Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
Maximum Alerts / Lesotho
Level published by the State Department on 16.06.2026 · read 16 October 2026 · source checked daily
Lesotho — official level as of 16 October 2026: Level 2/4 ("Exercise Increased Caution"), from the U.S. Department of State. Maximum Insurance covers this country: hospital settled directly, unlimited repatriation, EUR 1.5M, certificate on payment.
Every country has its own scale, so we ask them all the same question: is the whole country advised against?
An advisory covering only areas of the country does not raise the answer: it stays “No”, and the area is shown in the relevant column.
The level shown on this page — and across this site — is the one published by the U.S. State Department, from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). France and the United Kingdom publish their own advisories, with their own rules: they add to that level, they do not replace it.
You will be alerted only on the day the official level of this country changes.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
What I say on the phone
What to do, in this order
In immediate danger, call local emergency services first. Then contact assistance without delay; before engaging a service, seek approval under your policy. Cover is confirmed by the insurer.
Ask assistance where to get care and whether direct cover can be arranged. It confirms the facility and seeks the insurer's approval under your policy. In immediate danger, call local emergency services first.
Even for a pain you meant to shrug off. Without a medical certificate written on the spot, the same day, the insurer cannot cover the event — a certificate written after you return does not count.
The hospital desk sends the request to assistance. Direct payment depends on the insurer's approval and the policy; the call alone does not guarantee it. Have the response confirmed before relying on no up-front payment.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services immediately. For an arranged transfer or repatriation, contact assistance: the insurer's medical team decides on measures under the policy. A medical flight booked without approval may not be reimbursed.
Even if everything went well on the ground. Send your invoices and the medical report within 30 days; after that, compensation may be reduced or refused.
Reading hospitals, doctors and pharmacies around this point…
near Dove Road
Mo-Th 08:00-16:30; Fr 08:00-13:00
Cnr Airport Rd & Moshoeshoe Rd Moshoeshoe Road
general
Mo-Sa 08:00-16:30
Cnr Airport Rd & Moshoeshoe Rd Moshoeshoe Road
maternity;general
Moshoeshoe Road Maseru
Mothamo House, Cathedral Area Main South Road Maseru
general;maternity;fertility;clinic;surgery
Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00
near Pope John Paul II Road
near Caldwell Road
near Masia Road
Lancers Road Maseru
general;clinic
Ha Ratjomose, Maseru Kofi Annan Road
general;maternity;clinic;fertility;dentist
House no.5 Maluti Rd, Maseru West
general;clinic
Airport Road
Adventville Main South Road Maseru
general
Mo-Fr 07:45-18:00
11 Kofi Annan Road
gynaecology
8 Kofi Annan Road
general
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00; Sa 08:00-13:00
near Main South
near LCE
near Phuleng Street
Thetsane Office Park Kofi Annan Road
general;clinic;fertility;blood_check;surgery
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00; Sa-Su 08:00-15:00
Upper Thamae Road Maseru
near Lithoteng
dentist;maternity;clinic;general;vaccination
near Chief
"by appointment"
Ha Mots'oeneng, Main South 1 Rd Maseru
general;fertility;clinic;vaccination
Mo-Fr 11:00-18:00; Su 09:00-15:00
near Naleli Pass Road
Lithoteng, Ha Seoli, Maseru Qoaling Road
general;emergency;clinic;fertility;maternity;dentist
near Likotsi Clinic Road
Kingsway Maseru
Mo-Sa 08:50-16:30
shop no 2 Kingsway
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00; Sa 08:00-14:00; Su 09:00-13:00
near High Court Road
Shop 29 Kingsway Maseru
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00; Sa-Su 08:00-14:00
Kingsway Maseru
Mo-Fr 08:00-18:30; Sa-Su 08:00-15:00
Pioneer Road Maseru
Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 09:00-13:00; Su 10:00-13:00
Kingsway Maseru
near Kingsway
Kingsway
Moshoeshoe Road Maseru
Near Captain Dorego, Cathedral Area Main North 1
Main North 1 Maseru
Phamola Road Maseru
08:00-18:00
Maseru Industrial Area Moshoeshoe Road
Shop 79, Maseru Mall Pope John Paul II Road
Mo-Fr 09:00-19:00; Sa 09:00-10:30; Su 09:00-16:00
near Main South
Upper Thamae Road
near Main South
near Lithoteng
near Ha Motšoeneng - Ha Mosalla Road
Ha Tsolo, By Pass Stop Kofi Annan Road Maseru
08:00-19:00
near Kofi Annan Side-Step Road
near Lithoteng
near Semphetenyane
Kingsway Maseru
Kingsway Maseru
near Linare Road
open "By appointment only";PH off
near High School Road
Constitution Road
254 Mpilo Boulevard / Kingsway Road Maseru
near Mpilo Boulevard
06:00-20:30
Constitution Road Maseru
PHQ Parliament Road
Mo 09:00-16:30; Tu-Fr 08:00-16:30
Maseru Mall Pope John Paul II Road
near Lioli Road
Thetsane Kofi Annan Road Maseru
near Lithoteng
Lithoteng, Ha Seoli, Maseru Ha Pita Rd
24/7
near Stadium Road
near Main South Road
near Tierbere Road
near Ha Ratjomose Bypass
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
10-16 0.2 · 10-17 0.1 · 10-18 0.1 · 10-19 0.1 · 10-20 0.1 · 10-21 0.1 · 10-22 0.0 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
No geolocated event in this country at this reading.
