Lesotho Customs Regulations

The flag of Lesothodrapeau du lesotho image by Charly from Fotolia.com

Lesotho is a small mountainous country in southern Africa. The nation is entirely surrounded by the nation of South Africa. As of 2010, the U.S. State Department characterizes Lesotho as a developing country with limited tourist infrastructure. No direct flights to Lesotho are available from the United States. As a result, most travelers to Lesotho go through South Africa first. As a result, it's important that these visitors also make sure they comply with South African customs and immigration; otherwise, they will not be allowed to continue to Lesotho.

Imports

When traveling to Lesotho, customs officials enforce restrictions on several types of high-value goods. Visitors who bring in anything more than these limits must declare what they are importing so that customs duties can be levied. Tobacco products are limited to 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250 grams of loose tobacco. Visitors bringing in alcohol are limited to two bottles of wine and one bottle of hard alcohol (such as vodka, whiskey or rum). Perfume is limited to 50 mL, although up to 250 mL of cologne may be brought in without additional duties. Gifts over 500 loti (approximately $65 as of June 2010) must also be declared. Visitors must declare items with serial numbers at customs.

Taking weapons and drugs out of Lesotho is prohibited by customs. In addition, it's also against customs regulations to bring agricultural products such as food, dairy and meat products, and any live animal out of the country. Restrictions also exist on removing intellectual property from Lesotho.

Travelers coming from areas infected with yellow fever will need to provide a yellow fever vaccination certificate. This restriction applies even to visitors who have only flown through a yellow fever-infected country or region and did not leave the airport for any reason. Additionally, Lesotho has placed entry restrictions on anyone with HIV or AIDS. Customs and immigration officials have the right to refuse entry to anyone with HIV or AIDS.