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International Restrictions:
*International Travel: Lesotho reverted to “Blue Level” restrictions on 22 March. Movement across the Lesotho border remains prohibited except for: • essential goods and services; •business people and truck drivers; •migrant workers/pensioners; • medical emergencies (with permits); •funerals for parents, children, siblings and grandparents; • students; • daily commuting students and teachers; • diplomats. The South African Government announced that its land border between South Africa and Lesotho is open. However Lesotho has not yet eased restrictions on its border. Crossing the land border between South Africa and Lesotho is therefore still restricted to the categories listed above. Limited passenger air services between Johannesburg and Moshoeshoe International Airport have restarted. The categories of persons allowed entry and the COVID-19 PCR test requirements are the same as for the land borders.
*Entry to Lesotho: Movement across the border is restricted to those providing essential goods and services, those with medical emergencies (with permits) and certain other limited categories. Those permitted to enter Lesotho must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours. This should show: • the name of the traveller (which must correspond with their travel document); • a serial number which is not duplicated; • clear and visible proof that the certificate was issued within 72 hours; • the date on which the swab was taken and the date the results were provided to the traveller; • the name of the testing laboratory approved by the Minister responsible for health
The border crossing points at Maseru Bridge, Caledonspoort (Butha Buthe), Maputsoe Bridge, Qacha’s Nek Bridge and Vanrooyens Gate (Mafeteng) remain open to those providing essential goods and services, those with medical emergencies and limited other categories of traveller, but this is subject to change at short notice. Their hours of operation are reduced due to the COVID-19 related curfew in South Africa. Limited passenger air services between Johannesburg and Moshoeshoe International Airport have restarted. The categories of persons allowed entry and the COVID-19 PCR test requirements are the same as for the land borders. If you wish to enter or exit Lesotho, you’ll need a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel. Truck drivers, Basotho students studying in South Africa and others who cross the border daily are permitted to cross for 14 days before a further test is required.
*Transiting via South Africa: All visitors to Lesotho must travel through, or transit via, South Africa.
*Screening on arrival and departure: Everyone entering Lesotho will be screened for coronavirus. Individuals entering or leaving Lesotho must provide evidence of a negative PCR COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours of travel. You should comply with any additional screening measures.
*Quarantine requirements: Travellers 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.
*Data collection: Travellers entering Lesotho may be required to provide details of where they will be staying to aid the Government’s efforts to tackle COVID-19. If you need further information about entry requirements, contact the local immigration authorities or the nearest Lesotho Embassy. Internal Restrictions:
*Travel in Lesotho: COVID-19 regulations in Lesotho are managed by Lesotho’s National COVID-19 Secretariat (NACOSEC). Travellers should be aware that the information on the NACOSEC website is not always up to date. The NACOSEC Twitter feed and Facebook page generally have more current information. Lesotho is under “Blue Level” restrictions. A curfew is in place from 10pm to 4am. Public transport can now operate at full seated capacity. Masks must be worn at all times. Eating in the vehicle is prohibited. Anyone leaving their place of residence must wear a face covering. This includes while walking in the street, and in shops and public offices.
*Accommodation: Hotels are permitted to open at full occupancy. Conferences and workshops are permitted at 50% of the conference facility. Not all hotels have yet re-opened.
*Public places and services: Lesotho returned to “Blue Level” restrictions on 22 March 2021, resulting in further relaxation of restrictions on day to day activities and the opening of a greater variety of business and retail outlets. An overnight curfew remains in place from 10pm to 4am. Supermarkets, grocery shops, hardware stores, cafes and clothing stores are permitted to operate normally but must observe COVID-19 Protocols on sanitisation and social distancing. Hair salons may operate an appointment-only service between 8am and 8pm. Off licenses can operate Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm with take-out service only. All over the counter essential service providers are permitted to operate with 50% maximum staff capacity. Digital payment methods are encouraged. Fuel stations may operate 24 hours. Schools and colleges are permitted to open on a rotational basis to reduce numbers on site and in school transport. Textile and manufacturing industries can operate at 50% capacity for both a day and night shift. Other businesses, public and private institutions and NGOs may operate between 8am and 4pm with 50% of staff on rotation. Hotels and hotel restaurants may open at 100% capacity. Conferences and workshops can be held but numbers are restricted to 50% of the conference venue capacity. Restaurants and fast food outlets may operate with 50% seated capacity between 6am and 9pm. Covid-19 protocols must be observed (including sanitisation and social distancing). Alcohol is only permitted to be sold as take-out. Church services are permitted indoors only and with numbers limited to 50% capacity of the church. The service should not last more than two hours and one hour must be allowed for disinfection between services. All people must wear masks all times, including when singing. Weddings are permitted with a maximum of 50 guests and a maximum length of 2 hours, and pre-packed food only. Funerals are restricted to a maximum of 50 family members and 10 attendants for a maximum of 2 hours. Only immediate family members may view the deceased at the mortuary. Night vigils and buffets are not permitted. Gyms may operate outside with not more than 100 people and must observe social distancing. Contact and non-contact sports are permitted with no spectators. Contact sports are only allowed with police permits and players and technical teams must be tested for COVID-19 prior to training camps. Public parks and recreational areas are permitted to reopen. The entertainment industry is permitted to operate with a maximum of 120 people inside and 500 people outside. Screening and registration at the entrance is mandatory. Staff must ensure that attendees observe COVID-19 protocols including wearing masks, sanitising hands and practicing social distancing. Event organisers may be arrested for non-compliance. Nightclubs remain closed. Social and family gatherings are not permitted. Political rallies and other gatherings are banned. Drinking in public is not allowed.