The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
- the whole of Lesotho based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.
From 4am on Saturday 9 January, visitors arriving into the UK who have been in or transited through Lesotho in the previous 10 days will not be permitted entry. British and Irish citizens, and third country nationals with residence rights in the UK arriving in the UK from Lesotho, need to self-isolate along with their households on their return. Check the latest guidance for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. See Coronavirus.
The FCDO is not advising those already travelling in Lesotho to leave at this time. Travellers should follow the advice of the local authorities on how best to protect themselves and others, including any measures that they bring in to control the virus. You should contact your tour operator or airline if you have any questions about your return journey.
Travel to Lesotho is subject to entry restrictions
- Lesotho is returning to “Orange Level” restrictions from 3 February 2021
- Movement across the border is restricted to those providing essential goods and services, those with medical emergencies (with permits) and certain other limited categories
- Moshoeshoe International Airport remains closed, except for transport of essential goods and essential services personnel
- Those permitted to enter Lesotho must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours
See Coronavirus and Entry requirements for more information before you plan to travel.
Visitors to Lesotho must transit South Africa by air or land.
The South African Government has closed the land borders between South Africa and neighbouring countries until 15 February 2021. You can still enter South Africa via land borders if you are returning to the UK. Flights between South Africa are still permitted by the South African Government, but Lesotho’s Moshoeshoe Airport is currently closed. See our Travel Advice for South Africa for further information.
Preparing for your return journey to the UK
If you’re returning to the UK from overseas, you will need to:
If your return journey to the UK transits another country, you should check whether it is subject to a travel ban or any other additional requirements. If so, contact your travel provider.
Check our advice on foreign travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and sign up for email alerts for this travel advice.
If you’re planning travel to Lesotho, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance on foreign travel insurance.
The British High Commission in Pretoria provides consular support to British nationals in Lesotho. If you are in Lesotho and need urgent help from the UK Government call +27 12 421 7500. If you are in the UK and worried about a British national in Lesotho call 020 7008 5000.
Most visits to Lesotho are trouble free.
There are occasional planned or spontaneous political demonstrations in Maseru. You should avoid demonstrations, rallies and large public gatherings and stay at home if there is any unusual activity by the security forces. See Political situation
There is often an increase in criminal activity, especially property crimes, leading up to the holiday season. Take extra care and be vigilant during this period. See Crime
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Lesotho, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