No geolocated UCDP incident in this country.
No news located around Maseru in this reading.
National numbers (Wikidata, 2026 reading). On site, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: the insurer sends its payment guarantee to the hospital.
Elevation: MET Norway terrain model (CC BY 4.0), read from its forecast.
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Lesotho. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Lesotho.
Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.
Monkeypox vaccination is recommended for any adult who anticipates any of the following activities during travel: Sexual or intimate contact with a new partner Sexual or intimate contact at a commercial sex venue, like a sex club or bathhouse Sexual or intimate contact in exchange for money, goods, drugs, or other trade Sexual or intimate contact in association with a large public event, such as a rave, party, or…
Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Lesotho. Rabies is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species. If rabies exposures occur while in Lesotho, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the country.
Consider getting a typhoid vaccine if you might: Travel to areas with poor sanitation and unsafe water, including rural areas Spend a long time in Lesotho, such as a month or more Visit friends or relatives Typhoid vaccine is not 100% effective. Practicing safe food and water habits , including washing hands at key times , can also help prevent typhoid fever .
CDC recommendations: Vaccine is not recommended. Country entry requirements: Vaccine is not required. Updated April 23, 2025
CDC Travelers' Health, re-read weekly — the recommendation depends on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm it with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure.CDC ↗read 10.10.2026
High incidence: a long stay or time in care settings warrants a test on return.
Average coverage: two up-to-date MMR doses remain the rule.
World Bank — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Source: France Diplomatie (health advice, in French).
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
WHO: no outbreak reported for this country in the last 24 months (Disease Outbreak News).who.int ↗read 16.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — medical care, in French
En dehors de la capitale Maseru, les soins médicaux ne sont pas assurés. Dans la plupart des hôpitaux publics, les soins médicaux sont insuffisants, et les conditions d’hygiène sont précaires. Il est recommandé de choisir une clinique privée. Celles-ci exigent une avance de paiement ( argent liquide ) avant de commencer un traitement. En cas de maladie ou de blessure grave, il faut se faire soigner hors du pays (Afrique du Sud ou Europe). Si vous prenez régulièrement des médicaments , emportez-en une quantité suffisante avec vous. Notez toutefois que de nombreux pays appliquent des réglementations restrictives. Cela vaut en particulier, mais pas exclusivement, pour les médicaments contenant des stupéfiants (par exemple la méthadone) et les substances utilisées pour le traitement des troubles psychiques. Avant votre départ, renseignez-vous directement auprès de la représentation étrangère compétente (ambassade ou consulat) et consultez la rubrique Liens voyages , où vous trouverez de plus amples informations sur ce sujet ainsi que sur la médecine du voyage en général. Les informations concernant la propagation de maladies et les éventuelles mesures de protection à prendre sont fournies par le personnel médical et les centres de vaccination. Liens voyages
France Diplomatiesource ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Consulter si besoin son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) pour faire une évaluation de son état de santé et bénéficier de recommandations sanitaires, notamment sur les vaccinations. Consulter éventuellement son dentiste avant le départ.
