Africa
Lesotho
- Capital
- Maseru
- Population
- 2,363,325
- Currency
- Lesotho Loti (LSL)
- Calling code
- +266
- Languages
- English, Southern Sotho, Zulu
- 6missions
- 4embassies
- 2honorary consulates
Lesotho
Embassies and consulates in Lesotho
embassies in Maseru
Diplomatic missions from 6 countries are based in Lesotho, 6 missions in all (4 embassies and 2 honorary consulates). All 4 embassies are in the capital, Maseru.
Map
All missions in Lesotho
By country
-
China 1 embassy1 -
France 1 honorary consulate1 -
Germany 1 honorary consulate1 -
South Africa 1 embassy1 -
United Kingdom 1 embassy1 -
United States 1 embassy1
Visa rules for Lesotho
Lesotho visa guide · 2 visa types
Of the 198 passports in the visa data, 81 can enter visa-free and 117 need a visa from an embassy or consulate for Lesotho.
Visa statistics
US visas issued to citizens of Lesotho
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 183 | 85 |
| Student (F, M) | 23 | 13 |
| Exchange (J) | 39 | 40 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 8 | 4 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 13 | 10 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 140 | 86 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 406 | 240 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 29.6% | 38.2% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 240 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Lesotho, the 180th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Diplomatic and official visas (A, G) made up 36%, visitor visas 35% and exchange visitor visas 17%. That is 41% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (406).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Lesotho received 89, 4% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 38.2% for citizens of Lesotho in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 29.6%).
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
Lesotho’s own missions abroad
- 3
- 3
-
2 - 2
-
1 -
1
Lesotho’s embassies abroad (19)
Lesotho itself has 19 missions abroad, in 13 countries. Its largest networks are in Germany (3), South Africa (3), Belgium (2) and the United States (2).
Upcoming closures
Public holidays in Lesotho
-
Christmas Day
-
Boxing Day
-
New Year's Day
-
Moshoeshoe Day
Good to know
Where the embassies are
All 4 embassies are in the capital, Maseru.
Travel advice for Lesotho
Foreign ministries’ advice on travel to Lesotho: the US State Department rates Lesotho at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 16 June 2026), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to Lesotho (updated 10 December 2025) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for Lesotho (updated 13 October 2026).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Lesotho?
Of 198 passports, 81 can enter visa-free and 117 need a visa from an embassy or consulate for Lesotho; the visa rules page for your own passport has the answer for you.
When are embassies in Lesotho closed?
On Lesotho’s public holidays and on each mission’s own national day; the next public holiday is Christmas Day on Friday 25 December 2026.