Lesotho entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
From 2026, Ivory Coast passport holders need an eVisa to enter Lesotho. Apply online before travel, receive an approval letter by email, and present it at the border. No embassy visit required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Lesotho eVisa at the official Immigration Department portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and you receive the approval by email. Print the eVisa approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the full duration of your stay in Lesotho. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Maseru enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit | Immigration at Moshoeshoe I International Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Lesotho. Immigration officers may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Carry evidence of enough funds for your stay, such as a bank statement or credit card. Officers rarely ask, but it helps if questioned about your ability to support yourself. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa. Immigration will deny entry otherwise.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa approval letter, passport bio page, and return ticket as PDFs on your phone. If you lose your printed copy, you can show the digital version at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the official Lesotho eVisa portal. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your approval letter
Once approved, you will get an email with your eVisa approval letter. Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You will need to show this at check-in and at Lesotho immigration.
3
Arrive at Moshoeshoe I International Airport (Maseru)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Present your passport, eVisa approval letter, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes if you have everything ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, walk straight through the green channel. You are in.
Download Lesotho Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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
CostM500 (~$28 USD)
Apply at Lesotho embassy or online. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostM1,000 (~$56 USD)
For frequent visitors. Must show travel history.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostM1,500 (~$84 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Lesotho company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
M2,000 (~$112 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Lesotho employer. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
M1,000 (~$56 USD) application fee
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Lesotho. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
M5,000 (~$280 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least M500,000 (~$28,000 USD) in a Lesotho business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | M500 (~$28 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office upon departure. | M100 (~$5.60 USD) per day, max M5,000 (~$280 USD) |
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
Ivory Coast passport holders transiting through Lesotho do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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, including Ivory Coast.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Present in lowland areas, especially during rainy season (October–May). Prophylaxis recommended.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation. Practice food and water safety.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Lesotho is high-altitude; visitors may experience symptoms above 2,500m. Acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in lowland areas (e.g., Maseru, Mafeteng) during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent and consider prophylaxis.
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 Department - Headquarters
P.O. Box 363, Maseru 100
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Maseru
Maseru Border Post Immigration Office
Maseru Bridge Border Post
Mon–Sun 06:00–22:00
For entry/exit issues and short extensions at the border.
Practical information for CI 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 = 16.27 LSL
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
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There is no expedited option.
The official fee is around $50–$60 USD, depending on the current exchange rate. Pay online with a credit or debit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you would need to apply for a different visa type from outside the country.
Lesotho does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry. However, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, you may be asked for proof. Check with your doctor.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all land border crossings, including the main ones from South Africa (Maseru Bridge, Ficksburg Bridge, etc.). Just show your approval letter along with your passport.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport does not meet the validity requirement. You will get a refund minus a processing fee. Reapply with correct info.
If you are flying via Johannesburg, you may need a South African transit visa depending on your nationality. Check South Africa's visa requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.