Constituer sa pharmacie personnelle en conséquence et n’emporter dans ses bagages que les médicaments strictement nécessaires ; ne jamais consommer de médicaments achetés dans la rue (risque de contrefaçons). Les médicaments doivent être dans leur emballage d’origine avec les étiquettes originales, accompagnés d’une ordonnance portant le nom des médicaments en dénomination commune internationale (DCI). Il est indispensable de vérifier que les médicaments concernés sont autorisés dans le pays visité : pour plus d’informations, consulter la fiche Informations pratiques .
Les vaccins recommandés en France sont également indispensables lors d’un séjour à l’étranger : les maladies qu’ils préviennent circulent partout dans le monde, parfois même plus fréquemment qu’en France. Avant tout départ, le voyageur (adulte et enfant) doit donc d’abord s’assurer d’être à jour du calendrier vaccinal français, en particulier des vaccins contre la diphtérie, le tétanos, la poliomyélite, la coqueluche mais aussi contre la rougeole. Le carnet de vaccination peut être demandé à l’arrivée de certains pays.
Des vaccinations complémentaires peuvent être nécessaires :
Il est donc conseillé de consulter son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) suffisamment de temps avant le voyage.
La fièvre typhoïde est une maladie infectieuse causée par des bactéries présentes dans l’eau contaminée par des matières fécales d’origine humaine. L’infection résulte le plus souvent de l’ingestion d’eau ou d’aliments contaminés, ou d’une transmission directe de personne à personne. Les symptômes surviennent en moyenne 3 semaines après la contamination et associent fièvre, maux de tête, perte d’appétit, douleurs abdominales avec diarrhée ou constipation, fatigue et parfois, éruption cutanée. Dans les formes plus graves, la fièvre typhoïde peut être fatale en l’absence de traitement.
Les mesures de prévention reposent sur les règles élémentaires d’hygiène générale vis-à-vis de l’eau, des aliments et du lavage des mains ainsi que sur la vaccination.
Pour plus d’informations , consulter le site de l'Institut Pasteur .
L’hépatite A est une maladie virale du foie provoquée par l’ingestion d’eau ou d’aliments contaminés. La prévention repose sur la vaccination et le respect de règles d’hygiène alimentaire.
Le mpox (anciennement variole du singe) est une maladie virale qui se transmet par contact rapproché avec une personne infectée via notamment des lésions cutanées, des fluides corporels, des objets contaminés ou encore des gouttelettes respiratoires (postillons). La maladie est caractérisée le plus souvent par l’association de fièvre, de courbatures et d’une éruption cutanée. Des formes graves voire mortelles sont possibles, notamment chez les enfants, les femmes enceintes et les personnes immunodéprimées.
Avant le départ en zone endémique, la vaccination peut être indiquée pour les voyageurs les plus à risques. L’application des mesures de prévention est essentielle : hygiène des mains, évitement de contacts physiques…
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère en charge de la Santé et le site de l'Assurance Maladie .
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère en charge de la Santé .
Health — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 10.12.2025 · read 16.10.2026
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, call 112 and ask for an ambulance.
If 112 is not operating, call locally on 80093030121.
You can also access emergency treatment across the border in South Africa. Mediclinic Bloemfontein is a 90-minute drive (140km) from Maseru and has private ambulances.
Mediclinic: +27 51 404 6225
Ambulance: ER24 +27 102053588
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Lesotho .
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Lesotho. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro .
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .
Lesotho has basic medical facilities. Most foreign visitors use healthcare facilities in Bloemfontein, South Africa, a 90-minute drive from Maseru.
In Lesotho, Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital (+266 2231 3260) and Maseru Private Hospital (+266 2233 3600) are the main hospitals. Both are in the Maseru area. Outside of Maseru there are District hospitals in most of the Districts.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Lesotho where some staff will speak English.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .
Places read from OpenStreetMap, within a circle of about 12 km: phone, email, address, website and hours when the source publishes them. No customer reviews, that source has none. Straight-line distances.
Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).
No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.
The levels each government publishes, unsummarised: their texts, linked below, prevail.
no region is advised against by these readings; the trip follows the national advice. A new regional advisory would call for a new, written decision.
Global Affairs Canada — Open Government Licence – Canada (15.10.2026) · Foreign Office — Open Government Licence v3.0 · France Diplomatie (10.03.2026) · Natural Earth
No located event in this reading.
Last change: New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).
Updated 16.06.2026
Exercise increased caution in Lesotho due to crime and health .
Crime is common in Lesotho. Armed robberies and carjackings happen from time to time. Local police may not have enough resources to respond quickly when crimes occur.
