Lesotho entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Tanzanian passport holders can visit Lesotho without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy started in 2024. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date, and you need a return or onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Lesotho. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires within 6 months, you may still enter as long as it covers your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Lesotho | Immigration officers at Moshoeshoe I International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready. Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Lesotho. Border officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to about 1,000 ZAR (around $55 USD) per day of your stay. Immigration rarely checks this for short visits, but it's safer to have evidence ready. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 90 days
Tanzanian passport holders can stay up to 90 days without a visa. No application needed. Just show up with a valid passport and return ticket.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Lesotho. If it expires sooner, you will be denied entry at the border.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Moshoeshoe I International Airport (Maseru)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or printed), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 2–5 minutes.
2
Land border crossings (e.g., Maseru Bridge, Maputsoe)
If arriving by road from South Africa, you'll go through a land border post. Same documents needed. Queues can be longer on weekends and public holidays. Keep your passport and ticket handy.
Download Lesotho Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostM1,000 (approx. $56 USD)
For those who need a visa or want to extend stay beyond visa-free period.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostM2,000 (approx. $112 USD)
Allows multiple entries for longer or repeated visits.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue
CostM5,000 (approx. $280 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
M5,000 (approx. $280 USD) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer from a Lesotho employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of study, renewable annually
M2,000 (approx. $112 USD) plus processing fees
For enrolled students at recognized Lesotho institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
M10,000 (approx. $560 USD) plus processing fees
For individuals investing a minimum of M500,000 in a Lesotho business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for each day overstayed beyond 90 days. | M500 per day (approx. $28 USD) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay. | M10,000 (approx. $560 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Tanzania passport holders transiting through Lesotho do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry (up to 90 days) applies.
Airside transitAllowed
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 (e.g., Tanzania). Must present a valid yellow fever certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
HIV/AIDSHigh risk
High prevalence; practice safe behaviors and avoid blood exposure.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in lowland areas (e.g., Maseru); prophylaxis recommended for rural travel or 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 Department Headquarters
Corner Kingsway and Moshoeshoe 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
Mon–Sun 06:00–22:00
For entry/exit issues and short-term permits at the border.
Practical information for TZ 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. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Lesotho before the 90 days are up and re-enter later.
Lesotho does not require yellow fever vaccination for direct entry. However, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America), you may need to show a yellow card. Check with your airline before travel.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes. There are several land border crossings, including Maseru Bridge, Maputsoe, and Ficksburg Bridge. The same visa-free rules apply. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
No. There is no arrival declaration or pre-registration required for Tanzanian passport holders. Just show up with your passport and ticket.
The Lesotho loti (LSL) is the official currency, but South African rand (ZAR) is widely accepted everywhere. ATMs are available in Maseru and other towns. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger shops.
Lesotho is generally safe, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in cities. Avoid walking alone at night in Maseru. Keep valuables out of sight. The mountain areas are very safe for hiking.
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.