Safety and Security

U.S. citizens should avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations. Large gatherings can potentially become violent at any time.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Lesotho by visiting the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Lesotho has a high crime rate, and foreigners must remain vigilant at all times. Foreigners are frequently targeted and robbed, and have occasionally been car-jacked and killed. A number of U.S. citizens have reported incidents – including sexual assault, armed and unarmed confrontation, and home invasion – occurring in broad daylight. There are no indications that U.S. citizens are targeted due to their nationality.

Crime can occur anywhere in Lesotho, but is most prevalent in urban areas. Incidents of crime have occurred in popular restaurants, poorly lit or unlit roads, and locations foreigners are known to frequent. Victims have included tourists, volunteer workers, and employees of non-governmental organizations.

U.S. citizens are advised to avoid walking at night. Extra caution should be exercised while walking through downtown Maseru, even in daylight hours, as there have been numerous incidents in the middle of the day. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise caution, be particularly alert to their surroundings, and to avoid crowds, demonstrations, or any other form of public gathering. Traveling alone or at night is particularly dangerous, due to limited street lighting and undeveloped road conditions. The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) is responsible for policing duties. Due to limited resources, LMPS and ambulance response times can vary widely. U.S. citizens should report crime to the police and to the consular section of the U.S. Embassy.

There is a serious problem with theft from baggage at O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), a required transit point for air travel to Lesotho. Travelers are encouraged to secure their luggage with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved locks, use an airport plastic wrapping service, and avoid placing any items of value in checked luggage. Make an inventory of items in checked baggage to aid in claims processing if theft does occur. The claims processing procedure can be time-consuming.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them in Lesotho, you are also breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.  

Lesotho does not have a local equivalent to 911. In the event of an emergency, you can call (266) 2231 2934 or (266) 2232 2099. These numbers should be answered by police 24/7, but have been known to be out of service. You can contact the consular section of the U.S. Embassy Maseru using the information below:

Phone: (266) 2231-2666 Ext: 4124
Emergency After-Hours Duty Phone: (266) 5885-4035
Email: USConsularMaseru@state.gov

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States