Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Lesotho. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 3 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 181 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
+(266) 2231-2666; EMER: +(266) 5888-4035; US Embassy Maseru, PO Box 333, Maseru 100, Lesotho; USConsularMaseru@state.gov; https://ls.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
266
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 121; Fire: 122; Police: 123, 124
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Lesotho: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers
Currency (Code)
Maloti (LSL)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): M
Major Languages
Sesotho (southern Sotho), English, Zulu, Xhosa
Major Religions
Protestant 47.8% (Pentecostal 23.1%, Lesotho Evangelical 17.3%, Anglican 7.4%), Roman Catholic 39.3%, other Christian 9.1%, non-Christian 1.4%
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Sehlabathebe National Park; Thaba Bosiu Mountain; Ts’ehlanyane National Park; Liphofung Nature Reserve
Major Sports
Soccer, boxing, judo, cricket
Cultural Practices
Generally, counting on one's hands is done in the opposite order as is common in many Western countries, beginning at the pinky and progressing towards the thumb.
Tipping Guidelines
At most restaurants tipping is expected and 10-15% is appropriate. The exceptions are in rural parts of Lesotho where it is generally the custom to simply round up the bill. Tipping taxi drivers 10% is expected.
Souvenirs
Hand-woven wool/mohair clothing, tapestries, and accessories; traditional woven grass hats; leather goods; silver, gold, and diamond jewelry
Traditional Cuisine
Papa — boiled cornmeal porridge
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, September 28, 2023
