COVID-19 Information
COVID-19 Information (Last Updated: December 14, 2022)
For non-U.S. citizens seeking information about current travel restrictions affecting travel to the United States, please see https://za.usembassy.gov/visas/
*** All non-immigrant, non-U.S. citizen air travelers to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to the United States.
*** Effective June 12, 2022, the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) has rescinded the Order requiring persons to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States. This means that starting at 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, air passengers will not need to get tested and show a negative COVID-19 test result, or show documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the U.S. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
Country-Specific Information:
As of December 14, 2022, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 35,147 cases of COVID-19 within Lesotho borders. At midnight August 22, 2022 the government of Lesotho moved to the Green Alert Level (Level 0) and removed all remaining COVID-19 restrictions. It however, recommended the use of masks (personal choice) in crowded areas, and also recommended the continued exercise of safety protocols such as sanitation and hygiene. Proof of vaccination for entry is no longer a requirement.
COVID-19 Testing:
- Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
- Is a negative COVID-19 test ( PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Travelers coming from South Africa are no longer required to have a negative PCR test to enter Lesotho.
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? No
- Quarantine Information:
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No
COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
- Has the government of Lesotho approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
- Are vaccines available in Lesotho for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes
- Which vaccines are available in Lesotho? According to Lesotho health authorities, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Sinopharm vaccines are available for Basotho citizens over 18 years of age.
- Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States. The U.S. government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
Lesotho is open for regular travel, including tourism, through most border crossings and the Moshoeshoe I International Airport.
- Is a negative COVID-19 test ( PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
Movement Restrictions:
- Is a curfew in place? No
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
Quarantine Information:
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No
All travelers will be screened on arrival and those presenting with symptoms may be denied entry.
Transportation Options
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- Is public transportation operating? Yes
Consular Operations
- American Citizen Services: Should you require emergency American citizen services, please write USConsularMaseru@state.gov or call using contact information at https://ls.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/emergency-assistance/.
- Visa Services: Beginning May 20, 2021, the Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg is responsible for providing visa services to those from Lesotho seeking to enter the United States except for diplomatic visa categories. The U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg is resuming visa processing. Please follow the instructions at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/ to schedule an appointment or to submit your visa application via courier. Approximate wait times for appointments can be found by visiting https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html
Regional Resources:
Department of Home Affairs page for latest information on travel requirements for South Africa.
Other links:
COVID-19 information page on travel.state.gov
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information
- Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Lesotho.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.