---
title: Lesotho visa for citizens of Mali
description: "Citizens of Mali need pre-approval online, then collect a visa on arrival in Lesotho. Stay up to 14 days. Fee: LSL 1,000. Processing: 10 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/lesotho/mali
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Lesotho visa for citizens of Mali

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

- **Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)** (Identity): Must also have a visa for transit/re-entry into South Africa if applicable
- **Application letter addressed to Director of Immigration** (Supporting): Formal letter requesting a visa
- **Invitation letter from host in Lesotho** (Supporting): Requesting your presence in Lesotho
- **Introduction letter from employer** (Employment): Detailing position, salary, length of employment, authorized vacation, and business purpose if any
- **Medical report** (Health): Regarding applicant's medical fitness to travel
- **Medical insurance** (Financial): Proof of travel health insurance
- **3 months bank statement** (Financial): Showing sufficient funds for the stay
- **Yellow fever vaccination certificate** (Health, optional): Required only if traveling from an infected area
- **Travel itinerary / travelling plan** (Travel): Detailed travel plan
- **Confirmation of hotel bookings** (Travel): Proof of accommodation
- **Completed visa application form** (Identity): Standard application form

## 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.

## FAQs

### 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](https://www.lesothoemb-usa.gov.ls/visa/)
- [Issuance of entry visa - Government of Lesotho](https://www.gov.ls/eservice/format-for-non-citizens-service-delivery-charter/)
- Ministry Of Home Affairs Lesotho - Complete Online Form (homeaffairslesotho.com, third-party site)

## More

- [Lesotho visa for every passport](/visa/lesotho)
- [Every destination for Mali passport holders](/visa/passport/mali)