This page was last updated on 16 December, 2021.
At a Glance
Travel Restrictions
Entry For Vaccinated Travelers: Partially Allowed
Tourist Entry: Partially Allowed
Testing: Anyone entering Lesotho will be screened for coronavirus.
Quarantine Required: Yes
Quarantine Details: Self-isolation for 14 days required for all countries.
Local Restrictions
Lockdown in Effect: Partial
Events: Partially Allowed
Transport: Operational with restrictions
Shopping: Open
Restaurants and Bars: Open with restrictions
Detailed Travel Advisory
Published 01.10.2021
1. Passengers must have a negative COVID-19 test issued at most 72 hours before arrival.
– This does not apply to nationals of Lesotho who have been outside of Lesotho for less than 14 days. The COVID-19 test they have obtained before departure is valid for 14 days.
Detailed Tourist Information
Lesotho’s borders are open for travel for business people, migrant workers, pensioners, students, and diplomats.
A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours is required for entry. This should show:
-the name of the traveller (which must correspond with their travel document)
-a serial number which is not duplicated
-clear and visible proof that the certificate was issued within 72 hours
-the date on which the swab was taken and the date the results were provided to the traveller
-the name of the testing laboratory approved by the Minister responsible for health
The Government of Lesotho has stated that from 1 August digitalised AU Trusted Travel certificates will be required for entry and exit.
Lockdown Details
Lesotho is currently under “Blue Level” COVID-19 restrictions.
An overnight curfew remains in place from 12pm to 4am.
Supermarkets, grocery shops, hardware stores, cafes and clothing stores are permitted to operate normally between 8am and 8pm but must observe COVID-19 Protocols on sanitisation and social distancing. Hair salons may operate an appointment-only service between 8am and 8pm. Off licenses can operate between 8am and 10pm.
All over the counter essential service providers are permitted to operate with 50% maximum staff capacity. Digital payment methods are encouraged. Fuel stations may operate 24 hours.
Schools and colleges are permitted to operate on a rotational basis.
Textile and manufacturing industries can operate at 100 capacity for both a day and night shift. Other businesses, public and private institutions and NGOs may operate between 8am and 4pm with 50% of staff on rotation.
Hotels may open at 100% capacity. Conferences and workshops can be held but numbers are restricted to 50% of the conference venue capacity.
Restaurants and fast food outlets may operate with 50% seated capacity between 6am and 10pm. COVID-19 protocols must be observed (including sanitisation and social distancing). From 1 November a COVID-19 vaccination certificate will be required.
Social and family gatherings of up to 500 persons are permitted outside and up to 50% capacity of the venue inside. COVID-19 Protocols must be observed.
Church services are permitted indoors only and with numbers limited to 50% capacity of the church. The service should not last more than three hours and one hour must be allowed for disinfection between services. All people must wear masks all times, including when singing. Weddings are permitted with a maximum of 500 guests outside or 50 guests inside. Funerals are restricted to a maximum of 200 people outside and must be completed by 10am. Only immediate family members may view the deceased at the mortuary. Night vigils, alcohol and buffets are not permitted.
Gyms may operate outside with not more than 50 people and a maximum capacity of 30% inside with good ventilation and social distancing. Contact and non-contact sports are permitted. Spectators are permitted subject to limits on capacity. Registration and vaccine certificate is required for gyms and sports events.
Public parks and recreational areas are open. COVID-19 protocols including From 1 November a COVID-19 vaccination certificate will be required.
Indoor and outside entertainment events are permitted for a maximum of 50% capacity of the venue. Special regulations regarding security and registration apply. Nightclubs are allowed with 50% capacity and must close at 11pm. From 1 November a COVID-19 vaccination certificate will be required.
Political rallies by local branches are permitted with 50% capacity under specific conditions. Strikes, industrial action and demonstrations are not allowed.
Sources
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/lesotho/entry-requirements
Data Source: covidcontrols.co
