COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Lesotho (12 April Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

  • Yes

  • Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

  • No with exceptions

  • Non-essential travel is prohibited.

  • Outbound travel remains suspended except for those with a valid visa for their destination.

Is transit allowed through the country?

  • No

  • Transit through Lesotho remains suspended.

Is a test required on arrival?

  • No

  • All travellers will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone showing symptoms must self-quarantine and may be required to quarantine in a government-nominated facility at their own expense.

Is a test certificate allowed?

  • Yes

  • Test certificates issued by foreign countries are accepted.

Test certificate required?

  • Yes

  • All arrivals will need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued within 72 hours prior to departure to Lesotho.

  • All departing travellers will need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued within 72 hours prior to departure from Lesotho. If departing travellers return within 14 days they will need to present the negative test certificate that was issued to them.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

  • No with exceptions

  • Travellers showing symptoms of coronavirus will be required to self-isolate at their permanent or temporary residence or may be placed in an isolation facility in a government hospital at their own expense.

  • Based on the above restrictions, all incoming travellers will be subjected to 0 days of quarantine in the best-case scenario. Passengers showing symptoms may have to stay in quarantine until they test negative in the worst-case scenario.

Is a vaccination required?

  • No

  • A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into Lesotho.

Insurance required?

  • No

  • Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Airline restrictions

  • Significant

  • Flight services are very limited. Moshoeshoe International Airport remains closed, except for transport of essential goods and essential services personnel.

Border restrictions

  • Significant

  • Non-essential travel remains banned. Movement across the border is restricted to those providing essential goods and services, those with medical emergencies (with permits), and certain other limited categories.

  • The border crossing points at Maseru Bridge, Caledonspoort (Butha Buthe), Maputsoe Bridge, Qacha’s Nek Bridge, and Vanrooyens Gate (Mafeteng) remain open, but subject to change at short notice.

  • All visitors to Lesotho must travel through, or transit via, South Africa.

Curfew restrictions

  • Significant

  • A curfew is in place from 22:00 to 04:00 (local time).

Social distancing restrictions

  • Significant

  • All non-essential gatherings are prohibited.

  • All political gatherings, including protests, remain prohibited.

  • Funerals are restricted to a maximum of 50 family members and 10 attendants for a maximum of 2 hours. Weddings are permitted with a maximum of 50 guests and a maximum length of 2 hours.

Internal travel restrictions

  • Significant

  • Non-essential domestic travel remains banned.

  • Public transport can now operate at full seated capacity. Masks must be worn at all times. Eating in the vehicle is prohibited.

Non-essential shops open?

  • Yes

  • Non-essential businesses are allowed to remain open but must observe COVID-19 Protocols.

Accommodations open?

  • Yes with exceptions

  • Hotels are permitted to open at full occupancy. Conferences and workshops are permitted with limited attendance. Not all hotels have yet re-opened.

Restaurants open?

  • Yes

  • Restaurants and fast-food outlets may operate at a limited capacity between 06:00-21:00 (local time).

Bars and cafes open?

  • Yes with exceptions

  • Bars are closed.

  • Cafés are allowed to remain open between 06:00-21:00. Alcohol is only permitted to be sold as take-out.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

  • No

  • Tourism sites are closed. Non-essential travel is prohibited.

  • Public parks and recreational areas are permitted to reopen.

*Personal care services open? *

  • Yes

  • Non-essential businesses are allowed to remain open. Hair salons may operate an appointment-only service between 08:00 and 20:00.

Places of worship open?

  • Yes with exceptions

  • Church services are permitted indoors only and with limited attendance.

Events allowed?

  • No

  • All gatherings, including political rallies, are banned.

Masks required in public?

  • Yes

  • Anyone leaving their place of residence must wear a face covering. This includes while walking in the street, and in shops and public offices.

Other

  • Schools and colleges are permitted to open on a rotational basis to reduce numbers on-site and in school transport.

  • Alcohol is only permitted to be sold as take-out.

  • Nightclubs remain closed.

Advice For Travellers

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.