1. What is an e-visa?

An e-visa is an electronic document that allows a person to enter and travel within a certain country for a specific period of time. It is obtained online, eliminating the need for traditional paper visas and physical visits to embassies or consulates. E-visas are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a more convenient and efficient way for travelers to obtain their necessary visa permits.

2. Why do I need an e-visa for Lesotho?

An e-visa is required for entry into Lesotho because it allows the government to track and monitor the movement of visitors within the country. This helps ensure the safety and security of both visitors and residents, as well as manage immigration processes more efficiently. It also allows for easier and faster processing of visa applications compared to traditional paper visas.

3. How do I apply for an e-visa to Lesotho?

1. Visit the official Lesotho e-visa website: https://evisalesotho.com/

2. Register an account by clicking on “Sign Up” and entering your email address and desired password.

3. Once you have registered, log in to your account and select the type of visa you need (tourist or business).

4. Fill in the required personal information, including your name, date of birth, nationality, passport details, and purpose of travel.

5. Upload a digital copy of your passport bio page, a recent passport-sized photo (in color), and any supporting documents required for your specific type of visa.

6. Review all the information entered and make any necessary corrections before submitting your application.

7. Pay the non-refundable application fee using a credit or debit card.

8. Submit your application and wait for a confirmation email from the Lesotho e-visa team, which will include a reference number for tracking purposes.

9. Once processed, you will receive an email with the outcome of your application.

10. If approved, download and print your e-visa approval letter to present at immigration checkpoints when entering Lesotho.

11. Upon arrival in Lesotho, present your e-visa approval letter along with your passport at immigration control for validation and entry into the country.

Note: You can apply for an e-visa up to three months in advance of your travel date.

4. What are the requirements for obtaining a Lesotho e-visa?

To obtain a Lesotho e-visa, you will need to meet the following requirements:

1. A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.
2. A recent passport-style photograph.
3. Completed online application form, including personal information, travel details, and purpose of visit.
4. Proof of accommodation in Lesotho (hotel reservation or invitation from a host).
5. Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Lesotho.
6. Round-trip flight itinerary or other proof of onward travel.
7. Payment for the e-visa application fee.

Please note that additional documentation may be required depending on the purpose of your visit (e.g. business visa may require a letter from an inviting company). It is recommended to check with the nearest Lesotho embassy or consulate for specific requirements before submitting your application.

5. How long does it take to process a Lesotho e-visa?

It typically takes 7-14 business days for a Lesotho e-visa to be processed. However, processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications and any additional information or documents required.

6. Is the e-visa valid for multiple entries into Lesotho?

No, the e-visa for Lesotho is only valid for a single entry. If you exit and re-enter the country, you will need to apply for another e-visa.

7. Can I extend my e-visa once I arrive in Lesotho?

No, e-visas cannot be extended once you arrive in Lesotho. If you wish to stay in Lesotho for longer than the validity of your e-visa, you will need to apply for a new visa through the appropriate channels and follow the standard application process.

8. Do I need a printed copy of my e-visa or can I show it on my phone at the border control?

Generally, it is recommended to have a printed copy of your e-visa when traveling. Some countries may require a physical copy at the border control. However, it is always best to check the specific requirements of the country you are traveling to and print a copy if necessary. It is also advisable to have an electronic copy saved on your phone or other electronic device as a backup in case of any issues with the printed version.

9. Are there any specific health requirements for obtaining a Lesotho e-visa?

There is no specific health requirement for obtaining a Lesotho e-visa. However, travelers are advised to have up-to-date vaccinations and to consult with their healthcare provider before traveling to Lesotho.

10. Can I use the e-visa to enter and exit through different ports of entry in Lesotho?

No, you must enter and exit through the same port of entry indicated on your e-visa. If you wish to enter and exit through different ports, you must apply for a new e-visa or obtain a visa on arrival at the second port of entry.

