Lesotho
Lesotho passport ranking
The Basotho passport is currently ranked 66th place on the Guide Passport Index. It provides visa-free access to 77 countries. This gives it an overall medium-low mobility score. Basotho passport holders have visa-free access and visas on arrival to countries such as Malaysia, Ireland, Singapore and Japan. Basotho nationals require a visa to enter about 152 destinations in the world. That is the reason why the passport raking is low on the overall worldwide mobility score. Some of the destinations for which a prior visa is required are the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and China. Visa applicants need to present documents such as proof of funds and return flight ticket.
Lesotho Passport Ranking
The Lesotho passport ranking relative to other global passports is calculated by adding up the number of countries that allow Lesotho passport holders to enter without a visa (i.e. visa-free countries) and those that allow Lesotho passport holders to enter by obtaining a visa on arrival (i.e. visa-on-arrival countries) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). There are currently a total of 49 Lesotho passport visa-free countries, 25 Lesotho visa-on-arrival countries, and 3 eTA destinations.
Altogether, Lesotho passport holders can enter a total of 77 destinations—either without a visa, through a visa on arrival, or via an eTA. As a result, the Lesotho passport ranks 66 in the world.
Separate from these Lesotho visa-free countries and visa-on-arrival countries, there are 152 additional destinations which Lesotho passport holders either need a physical visa to enter or an eVisa (i.e. visa required countries).
About Lesotho
The enclaved Kingdom of Lesotho is a former British colony consisting of 10 districts. The nation is located in Southern Africa and is completely surrounded by South Africa. Lesotho has a surface area of 30,355 square kilometers. This makes it the 43rd largest country in Africa. Its climate is generally temperate with cool dry winters and hot wet summers. Its terrain is characterized by highlands and plateaus, some hills and mountains.
Lesotho has an overall population of 2.2 million people. The capital of the nation is Maseru, which is also the most populous city with over 330,000 inhabitants. Other major towns are Teyateyaneng, Mafateng and Hlotse. The largest airport is Moshoeshoe International Airport (MSU), which is named after the former King of Lesotho: Moshoeshoe. The airport has only one flight connection to Johannesburg.
The Basotho culture is influenced by tribal traditions and former British rule. The main religion is Christianity. The official languages are English and Sesotho. The legal system is a mix between the English common law and the Roman-Dutch law. The government type is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The chief of state is King Letsie 3rd and the head of government is elected Prime Minister Sam Matekane. The elections take place every 5 years.
The official currency of the country is the Lesotho Loti (LSL) with the current exchange rate being LSL 16.9 to the USD. The country has an open economy, generating a GDP of approximately $7.4 billion in 2017. The same year its citizens had an income of $3,868 per capita. The GDP is mostly made up of 2 key sectors, which are industry and services. Main GDP contributing factors are diamond mining, remittances from abroad, textile production and international aid. Most of the produced products are being exported to surrounding South Africa.
Lesotho has a variety of tourism destinations and attractions. It is known for the diversity of activities offered. Such as hiking, trekking, four-wheel driving trails and cultural experiences. It has one UNESCO world heritage site. Some of the major destinations include the Tsehlanyane National Park, Maseru, Semonkong, the Kastse Dam, Bokong, Ha Kome and Mafeteng. The nation has a total of over 1 million tourists visiting every year. The majority of which are originating from neighboring South Africa.
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