Lesotho’s health infrastructure is inadequate. Health facilities, services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are neither well-regulated nor well stocked. Locally available medications may be unsafe. Travelers have the option to enter South Africa for health services.
Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Bring enough prescription medications to last the entire duration of your trip.
10-16 0.2 · 10-17 0.1 · 10-18 0.1 · 10-19 0.1 · 10-20 0.1 · 10-21 0.1 · 10-22 0.0 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.
No major event in progress is located in this country at this morning's check.
Reading: On the road, 14 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
What we locate on the map are events in progress that have real coordinates: USGS earthquakes, GDACS disasters, NOAA storms and open NASA EONET events. Hover a dot for details, click to open it in this briefing.
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
The security page lists no red or orange area.France Diplomatie ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
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Dernière actualisation le 10/03/2026, information toujours valable à la date du jour
L’ensemble du pays est en vigilance renforcée. Le risque routier, lié au mauvais état des routes et aux dangers de la circulation dans le pays (comportement des conducteurs, risques naturels et présence d’animaux) est important. La faiblesse des infrastructures de santé complique la prise en charge sanitaire en cas d’accident.
La situation politique au Lesotho reste incertaine. La plus grande vigilance est requise sur l’ensemble du territoire et il convient de s’écarter de tout rassemblement sur la voie publique.
Les actes de délinquance (vols à l’arrachée, vols de véhicules) sont courants et peuvent parfois être assortis de violence. Les étrangers sont parfois ciblés. Il convient d’être vigilant entre le quartier d’affaires et les hôtels dans la capitale Maseru et dans les villes secondaires. En cas d’agression, il convient de n’opposer aucune résistance. Il est déconseillé de se déplacer la nuit.
Les accidents de la circulation, dus à l’imprudence des conducteurs ou au terrain défavorable, sont nombreux et souvent mortels. En raison de la présence d’animaux errants sur la route et de l’absence d’éclairage, il est déconseillé de conduire de nuit.
Il est recommandé de demeurer vigilant sur les aires de stationnement isolées, notamment celles aménagées aux points de vue panoramiques, où plusieurs touristes ont été victimes d’agressions et de vols. D’une manière générale, il convient de circuler avec les portes verrouillées et les fenêtres fermées.
Comme dans toute région montagneuse, les conditions météorologiques peuvent changer rapidement et perturber les déplacements. Il convient de vérifier les derniers bulletins météorologiques avant tout déplacement (les averses de neige bloquent très fréquemment la circulation de juin à octobre). En été, de novembre à février, les orages sont très violents et la foudre fait chaque année des victimes.
L’Afrique australe connaît une sécheresse prolongée depuis plusieurs années. Le Lesotho est particulièrement impacté, les pluies estivales sont très retardées et se présentent sous la forme d’épisodes orageux très violents. Il est conseillé de suivre les consignes des autorités locales et de toujours se déplacer avec des quantités d’eau suffisantes.
De manière générale, il est recommandé de :
Les voyageurs se rendant dans le pays pour effectuer des randonnées de longue durée, avec notamment des périodes de camping « sauvage », sont invités à se présenter systématiquement aux chefs des villages où ils souhaitent passer la nuit. Des voyageurs dormant sous tente sans avoir déclaré leur présence courent de réels risques d’agression.
Le Lesotho étant actuellement touché par une sécheresse prolongée, il est recommandé aux randonneurs de prévoir d’importantes quantités d’eau potable pour supporter les fortes températures (voir rubrique risques climatiques). Les risques liés à la foudre sont majeurs durant les orages : il est recommandé de n’effectuer des randonnées que dans les zones où des abris (grottes, habitations) peuvent être rejoints rapidement. Cette sécheresse impacte durablement l’accès à l’eau et à la nourriture des populations rurales. Il est courant que les villageois demandent de la nourriture aux visiteurs. Il est recommandé de ne pas s’offenser de telles requêtes et de les anticiper.
Avant toute excursion dite « sauvage », en particulier lors de randonnées en montagne en période hivernale, il est conseillé de se signaler à la consule honoraire de France, Directrice de l’Alliance française de Maseru, avant tout départ de longue durée.
