Lesotho

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial +266-2232-2099 or 112 for police.
• Dial +266-5684-8491 for LDF Rapid Response Team (Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) which has the capacity to respond to any emergency and can provide medical assistance.
• Lesotho does not have reliable public emergency ambulance service. Private providers are the only reliable option for emergency medical transport. Dial +266-6377000 , +266-22326690 or +27-10-205-3000 for private ambulance services. 

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)
• For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Lesotho has a high crime rate. Foreigners must always remain vigilant.

• Foreigners may be targeted for robbery and have been victims of violent crimes to include car-jacking and murder.
• U.S. citizens have reported incidents – including sexual assault, armed and unarmed confrontation, and home invasion – occurring in broad daylight.
• There are no indications that U.S. citizens are specifically targeted. 
• Crime is most common in urban areas but can happen anywhere. Criminal incidents have occurred in popular restaurants, along poorly lit or unlit roads, and at tourist spots. Victims have included tourists, volunteer workers, and employees of non-governmental organizations. 

Safety tips

• Exercise extra caution while walking through downtown Maseru, both at night and during the day.
• You are urged to exercise caution and avoid crowds, demonstrations, or any other form of public gathering.
• Traveling alone or at night is particularly dangerous due to limited street lighting and undeveloped road conditions.  
• There is a serious problem with theft from baggage at O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg). It is a required transit point for air travel to Lesotho. You should secure your luggage with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved locks, use an airport plastic wrapping service, and avoid placing any items of value in checked luggage.
• Always make an inventory of items in checked baggage to aid in claims processing if theft does occur. 

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams and internet romance scams are common in Lesotho. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Lesotho: 

• Criminals use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 122 or +266-2232-2099.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy, +266-2231-6666.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• There are no official guidelines for drone usage.

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the safety of the route recommended by the GPS.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. 
• Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Lesotho seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Detention conditions

A detention facility may not provide you with essential medications or medical care.

• Detainees in Lesotho often can’t get their prescribed or over the counter medications.
• Detainees may also miss out on emergency and routine medical care.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Consensual same-sex sexual relations between men are criminalized in Lesotho. However, the U.S. embassy is not aware of any recent arrests or prosecutions.

• There is no explicit prohibition of consensual same-sex sexual relations between women.
• Public attitudes towards same sex relationships in Lesotho are predominantly conservative, shaped by deeply rooted traditional and religious norms, however same-sex couples are not actively discriminated against nor victimized.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Lesotho prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities. The law is partially enforced.

• Most facilities in Lesotho do not accommodate people with disabilities.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure.
• New public and private facilities in the capital city and in Leribe and Berea districts are partially accessible.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Lesotho Traveler Information 
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

Lesotho does not have reliable public emergency ambulance service. Private providers are the only reliable option for emergency medical transport.

• Vitality Ambulance can be used for emergency services.
• Dial Landline: +266- 2232- 6690
• Cell phone:+266- 8001- 2121 or +266- 5834- 9286
  

U.S. Embassy Maseru maintains a list of physicians and other health care professionals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.

• Ambulances are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except in Maseru, Mafeteng, Berea, Leribe, Botha Bothe, and Mokhotlong.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Lesotho. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

There are no adequate health facilities in Lesotho. Closest high-quality care is available in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or letter of guarantee of payment.
• Be aware that some hotels and resorts have exclusive agreements with medical providers, which may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities. Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Lesotho.

• We strongly recommend against participating in non-traditional medicine practices.
• Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases. 

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Lesotho to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Lesotho with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Lesotho courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Lesotho via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.
• Be aware that people who try to avoid local law risk legal consequences. 

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water in Lesotho is not safe to drink.
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Altitude

Many cities in Lesotho are at high altitude.

• Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel.
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before traveling to high altitude cities in Lesotho.
• Visit the CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Lesotho.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Most of Lesotho’s 5,000 miles of roads are unpaved. A few main rural highways are comparable to 2-lane rural roads in the United States.

• Lane markings, signs, shoulders, and guardrails do not meet U.S. standards. Lesotho's mountainous terrain makes driving on secondary roads hazardous.
• Road accidents are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Lesotho.
• Unpaved roads in the interior—often narrow, winding, and steep—are poorly maintained. For traveling in the interior, especially in wet or snowy weather, a high ground clearance or 4-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.
• You must have a 4-wheel-drive vehicle for entering or departing Lesotho through the Sani Pass on the eastern border.
• The authority for road safety issues rests with the Lesotho Mounted Police Service. There are no auto clubs or reliable ambulance services. Drivers should contact the police in case of road emergencies. Mpilo Road is risky. Motorists should take caution when traveling on that road.
  • It is generally unsafe to drive at night. Driving after dark is dangerous due to the absence of street lighting, livestock on the roads, and crime, including incidents of carjacking.
  • If it is an emergency, avoid stopping for people other than the police. Signage exists.
  • Basic safety standards exist especially around the city, but minimally in the villages.
  • No roadside assistance, in case of emergency call the police or private ambulance.
• Bystanders often react to automobile accidents by taking videos and pictures to post on social media. Emergency personnel come to assist when they have been made aware of the accident.
• People are advised to have spare tires, fuel, and tools when travelling outside of the city. 

Traffic laws

U.S. driver's licenses are not recognized in Lesotho. Lesotho does, however, recognize an International Driver’s Permit. U.S. citizens also have the option to hire a driver with a vehicle. U.S. citizens planning to stay longer than 6 months and wishing to drive must apply for a Lesotho license and surrender their U.S. license for the duration of their stay. The U.S. license will be returned upon departure. The application process takes 1 day for holders of a valid U.S. license.

• Traffic moves on the left, with right-hand drive vehicles.
• Never assume right-of-way, as aggressive and unpredictable local driving habits result in frequent collisions.
• Rental cars are available in Maseru. Cars rented in neighboring South Africa may be brought into Lesotho with the written permission of the rental company.

Taxis and ride-shares

• There are no ride share apps in Lesotho. U.S. citizens are advised not to use public taxis.
• Travel is best done by private car. 

Public and commercial transportation

Bus and public taxi services exist, but they are not safe. They are often overloaded and poorly maintained.

• Some private taxi services are available in the capital but avoid roving mini-bus taxis.
• There is no passenger train service in Lesotho.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.
• Visit the website of Lesotho’s National Tourist Office authority responsible for road safety. 

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Lesotho’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.

FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Lesotho experiences a temperate climate shaped largely by its mountainous terrain. Summers from October to April are warm, with most of the country's annual rainfall occurring during this period, often in the form of afternoon thunderstorms.

Winters from May to September are cold and dry, with snowfall in the highlands. The lowlands experience milder winters.

Natural hazards include:

• Floods and flash floods 
• Hailstorms 
• Snowstorms

Extreme weather preparation

Visitors to the interior of Lesotho should bring clothing and equipment suitable for extreme cold weather during the winter months of June through August.

• Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, and snow may close mountain passes.
• Temperatures can drop below freezing even in the lowlands.
• Lesotho has one of the highest rates of lightning strikes per square mile in the world. Lightning-related deaths are not uncommon.
• If you find yourself in a storm, find shelter in a building or car.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates