Mali passport → Lesotho

Lesotho visa for citizens of Mali

Pre-approval + VOAeVisa · Tourist (single entry)

Citizens of Mali need pre-approval online, then collect a visa on arrival in Lesotho.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Pre-approval + VOA · eVisa · Tourist (single entry)
How to apply	Approve online, collect at arrival
Maximum stay	Up to 14 days
Visa validity	3 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	10 days
Government fee	LSL 1,000
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Not required
Appointment	Not required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Not required
Proof of funds	3 months bank statement showing sufficient funds

How to apply

1
Prepare all required documents
Gather passport, application letter, invitation letter, employer letter, medical report, insurance, bank statement, yellow fever certificate (if applicable), travel plan, hotel bookings, and completed application form.
2
Email documents to immigration
Upload and send all documents via email to visa-applications.immigration@gov.ls, copying the Lesotho Embassy in USA at lesothoembassy@verizon.net.
3
Wait for processing
Processing takes up to 10 working days. You will receive a 72-hour visa-on-arrival letter by email if approved.
4
Travel to Lesotho
Enter Lesotho only through Maseru Port of Entry or Moshoeshoe I International Airport with the visa-on-arrival letter.
5
Obtain visa on arrival
Present the approval letter and passport at the border to receive the visa sticker.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
Must also have a visa for transit/re-entry into South Africa if applicable
Completed visa application form
Standard application form

Travel

Travel itinerary / travelling plan
Detailed travel plan
Confirmation of hotel bookings
Proof of accommodation

Financial

Medical insurance
Proof of travel health insurance
3 months bank statement
Showing sufficient funds for the stay

Employment

Introduction letter from employer
Detailing position, salary, length of employment, authorized vacation, and business purpose if any

Health

Medical report
Regarding applicant's medical fitness to travel
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Optional
Required only if traveling from an infected area

Supporting

Application letter addressed to Director of Immigration
Formal letter requesting a visa
Invitation letter from host in Lesotho
Requesting your presence in Lesotho

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: M10,000 (approx. USD 550)

3 months bank statement

Bank statement must show sufficient funds for the duration of stay.

Good to know

Entry is only permitted through Maseru Port of Entry and Moshoeshoe I International Airport.
A valid visa for transit or re-entry into South Africa is required if traveling via South Africa.
The visa issued is a 72-hour visa-on-arrival letter, not a full visa sticker.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect documentation

Ensure all required documents are provided and meet the specified requirements.

Insufficient funds

Provide a bank statement showing at least M10,000 or equivalent.

Invalid passport validity

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.

FAQ

Do citizens of Mali need a visa for Lesotho?

Citizens of Mali need pre-approval online, then collect a visa on arrival in Lesotho. Visa type: eVisa · Tourist (single entry).

How long can citizens of Mali stay in Lesotho?

Up to 14 days.

How much does the Lesotho visa cost for citizens of Mali?

Government fee: LSL 1,000.

How long does Lesotho visa processing take?

Typically 10 days.

What documents do citizens of Mali need for Lesotho?

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity); Application letter addressed to Director of Immigration; Invitation letter from host in Lesotho; Introduction letter from employer; Medical report; Medical insurance; and 5 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Lesotho?

At least 6 months.

Sources

Visa Applications - Lesotho Embassy in USA
Issuance of entry visa - Government of Lesotho
Ministry Of Home Affairs Lesotho - Complete Online Form (homeaffairslesotho.com, third-party site)

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