Lesotho

Police resources are varied throughout Lesotho.

Common crimes, especially in Maseru, include:

• muggings and armed robbery
• carjacking
• petty theft
• pickpocketing

Gun-related crimes and break-ins have targeted travellers.

Security risks increase at night and on weekends.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• avoid walking alone or at night
• always keep car doors locked and windows up, even when moving
• use ATMs in controlled areas such as banks, shops and shopping centres
• always keep your credit card in sight when paying bills at restaurants and shops

If you are the victim of crime, particularly sexual assault, you may not receive the same standard of care or understanding as you would in Australia. Please contact the Consular Emergency Centre or the Australian High Commission in Pretoria for assistance.

Lesotho has high rates of HIV/AIDS. If you think you are at risk of infection, seek immediate medical help. Consult your travel insurance about appropriate medical care. 

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information, including advice on reducing your risk of being kidnapped:

• Kidnapping

Cyber security

Public protests may occur and can become violent. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Demonstrations and protests

Political protests may occur in Maseru. 

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid protests and demonstrations
• monitor the media for reports of planned or possible unrest
• avoid affected areas
• follow the instructions of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. An attack could happen anywhere and at any time. You should:

• Consider likely terrorist targets and the level of security provided, including places visited by foreigners, such as shopping centres.
• Always be alert to possible threats, especially in public places.
• Report any suspicious items or activities to the police.

To reduce your risks:

• take official warnings seriously
• monitor the media for threats
• follow the instructions of local authorities.

If there's a terrorist attack:

• leave the affected area immediately if it's safe
• avoid the area afterwards in case of more attacks.

More information:

• Terrorism

Respect wildlife laws.

Maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife.

Use reputable and professional guides or tour operators.

Follow park rules and the advice of the wardens.

Lesotho experiences severe weather, including:

• thunderstorms
• extreme cold
• heavy snowfalls

Violent thunderstorms occur in summer from November to February.

The weather can change quickly in the mountains. It can be cold, even in summer months.

Be prepared for extreme cold during winter, from June to August.

Heavy snowfalls can cause road or mountain pass closures. Expect travel delays.

To protect yourself if severe weather is approaching:

• closely monitor local media and other sources, such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with friends and family
• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location

HIV/AIDS

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is very high.

Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities in Lesotho are basic.

You may need to travel to other regions to access health care, including facilities in Bloemfontein, South Africa, which is 140km from Maseru.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a major centre in South Africa or another place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Ask police or prison officials to contact the Australian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa if you're arrested or detained.

Police resources are varied throughout Lesotho.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Serious crimes, such as murder and sexual assault, can attract the death penalty.

It's illegal to take photos around military or government buildings.

Same-sex relationships are illegal.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Lesotho doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visas

Tourists can visit Lesotho for up to 30 days without a visa. If you intend to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for an extension, which must be done within the first 14 days of entry. For other situations, you'll need to apply for a visa in advance. While visas are no longer required, border processes are still done at road and air entry points. 

Border measures

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Lesotho if you travel from a country where yellow fever occurs. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Travel via South Africa

There are limited flight options to and from South Africa. Contact your travel provider for details. If you're travelling through South Africa, you must meet its entry and transit requirements.

Travelling from South Africa to Lesotho by road can be dangerous due the road conditions, including potholes and the routes are heavily used by cargo trucks.  

South Africa has specific documentation requirements for children.

South Africa doesn't accept provisional travel documents.

You may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter South Africa.

More information:

• Travel advice for South Africa

Validity

Lesotho requires your passport to be valid for six months from the date you plan to leave the country. You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months or does not have two blank pages.

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

The local currency is the Lesotho Loti (LSL).

South African Rand is widely accepted.

ATMs aren't reliable.

Credit cards are accepted in major centres.

Ask your bank if your cards will work in Lesotho.

Driving permit

To drive in Lesotho, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must obtain your IDP before departing Australia.

Road travel

You're more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Lesotho than in Australia.

Driving dangers include:

• poor local driving practices
• poorly maintained vehicles
• unpaved and poorly maintained roads, including potholes
• poor street lighting
• wild animals and livestock on the roads
• steep and twisting mountain roads
• rock falls

Roads between main urban centres are in fair condition. 

You will need a 4WD vehicle in some rural areas.

If you plan to drive:

• check you have adequate insurance cover
• learn local traffic laws and driving practice
• always be alert to possible dangers, such as animals and pedestrians on roads

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Your travel insurance policy may not cover you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only registered taxis, preferably arranged by your hotel.

Avoid hailing taxis on the street, as they're often poorly maintained.

Public transport

Avoid travelling by bus or taxi, as they're often overloaded and poorly maintained. There are limited reliable or safe public transport options in Lesotho.

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 authorisation.

Air travel

Check Lesotho's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Emergency services

Call 2231 2934 or 2232 2099. These numbers are sometimes out of service.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Lesotho.

You can get consular assistance from the High Commission in South Africa.

Australian High Commission, Pretoria

292 Orient Street
Arcadia
Pretoria 0083, South Africa

Phone: +27 12 423 6000
Email: pretoria@dfat.gov.au

Website: southafrica.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission in South Africa
X: @AuHCSouthAfrica

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia