Security

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.

Exercise a high degree of caution and maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places in Lesotho.

There were reports of an attempted coup in Maseru on August 30, 2014. The security situation remains unpredictable and could change rapidly. There is no visible police presence at night. After dark, avoid travelling and remain in your hotel or place of residence. Avoid gatherings and demonstrations, monitor news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging, is prevalent and increases at night and on weekends. Violent crime has increased, particularly in the capital, Maseru, between local hotels and the business district. Foreigners are often targeted.

Armed robbery, carjacking and residential break-ins occur, especially in Maseru and other large towns, including Maputsoe and Leribe. Foreigners, especially tourists, members of foreign missions and other expatriate professionals have experienced such incidents.

Avoid walking alone, even during daylight hours. Walking or driving after dark is extremely risky.Do not resist assailants if attacked or robbed and avoid eye contact if possible.

Road travel

Traffic drives on the left. Local driving habits pose a risk in Maseru. Livestock, pedestrians, vehicles moving without lights and other hazards are frequently encountered on the roads. Ensure windows are closed and doors locked at all times. Offering rides to hitchhikers is dangerous. Remain vigilant when stopping at scenic points or rest stations. There are few gas stations outside of cities and large towns. There are no road side assistance services operating in Lesotho. You should park in well-lit areas.

All Lesotho-South Africa border crossings and eight of Lesotho’s 10 district capitals are linked by good roads. It can take a very long time to get through border crossings. Rural communities are linked by secondary gravel roads that are in bad condition, poorly lit and best suited to four-wheel drive vehicles. Many rural areas, particularly in the mountainous two thirds of the country, can be reached only by basic dirt roads or on horseback.

Public Transportation

Avoid using minibus taxis; they are poorly maintained and often involved in accidents.

See Transportation Safety in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Road travel

Traffic drives on the left. Local driving habits pose a risk in Maseru. Livestock, pedestrians, vehicles moving without lights and other hazards are frequently encountered on the roads. Ensure windows are closed and doors locked at all times. Offering rides to hitchhikers is dangerous. Remain vigilant when stopping at scenic points or rest stations. There are few gas stations outside of cities and large towns. There are no road side assistance services operating in Lesotho. You should park in well-lit areas.

All Lesotho-South Africa border crossings and eight of Lesotho’s 10 district capitals are linked by good roads. It can take a very long time to get through border crossings. Rural communities are linked by secondary gravel roads that are in bad condition, poorly lit and best suited to four-wheel drive vehicles. Many rural areas, particularly in the mountainous two thirds of the country, can be reached only by basic dirt roads or on horseback.

Public Transportation

Avoid using minibus taxis; they are poorly maintained and often involved in accidents.

See Transportation Safety in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

General safety information

You should carry identification documents at all times.

Remain vigilant at all times and ensure that personal belongings and travel documents are secure.

Tourist facilities are developing in Lesotho but remain very limited. Check the level of security provided at the hotel or accommodation you are contemplating before making reservations.

Car rentals are available in Maseru. Cars rented in South Africa may be brought into Lesotho with a letter of authorization from the rental company. Some rental companies do not issue letters of authorization.

For emergency assistance, dial 112 or 588-81-010 and 115 for the fire department.