Lesotho entry requirements for Egypt 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
Egyptian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Lesotho. Apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. This rule applies in 2026.
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, so submit at least a week before departure. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Moshoeshoe I International Airport will stamp the visa on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Egyptian passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Lesotho does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. Airlines may still check for 6 months, so verify with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Maseru airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. If you're overlanding to South Africa, show a bus or shuttle reservation. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Lesotho. Border officials rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. If staying with friends, a simple invitation letter with their contact details works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly 1,000 ZAR (about 1,500 EGP) per day of your stay. Immigration rarely checks, but if asked, a recent bank statement or a credit card with available limit is sufficient. | Recommended |
Transit through South Africa — check visa rules
Most flights from Egypt to Lesotho go through Johannesburg. If you need to clear South African immigration (e.g., to switch terminals or airports), you'll need a South Africa transit visa. Confirm with your airline before booking.
eVisa processing time
Apply at least 7 days before departure. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and there's no rush service. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the eVisa in hand.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Lesotho eVisa website. Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50 USD) with a credit card. Processing takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need it at airline check-in and when you land at Moshoeshoe I International Airport in Maseru.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport in Egypt, the airline will check your eVisa, passport validity, and return ticket. Have them ready in a folder. If you're transiting through Johannesburg (most common route), you may need a South Africa transit visa — check that separately.
4
Arrive at Moshoeshoe I International Airport
After landing, go to the immigration counter. Hand over your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. The whole process usually takes 10–15 minutes if your documents are in order.
Download Lesotho Entry Checklist
PDF · Egypt 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
Cost$50 USD (approx. 900 LSL)
Apply at Lesotho embassy or online. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 1,800 LSL)
For frequent travellers. Must show proof of multiple trips.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 2,700 LSL)
Requires invitation letter from Lesotho company.
work visa
Work Permit (Lesotho)
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 3,600 LSL) application fee
For foreign nationals employed by a Lesotho company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of study, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. 1,800 LSL) application fee
For enrolled students at accredited Lesotho institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 9,000 LSL) application fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in Lesotho business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | $50 USD (approx. 900 LSL) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $200 USD (approx. 3,600 LSL). | $10 USD (approx. 180 LSL) per day |
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
Egypt passport holders transiting through Lesotho do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is needed.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Diarrheal diseasesModerate risk
Common from contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Lesotho is high-altitude; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most areas, but prophylaxis recommended for travel to lowland rural regions, especially during rainy season (October–April).
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 Office (Maseru)
P.O. Box 363, Maseru 100, Lesotho
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Maseru
Maseru Border Post Immigration
Maseru Bridge Border, Main South Road
24/7
For entry/exit issues. Limited services for extensions.
Practical information for EG 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 eVisa fee is around $50 USD. You pay online with a credit card during the application.
No. Egyptian passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding their flight. There is no visa on arrival at Moshoeshoe I International Airport or any land border.
Most flights from Egypt to Lesotho connect in Johannesburg (JNB). If you stay in the international transit area and don't clear South African immigration, you don't need a transit visa. But if you need to change airports or leave the terminal, you will. Check with your airline.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo doesn't meet requirements or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You'll get an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected documents.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Lesotho and reapply for a new eVisa from outside the country.
Hand over your passport (with at least one blank page and 6+ months validity), your eVisa approval printout, and your return ticket. The officer may also ask for your accommodation confirmation. Have them all ready.
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.