COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Lesotho (4 December Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• Foreigners will be allowed to enter Lesotho if they have an essential reason, such as business travellers, students, the critically ill, people with special needs, and those who are allowed to live and work outside Lesotho borders. No other persons are allowed to enter and exit to/from Lesotho.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• No

Is a test required on arrival?

• No

• All travellers will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone showing symptoms must self-quarantine and may be required to quarantine in a government-nominated facility at their own expense.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• Test certificates issued by foreign countries are accepted.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All arrivals will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued within the last 72-hours prior to arrival. Lesotho nationals are exempted.

• All departing travellers will need to provide a negative test certificate issued within the last 72-hours prior to departure. If departing travellers return within 14 days they will need to have the negative test certificate that was issued to them.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• All individuals who have been in coronavirus-affected areas within the past 14 days are required to self-quarantine at their permanent or temporary place of residence for 14 days and may be monitored by health officials. The traveller may be required to quarantine in a government-nominated hotel at their own expense. Anyone showing symptoms of coronavirus will be required to self-isolate at their permanent or temporary residence or may be placed in an isolation facility in a government hospital at their own expense.

• Basotho nationals, truck drivers, and nationals who are allowed to exit Lesotho with a negative COVID-19 test must re-enter within the next seven days to avoid quarantine measures. They will be assigned to a 10-15 day quarantine (possibly at a government facility) if returning after seven days.

Airline restrictions

• Significant

• Moshoeshoe International Airport is open with reduced hours for cargo and essential flights only. International and domestic flights remain suspended.

• SAA Airlink flights between Maseru and Johannesburg Airport have resumed with a very reduced timetable.

• Arrivals must travel through or transit via South Africa.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• The border crossing points at Maseru Bridge, Caledonspoort (Butha Buthe), Maputsoe Bridge, Qacha’s Nek Bridge, and Vanrooyens Gate (Mafeteng) are open for specific categories of traveller. Entry and exit are permitted for essential services and trade. Five additional categories of people are allowed to entry and exit: business travellers, students, people with permits to live and work outside Lesotho, the critically ill, and people with special needs.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• It is recommended that people limit trips outside the home.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Public gatherings should not exceed 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Public transportation services are allowed to operate at full capacity, with social distancing protocols in place.

• Masks are required.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Factories and businesses are allowed to resume their services at full capacity but should be divided into shifts.

• Grocery stores are allowed to operate.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Guesthouses and hotels are allowed to operate under specific requirements.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are allowed to operate at full capacity and are open from 08:00 to 21:00.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Cafes are allowed to operate at full capacity between 08:00 and 21:00.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Local tourism facilities are allowed to reopen with strict social distancing protocols.

Personal care services open?

• Yes

• Most of the non-essential services have resumed.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Churches are open at a reduced capacity.

• Religious and funeral gatherings should not exceed 50 people. At weddings, only five people will be allowed.

Events allowed?

• Yes with exceptions

• Nightclubs having approval from the Ministry of Tourism are allowed open.

• Sporting events are allowed with only 100 spectators.

• Political assembly is prohibited.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks are required everywhere outside the home, including walking on the street.

Other

• Senior grades in universities and schools are allowed to reopen.

• Recreational activities such as gyms and fitness facilities are banned until further notice.

• Alcohol purchases are restricted.

• Parks will remain closed until further notice.

Advice

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or your country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.