Lesotho entry requirements for Mozambique passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Mozambican passport holders need a visa to enter Lesotho. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. As of 2026, the standard process involves submitting an application online or at a Lesotho embassy.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a Lesotho visa at the Lesotho Immigration Department or at a Lesotho embassy before travel. The official portal is immigration.gov.ls — you can check visa types and download application forms there. Processing times vary, so apply at least 2 weeks before your departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Lesotho. Lesotho does not enforce a 6-month validity rule beyond your stay, but airlines may still ask for it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended | Immigration officers at Maseru's Moshoeshoe I International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or bus ticket out of Lesotho ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Lesotho. Border officials may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or cash showing you can support yourself during your stay. There's no fixed minimum amount, but showing at least 500 USD equivalent helps avoid questions. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
Lesotho does not offer visa on arrival for Mozambican passport holders. Do not travel without an approved visa — you will be refused entry.
eVisa is the easiest route
Apply online through the official Lesotho eVisa portal. It's faster than going to an embassy and you get the visa by email. Print a copy to carry with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visa
Submit your visa application online through the Lesotho eVisa portal or at the nearest Lesotho embassy. You'll need to upload your passport scan, photo, travel itinerary, and accommodation details. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive your visa
Once approved, you'll get a visa approval letter or eVisa by email. Print a copy and keep it with your passport. Some travellers also receive a sticker — check the instructions.
3
Arrive at Moshoeshoe I International Airport or land border
At immigration, present your passport, visa approval, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will stamp you in. The process is straightforward if you have all documents ready.
Download Lesotho Entry Checklist
PDF · Mozambique 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
CostM150 (~$8 USD)
Apply at Lesotho embassy or on arrival. Requires passport, photo, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostM250 (~$14 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must show travel itinerary.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostM300 (~$17 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Lesotho company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~M1,000 (~$55 USD) plus processing
For foreign nationals employed by a Lesotho company. Requires job offer, contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~M500 (~$28 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Lesotho institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
~M5,000 (~$275 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of M500,000 (~$27,500 USD) in a Lesotho business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa, payable at Lesotho embassy or on arrival. | M150 (~$8 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | M250 (~$14 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension of stay beyond initial period, subject to immigration approval. | M200 (~$11 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | M50 (~$3 USD) per day, max M1,000 (~$55 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Mozambique passport holders transiting through Lesotho by air do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
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 and stay hydrated.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most areas, but present in lowland regions during rainy season. Consider prophylaxis if visiting rural areas.
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 – Maseru Office
Corner Kingsway and Parliament Road, Maseru
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, Maseru
Mon–Sun 06:00–22:00
Handles entry/exit and short extensions at the border.
Practical information for MZ 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
No. Lesotho does not offer visa on arrival for Mozambican passport holders. You must obtain a visa before you travel, either online via the eVisa system or from a Lesotho embassy.
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your planned departure to be safe. The eVisa is sent by email.
The standard eVisa fee is around $50–$100 USD depending on the type (single entry vs multiple entry). Check the official eVisa portal for the exact amount — it can change.
Extensions are not available for Mozambican passport holders. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you are transiting and will not leave the airport, you may not need a visa. But check with your airline — if you need to clear immigration, you'll need a visa.
Lesotho does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry. However, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you may need proof of vaccination. Check current health requirements before travel.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no way to get a visa at the border. Always have your visa approved before you travel.
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.