautions to safeguard valuables and cash. Leave them in hotel safes, where practicable. Keep copies of important documents, including passports, in a separate place.

 

Local travel

 

There is no effective public transport system or reliable taxi service in Lesotho.

 

Road travel

 

An EU driving licence or International Driving Permit is valid for use in Lesotho for up up to three months. If you wish to drive for a longer period, you will need a local driving licence.

 

Driving standards in Lesotho are poor and you should drive carefully.  Local mini-bus taxis are often poorly maintained and uninsured, and ignore road safety rules. Animals roaming on the roads are a hazard, especially at night.

 

Air travel

 

The European Commission has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the European Union.

 

Political situation

 

There are occasional spontaneous political demonstrations in Maseru. You should avoid demonstrations, rallies and large public gatherings.

 

Local laws and customs

 

Homosexuality is illegal.

 

Possession of drugs is a serious offence and punishments can be severe.

 

Health

Lesotho has only very basic medical facilities. Expatriates use medical facilities in Bloemfontein, South Africa, a 90-minute drive (140km) from Maseru. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, including evacuation by air and repatriation.

 

Visas

 

EU nationals can obtain entry visas on arrival. Overstaying without proper authority is a serious matter. You may be held in detention. 

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 90 days from the date of exit from Lesotho. You must have at least two spare pages to allow the immigration authorities to affix visa stamps.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

South Africa

 

If you intend to visit South Africa before or after Lesotho you should be aware that while South African authorities state officially that only one blank passport page is required for entry, there have been reports of some South African officials insisting on two blank pages.

 

Travelling with children via a South African airport

 

If you’re transiting through a South African airport with children, see our South Africa travel advice page for information and advice about the documents you’ll need to carry.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 121 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.