11. What is the validity period of a Lesotho e-visa?

The validity period of a Lesotho e-visa is 90 days from the date of issue. This means that the visa holder must enter Lesotho within 90 days of receiving their e-visa. Once the holder enters Lesotho, the visa is valid for a single entry and allows for a maximum stay of 30 days.

12. Does the cost of the visa include any additional fees or charges?

Cost of the visa may include additional fees and charges such as application processing fees, service charges, and biometric fees (if applicable). These fees and charges vary depending on the type of visa, country of application, and other factors. It is important to carefully read the information provided by the embassy or consulate where you are applying for your visa to understand all associated costs.

13. Is there an age limit for applying for a Lesotho e-visa?

No, there is no age limit for applying for a Lesotho e-visa. All travelers, regardless of age, are required to have a valid visa to enter Lesotho.

14. Can I apply for a group visa through the online application system?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a group visa through the online application system. However, each member of the group must complete an individual application form and provide all necessary documents. The main applicant can then submit all applications together as a group.

15. Are there any countries that are exempt from obtaining a Lesotho visa?

Yes, nationals from some countries are exempt from obtaining a Lesotho visa for stays of up to 14 days. These countries include South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. Citizens of other African countries may also be exempt if they hold a valid African Union passport. However, it is always best to check with the nearest Lesotho embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on visa exemption policies.

16 Do children need to apply for an individual e-visa or can they be included in their parent’s application?

It depends on the specific requirements of the country you are applying for an e-visa to. In some cases, children may be included in their parent’s e-visa application. However, there may be age restrictions or additional documents required for children. It is best to check with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are planning to visit.

17 Is there a difference between an electronic visa and an electronic travel authorization (ETA)?

Yes, there is a difference between an electronic visa (e-Visa) and an electronic travel authorization (ETA). Both are digital forms of entry permits that allow visitors to enter a country without having a physical visa sticker or stamp in their passport.

An e-Visa is a complete electronic document that serves as the equivalent of a traditional stamped visa. It is obtained online, through the government’s official website or through authorized third parties, and contains all the necessary information and authorizations required for entry into the country. The traveler must present this document at the port of entry to gain entry into the country.

On the other hand, an ETA is a simpler form of electronic permit that allows visitors from certain countries to enter another country for tourism or business purposes. Unlike an e-Visa, it does not serve as a complete visa and may not require travelers to go through a complicated application process. Some countries issue ETAs as part of their visa waiver program, which allows citizens of certain countries to visit without obtaining a traditional visa.

In short, while both e-Visas and ETAs are digital versions of entry permits, they differ in terms of purpose and application process. E-Visas serve as full visas and are obtained through applications, while ETAs are more simplified forms of permits granted by eligible countries for certain types of entries.

18 Are there any restrictions on which nationalities can apply for a Lesotho e-visa?

Yes, there are restrictions on which nationalities can apply for a Lesotho e-visa. Currently, citizens from the following countries are eligible to apply for a Lesotho e-visa:

1. Australia
2. Austria
3. Belgium
4. Canada
5. China (including Hong Kong and Macau)
6. Denmark
7. Finland
8. France
9. Germany
10. Iceland
11. Ireland
12. Italy
13. Japan
14. Liechtenstein
15. Luxembourg
16. Netherlands
17 New Zealand
18 Norway
19. Portugal
20 South Korea
21 Sweden
22 Switzerland
23 United Kingdom
24 United States of America

Citizens from all other countries will need to obtain a visa through the traditional application process at their nearest Lesotho embassy or consulate.

19 Can I amend my personal information on my application after submission?

It depends on the specific application and the organization or institution to which you are applying. Some applications may allow you to make changes to your personal information after submission, while others may not have this option. It is best to contact the organization or institution directly for clarification on their policy and process for updating personal information on submitted applications.

20 Are there any additional documents that need to be submitted along with the online application form?

It depends on the specific application and its requirements. Some applications may require a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, transcripts or academic records, test scores, personal statements or essays, and/or other supporting documents. It’s best to carefully review the application instructions to determine which additional documents are needed.