Full text of the Security pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland), in French
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
FDFA update note — Ces conseils pour les voyages ont été contrôlés et publiés avec des changements rédactionnels. L’appréciation de la situation reste valable de manière inchangée. (published 17.08.2026)
Des tensions politiques et sociales peuvent ponctuellement donner lieu à des manifestations et à des actions de protestation. Des débordements, des barrages routiers et des perturbations du trafic peuvent survenir. Le relief du pays, l'isolement des sites et la précarité des communications (routes et téléphonie) imposent de préparer soigneusement les itinéraires. Dans ce pays comme ailleurs, le risque d’attentats terroristes ne peut être exclu. La rubrique terrorisme et enlèvements attire l'attention sur les risques liés au terrorisme. Terrorisme et enlèvements Avant et pendant le voyage, informez-vous au travers des médias et par le biais de votre tour-opérateur sur la situation sécuritaire actuelle. Conformez-vous aux directives des autorités locales (couvre-feu, etc.) et restez en relation avec votre tour-opérateur. Tenez-vous à l'écart des manifestations et rassemblements de foule de tout genre.
Le taux de criminalité est élevé. Les taux d’homicides et de violence sexuelle ont fortement augmenté. La possession d’armes à feu et d’autres armes est courante. Les vols à la tire et à l'arraché, les agressions, les cambriolages et les vols de voitures sont répandus et de plus en plus souvent, accompagnés de violences. Il est notamment recommandé de prendre les précautions suivantes:
Les intempéries peuvent entraîner une rapide dégradation de l'état des routes et des perturbations du trafic. Pendant l'hiver, des chutes de neige peuvent rendre les routes de montagne impraticables pendant plusieurs jours. À la montagne, les conditions météorologiques changent souvent très rapidement. Les orages peuvent transformer en quelques instants de petits ruisseaux en torrents impétueux. Même en été, des chutes de neige ne sont pas exclues. Il faut tenir compte de cette possibilité, en particulier lorsqu'il s'agit de planifier des vacances actives, par exemple trekking, rafting, canyoning. Consultez les prévisions météorologiques et suivez les avertissements et les instructions des autorités locales. Lesotho Meteorological Services World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
FDFA travel advice, in French, valid on 16.10.2026eda.admin.ch ↗updated 17.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 10.12.2025 · read 16.10.2026
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
Safety — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 10.12.2025 · read 16.10.2026
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Lesotho, attacks cannot be ruled out.
There are occasional political demonstrations in Maseru. These are usually peaceful, but there is a risk of isolated incidents of violence. Move away from demonstrations or gatherings, particularly if you see the security forces are present. Lesotho successfully held elections in 2022 but has had a history which includes political-related violence in past decades.
Much of the violent crime in Lesotho is gun crime between organised crime groups. However, foreigners are vulnerable to opportunistic street crime and vehicle crime.
Gender-based violence is very high in Lesotho. Most crimes based on gender are between people who already know each other, but violence towards women and girls happens in all areas of the country.
Muggers can target foreign nationals. Do not walk alone in isolated areas or after dark.
Armed carjackers or robbers may try to stop your car or get into it while you are stationary. The danger is greatest in urban areas. Do not stop your car if people try to flag you down and do not give lifts to strangers.
Keep doors locked, windows shut and valuables out of sight. If you are driving across the country:
If you are caught up in an attack, do not offer any resistance.
Take precautions to safeguard your valuables and cash. Leave them in hotel safes, if possible. Keep copies of important documents, including your passport’s photo page and entry stamps, in a separate place.
There is often an increase in thefts, especially burglaries from villas, leading up to the Christmas and Easter holiday periods.
Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport and your entry stamp. Officials may ask to see these.
Possession of drugs is a serious offence and punishments can be severe, including prison sentences.
Sexual activity between men is illegal, but FCDO is not aware of this being enforced. Showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Lesotho for up to 3 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit ( IDP ) as well.
Driving standards and road conditions in Lesotho are poor. You should drive with caution.
Animals roaming on the roads are a hazard, especially at night.
Local minibus taxis (‘4+1s’) may be poorly maintained and uninsured. They often ignore road safety rules including speed limits. Avoid using them and steer clear of them when driving.
It’s safer to use transport arranged by your accommodation or by…
American passport — U.S. Department of State
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Lesotho - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution 2026-06-16travel.state.gov ↗updated 16.06.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Exercise increased caution in Lesotho due to crime and health .
Crime is common in Lesotho. Armed robberies and carjackings happen from time to time. Local police may not have enough resources to respond quickly when crimes occur.
Lesotho’s health infrastructure is inadequate. Health facilities, services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are neither well-regulated nor well stocked. Locally available medications may be unsafe. Travelers have the option to enter South Africa for health services.
Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Bring enough prescription medications to last the entire duration of your trip.
Global Affairs Canada — additional reading
Exercise a high degree of caution
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 15, 2026 04:59 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all
You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines or long prison sentences. Drugs, alcohol and travel
Lesotho law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between individuals of the same sex. However, Lesotho doesn’t recognise same-sex marriages or civil unions. 2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
Local authorities may ask to check your identity at any time.
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Lesotho. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Lesotho by an abducting parent:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
Traffic drives on the left. You must carry an international driving permit. International Driving Permit
The currency of Lesotho is the loti (LSL). The South African rand (ZAR) is also accepted. Major credit cards are accepted, but only at major tourist establishments and banks.
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 15, 2026 04:59 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Foreign Office — laws and cultural differences
Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport and your entry stamp. Officials may ask to see these.
Possession of drugs is a serious offence and punishments can be severe, including prison sentences.
Sexual activity between men is illegal, but FCDO is not aware of this being enforced. Showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Open Government Licence v3.0gov.uk ↗updated 10.12.2025 · read 16.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — laws and customs, in French
Les actes à caractère homosexuel sont punissables. Il est interdit de photographier le palais royal, des bâtiments du gouvernement ou autres bâtiments publics ainsi que des personnes en uniformes et des véhicules militaires. Les infractions à la loi sur les stupéfiants, y compris la détention de minimes quantités de drogue quelle qu'elle soit, sont passibles de lourdes peines de prison. Les conditions de détention sont précaires.
Dans les régions rurales, les valeurs traditionnelles et les structures sociales revêtent une grande importance. Adaptez votre comportement aux us et coutumes locaux. Renseignez-vous dans les guides de voyages, auprès de votre agence ou directement sur place, sur les codes de conduite.
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 17.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026
What it changes for you: Air acceptable at this hour: nothing special to plan. Very high UV: sunscreen, hat and shade between 11 am and 4 pm; sunstroke and dehydration are travellers' first reasons to see a doctor.
Reading 07:00 (Africa/Maseru)Open-Meteo ↗updated 16.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Air quality and UV: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information 2026. Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
No value published by the World Bank in the last eight years for Lesotho: hospital beds per 1,000 people.
Reading: With 0.2 physicians per 1,000 people (96% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 123 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
World Bank — latest published value, year per indicatordata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
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Pour des séjours inférieurs à 14 jours, les titulaires d’un passeport français sont dispensés de visa. Un visa visiteur est délivré à l’arrivée dans le pays lors de l’accomplissement des formalités d’immigration. Le passeport doit être valable au moins 3 mois après la date de sortie du Lesotho et comporter deux pages vierges.
Au-delà de 14 jours, il est possible, sous certaines conditions, de solliciter une prolongation de son autorisation de séjour d’une durée de 30 jours en contactant, avant l’expiration du visa, les services de l’immigration locaux (Home Affairs, Director of Immigration Services, P.O. Box 363, Maseru, 100, Lésotho , Tél. : + 266 2232218).
Pour tout séjour de plus de 14 jours, un visa est requis. Il doit être demandé via l’adresse mail suivante : visa-applications.immigrations @ gov.ls Passé le délai d’instruction du dossier, un visa valable trois mois et autorisant une entrée est émis dans un premier temps. Une fois sur place, le voyageur a la possibilité de solliciter la délivrance d’un visa long séjour d’une durée supérieure à trois mois et à multiples entrées, toujours auprès du Home Affairs.
Toute personne qui quitte le pays après la date d’expiration de son visa s’expose au paiement d’une amende.
Lors du franchissement de la frontière entre l’Afrique du Sud et le Lesotho, il importe de s’assurer que les tampons des deux autorités de l’immigration sont effectivement apposés sur le passeport. Tous les postes frontières ne sont pas ouverts 24h/24. Il convient de vérifier les horaires avant d’entrer ou de quitter le Lesotho. Les horaires peuvent être trouvés sur le site des douanes du Lesotho .
Lorsque le déplacement s’effectue par voie terrestre, il est à noter que, contrairement aux voyageurs arrivant de France, les autorités sud-africaines n’accordent pas aux voyageurs en provenance du Lesotho d’autorisation de séjour de trois mois sur leur territoire, la durée de séjour autorisée étant en règle générale limitée à 7 jours.
