Lesotho

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Lesotho, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Lesotho

Capital

Maseru

Main Cities

Maseru, the capital and largest city of Lesotho

Local Languages

The official languages are Sesotho and English.

Currency

The Loti (LSL)

Climate

Lesotho experiences all four seasons, each bringing distinct weather patterns.

General Visa Requirements:

A passport is required for all foreign visitors, and it must be valid for at least 6 months. Nationals from certain countries, including the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and South Africa, do not need a visa and will receive an entry permit upon arrival.

Required Documents:

Completed visa application form
Passport valid for at least 6 months (with required stamps)
Passport-sized photo
Flight itinerary
Hotel booking or confirmation
Letter of invitation (if applicable)
Vaccination certificate, including Yellow Fever certificate (if applicable)

Visa Application Process:

Identify Visa Type:

The first step is to determine which visa type you need, and check whether you’re eligible to apply for it.
You’ll also need to know the documents that you’ll have to submit along with your application, how long the application might take and fees you’ll have to pay.
Each application must comply with the guidelines applicable for your visa category.
If your documents are not in English, you may need to get translations prepared before applying.

Begin your application from:

Once you are ready to apply, you can download the visa application form , complete it, print the complete form and bring it with you to the Visa Application Centre (together with the documents required for the Visa category chosen) for submission.

Book an appointment:

Once you have filled your visa form, you need to book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre. This is known as ‘biometric information’ .
Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment.
If you are part of a family or group, you’ll have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group.

Pay your fees:

Once you have made your application, you will need to pay your visa application fee. If you download the form to print and bring to the Visa Application Centre, payment will be made at the time of your appointment .

You can pay the visa fee at the visa application centre in cash/QR.

Visit a Visa Application Centre:

You’ll have to submit your completed visa application form at the Visa Application Centre in person.

Find out What happens at the Visa Application Centre.

Track your application:

You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you can’t access email easily, or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone. Check whether this service is available at the Visa Application Centre you are visiting.

You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name to access this service.

Collect your passport:

After a visa application decision has been made, you can pick up your passport from the Visa Application Centre
Collecting your passport in person: bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre and a form of Government identification. If permitted you may be able to send a representative to collect your passport; they will need to present a letter of authorization signed by you, bring the receipt issued to you by the Visa Application Centre and their Government identification.
Please check the Visa Application Centre opening time for the options available to collect your documents.

Processing Time:

Visa processing typically takes 2 to 3 working days.

Cost:

The cost ranges from R900 to R1000 (South African Rands).

Accreditation Requirements:

International crew accreditation is not necessary in Lesotho. Relevant visas and travel documentation are sufficient for entry.

Required Documents:

International crew accreditation is not necessary in Lesotho. Relevant visas and travel documentation are sufficient for entry.

Processing Time:

International crew accreditation is not necessary in Lesotho. Relevant visas and travel documentation are sufficient for entry.

Cost:

International crew accreditation is not necessary in Lesotho. Relevant visas and travel documentation are sufficient for entry.

Issuing Organization:

Film permits in Lesotho are managed through government channels, with the government eager to support exposure and filmmaking in the country. Local authorities are responsible for issuing these permits. There is a designated council or office that oversees the permitting process.

Required Documents:

Production company profile
Treatment or synopsis of the film being produced in Lesotho
Passport scans
Photos of the crew
Visa scans for all crew members
A list of equipment entering Lesotho, including serial numbers

Processing Time:

The process generally takes about 2 to 3 weeks.

Cost:

The application fee is R1,100 (South African Rands).

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Securing a private filming location in Lesotho involves the Fixer acting as an intermediary between the film crew and the property owner. The Fixer will negotiate terms, obtain necessary permits, and ensure all local regulations are followed to facilitate a smooth filming process.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Hoodlum will negotiate cost directly with private owner.

Drone Regulations:

Drone use is permitted in Lesotho, but operators must adhere to several regulations when flying within the country. It is essential for drone operators to comply with all relevant drone laws.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Permission for drone importation will be granted alongside the general film permit.

Required Documentation for Drone Importation

Letter of application
DJI unlocking application through Civil Aviation Lesotho or GJI Flysafe China
Drone operators must be part of the DJI Mavic online community and the Drone Pilot Media Network

Permit Issuance:

Drone permits are issued by Civil Aviation Lesotho.

Timing:

The approval process may take up to 1 month.

Cost:

Not available

Carnet Status:

Lesotho is not a Carnet country.

Required Documents:

E-Clearance certificates must be submitted online at least 3 days prior to entry into Lesotho.

Issuing Organization:

Customs clearance is issued by Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) at the Maseru Bridge or Maputosoe Bridge.

Timing:

The clearance process typically takes 3 to 7 working days.

Cost:

Not available.

General Overview:

Lesotho is generally regarded as a safe destination for travelers. While it has long been a refuge from the challenges affecting much of Africa, the country still faces its own challenges, including crime (both petty and violent), health concerns, and poverty.