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. 

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:

• Kidnapping

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

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

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation: the Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location. 

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Lesotho. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Pharmaceutical products may be in short supply in Lesotho.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medications is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

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
• COVID-19

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

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.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

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

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

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.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 229KB)

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

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

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.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

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
• 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
• 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

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

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.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help 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
Fax: +27 12 342 8442

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