Pour les véhicules de location, il est nécessaire de déclarer au loueur son intention de se rendre au Lesotho ; des documents spécifiques seront alors délivrés. Il est par ailleurs conseillé de souscrire une assurance couvrant l’enlèvement des véhicules sur l’ensemble du territoire du Lesotho : une panne mécanique en montagne peut être particulièrement onéreuse.
L’entrée ou la sortie de plantes et animaux est particulièrement contrôlée. Les voyageurs accompagnés d’animaux de compagnie doivent se munir impérativement du carnet de vaccination à jour.
Il est fréquent, notamment en zones rurales, de se voir proposer l’achat de plantes, notamment des Aloès spirale (aloe polyphylla). Cette espèce protégée est interdite au commerce et exposerait les voyageurs en achetant à de fortes amendes voire à une courte peine de prison.
Entry and stay pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland)
The FDFA does not publish entry requirements: they are set out by the destination's embassy or consulate in Switzerland — check them before booking, passport in hand. As a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.eda.admin.ch ↗updated 17.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Entry requirements — rules for a British passportForeign Office ↗updated 10.12.2025 · read 16.10.2026
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Lesotho’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Lesotho set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Lesotho High Commission Lesotho in the UK .
All visitors to Lesotho must travel through South Africa, whether travelling by air or land. You need to meet South Africa’s entry requirements .
To enter Lesotho, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 90 days after the date you arrive.
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
You need at least 4 blank pages for passport stamping. Lesotho border control need to stamp your passport and so do South African border control on your way to and from Lesotho.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement . See Dual citizenship .
You can visit Lesotho for up to 90 days without a visa.
You can extend your stay by completing a 90-day temporary permit extension form and taking it to the Visa Application Centre in the Manthabiseng Convention Centre, Maseru. Your passport will need to be valid for the extension period.
If you overstay without permission, the authorities may detain you and will charge you weekly fines.
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Lesotho guide .
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Lesotho. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Declare cash or travellers cheques in any currency if the value is 25,000 Lesotho loti or more. If you do not, the authorities could seize your money when you leave and you could be fined.
The Lesotho loti is pegged to the South African rand on a one-to-one basis. Both currencies are accepted throughout Lesotho.
UK debit and credit cards are widely accepted for payment and at ATMs. If you are travelling outside Maseru, take enough cash to cover local purchases.
American passport — U.S. Department of State
The State Department publishes the requirements ("Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements") on its country page, which our servers cannot read. Read it before you go; as a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.travel.state.gov ↗updated 16.06.2026 · read 16.10.2026
For each risk, the official texts themselves: what is happening, then, where they say so, what to do.
What the texts say · Muggers can target foreign nationals. Armed carjackers or robbers may try to stop your car or get into it while you are stationary.
What the texts say · Local minibus taxis (‘4+1s’) may be poorly maintained and uninsured. Aggressive and unpredictable local driving habits pose a risk in Maseru.
What the texts say · Unpredictable rainfall can lead to flash floods in the valleys and flooding around rivers.
What the texts say · Possession of drugs is a serious offence and punishments can be severe, including prison sentences. Sexual activity between men is illegal, but FCDO is not aware of this being enforced.
What the texts say · There are occasional political demonstrations in Maseru. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time.
Sentences copied word for word from the official texts cited, chosen for the destination; the level is our reading. The full texts, at each source:Foreign Office ↗updated 10.12.2025 · read 16.10.2026 (updated 10.12.2025 · read 30.09.2026)Global Affairs Canada ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026 (updated 15.10.2026 · read 30.09.2026)
Reading: On the road, 14 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Time zone: IANA and timezone-boundary-builder (ODbL) · RESTCountries · EmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · European Central Bank
Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Photon search by komoot.
FDFA (Switzerland) — transport and specific advice, in French
La conduite s'effectue à gauche . Les routes de montagne sont souvent non asphaltées et uniquement praticables pour les véhicules à quatre roues motrices. Les comportements parfois imprévisibles sur les routes, les véhicules non éclairés et les animaux errants constituent un risque supplémentaire. La nuit, renoncez aux déplacements à travers le pays. Il arrive que les points de passage des frontières soient temporairement fermés à court terme, par exemple afin d’endiguer la propagation de maladies. Informez-vous auprès des autorités locales ou directement auprès des postes-frontières.
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 17.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Maximum policyholder: before paying anything, call the 24/7 number. If you are admitted for more than 24 h, Maximum sends its direct payment guarantee to the hospital (art. 2.12).
+41 22 ••• •• •• — Full number in your client areaThe hospital list has not been read from OpenStreetMap for this page yet: the medical-network map loads it when opened. Maximum's assistance directs you to the right facility, 24/7. The medical-network map ↗
CDC Travelers' Health recommendations, most important first. They depend on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm them with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Details, disease by disease ↗cdc.gov ↗read 10.10.2026
The health system — With 0.2 physicians per 1,000 people (96% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 123 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
Back home — a fever in the following weeks should be told to a doctor, naming the country.
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
French passport — French embassy and consulates
Kingsway, Maseru
phone not published
Useful contacts listed by France Diplomatie (in French)diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Updated: 15 September 2026
OpenStreetMap
Swiss passport — Swiss embassy and consulates
Numéro d’urgence: 112 Ambulance: 121 Représentations suisses à l’étranger: En cas de situation d’urgence à l’étranger, vous pouvez vous adresser à la représentation suisse la plus proche ou à la Helpline DFAE. Centre consulaire régional pour l’Afrique australe à Pretoria, Afrique du Sud Helpline DFAE Représentations étrangères en Suisse: Pour obtenir des informations sur les prescriptions d'entrée (documents d'identité admis, visa, etc.), veuillez-vous adresser aux ambassades et consulats étrangers compétents. Ceux-ci peuvent également vous renseigner sur les dispositions douanières pour l'importation et l'exportation d'animaux et de marchandises: appareils électroniques, souvenirs, médicaments, etc. Représentations étrangères en Suisse
OpenStreetMap · DFAE
British passport — British embassy and consulates
phone not published
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/bri ↗updated 10.12.2025 · read 16.10.2026
OpenStreetMap
American passport — U.S. embassy and consulates
254 Mpilo Boulevard / Kingsway Road, Maseru
+266 2231 2666
https://ls.usembassy.gov ↗updated 16.06.2026 · read 16.10.2026
OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap
Getting help — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 10.12.2025 · read 16.10.2026
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
English is an official language in Lesotho: no translated phrases here. No Southern Sotho phrases yet, though it is widely spoken there.
Actions to take before each professional trip abroad.
Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.
Natural disasters and climate section – added information on El Niño
October 15, 2026 04:59 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026No level change recorded for this country since the log opened. The live alerts above are updated continuously.
Level 2/4 — Exercise Increased Caution, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 16 October 2026.
Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 16.06 · read 16.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10DFAE · updated 17.08 · read 16.10207-country comparison
An area advised against does not rule out the country.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 10.12 · read 16.10State Department · updated 16.06 · read 16.10
The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 10.12 · read 16.10State Department · updated 16.06 · read 16.10
For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).
SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479
VIP Pack — €990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 13.10
Six steps, in this order.
SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Local emergency services: police 112 · ambulance 114 · fire 115
SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 13.10
At today's level 2/4, card by card:
SourcesAmex Platinum France T&Cs, 01.2025 — general exclusion n° 11BNP Paribas Visa Infinite notice (policy PT7), 04.2025 — comFortuneo World Elite Mastercard notice, 01.2026 — art. 5.5 '
A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
The page reads hospitals, pharmacies and doctors from OpenStreetMap, around the point you choose.
The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.
SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 10.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10OMS · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 10.12 · read 16.10
0.2 physicians per 1,000 people (2022) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.
SourcesWorld Bank · read 10.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Comparable figures (homicides, roads, incidents) are under Safety & risks › Incidents.
The nearest representations, by passport (OpenStreetMap):
SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 13.10DFAE · updated 17.08 · read 16.10
No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 15.10 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 10.12 · read 16.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10
Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 15.10 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 10.12 · read 16.10
Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.
Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · updated 15.09 · read 16.10eda.admin.ch · updated 17.08 · read 16.10
Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Cancellation or change up to EUR 20,000, special risk EUR 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
A question not answered here? Ask Maximum below, or call the support number: every question gets a clear, actionable answer.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
Same advisory level: Cameroon · Chile · China · Comoros · Congo · Costa Rica
The displayed level comes from the State Department, checked every morning. Before departure, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.
The level shown is the official U.S. Department of State level, checked daily. Maximum Insurance is an insurance distributor — general information, not personal advice.
The destination is already Maseru. A few choices, then the reading of your cover, here.
Destination · Maseru
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