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Do citizens of Lesotho need a visa for Japan?

No, with a machine-readable passport. Since 1 April 2010, citizens of Lesotho holding a machine-readable passport can enter Japan without a visa for up to 90 days. The foreign ministry advises those without one to get a visa in advance. Source: list revised 1 September 2025.

Updated

90days visa-free

Visa-free with conditions

The rule for Lesotho passports

What the Japanese foreign ministry lists for Lesotho.

Short-stay visa
Not needed
Visa-free stay
90 days
Passport
Machine-readable
Japanese missions
1
Visa for a short stay
Not required with the passport below
Longest stay granted
90 days
Passport
Machine-readable passport (visa advised without one)
What a short stay covers
Tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives. No paid work.
Group on the ministry's list
Africa
List last revised
1 September 2025
The official wording
MOFA: visa exemption listThe period of stay granted upon landing permission will be "15 days" for Indonesia and Thailand, “30 days” for Brunei and Qatar, and "90 days" for other countries and regions.Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay)
MOFA(A stay of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, etc. that does not include remunerative activities)VISA

Other passports from Africa

Short-stay visa rules for passports from Africa (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, exemption list revised 1 September 2025)
PassportShort-stay visaVisa-free stay
EgyptNeededNo visa-free stay
KenyaNeededNo visa-free stay
LesothoNot needed90 days
MauritiusNot needed90 days
NigeriaNeededNo visa-free stay
South AfricaNeededNo visa-free stay

Passport conditions

The exemption for Lesotho depends on the kind of passport you hold.

You must hold a valid passport to enter Japan (Immigration Control Act, Article 3).

MOFA: note 7 to the listFor nationals of Barbados (since April 1, 2010), Türkiye (since April 1, 2011) and Lesotho (since April 1, 2010), visas are not required only for holders of Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) in compliance with ICAO standards. Those who do not hold an MRP are advised to obtain a visa in advance, otherwise will be strictly examined and may be refused entry to Japan.Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay)

A machine-readable passport has the holder's data printed in machine-readable form on the identity page.

MOFA: visa exemption listMRP in compliance with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards has certain individual information, which is able to be read by computer, entered on the identity page of the passport.Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay)

Working, studying or staying longer

Visa-free entry covers short stays only.

Paid work is outside a short stay. To work for pay, or to stay more than 90 days, you need a visa. The foreign ministry says to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Immigration Services Agency first, in principle.

At the airport in Japan

The same steps apply to every foreign visitor.

On arrival you complete the Disembarkation Card for Foreigner (online through Visit Japan Web, or on paper), give your fingerprints and a facial photograph, and an immigration officer decides whether you can land.

JESTA, Japan's travel authorisation

Not yet. JESTA is the electronic travel authorisation Japan is creating for visa-exempt visitors. The Immigration Services Agency gives its start only as a date set by Cabinet Order, no later than 31 March 2029.

Living in Lesotho with another passport

Visa applications go by where you live, not only by nationality.

You can apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your own country or in the country where you live. You cannot apply while travelling in a third country.

The foreign ministry's eVISA list does not include residents of Lesotho, so applications go to the embassy or consulate, or to the channel it names.

What the Embassy of Japan in South Africa says

Embassy of Japan in South AfricaAll visa applications must be submitted by the applicant in person at this office.General Visa Information
Embassy of Japan in South AfricaThose who fall under the Eligible Applicants below are able to apply for a short-term stay visa for the purpose of Tourism on JAPAN eVISA website from March 27, 2023. … Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, U.S.A.General Visa Information
Embassy of Japan in South AfricaNotice for an appointment on applying for a visa … (Office of Consul of Japan in Cape Town) … To ensure a smoother application process, booking an appointment in advance is required to submit a visa application for all applicants.Visa information
Embassy of Japan in South AfricaOnce visa applications are officially accepted, visas may be granted and issued within two working days.Temporary Visitor's Visa

Visa fees at the Embassy of Japan in South Africa

Visa fees published by the Embassy of Japan in South Africa (checked 5 October 2026)
VisaWhoFeeFrom
Single entryAll applicants other than Indian nationals1,820 ZAR Source1 July 2026
Single entryIndian nationals100 ZAR Source1 July 2026
Multiple entryAll applicants other than Indian nationals3,640 ZAR Source1 July 2026
Multiple entryIndian nationals100 ZAR Source1 July 2026

Japanese embassy for Lesotho

The missions the foreign ministry lists for Lesotho. The rules on this page can change, so confirm with the mission before you book.

This page is compiled from the official pages below and was last checked on 5 October 2026. It is not legal advice. The embassy or consulate has the final word on your case.

Frequently asked questions

Do citizens of Lesotho need a visa for Japan?

No, with a machine-readable passport. Since 1 April 2010, citizens of Lesotho holding a machine-readable passport can enter Japan without a visa for up to 90 days. The foreign ministry advises those without one to get a visa in advance. Source: list revised 1 September 2025.

How long can citizens of Lesotho stay in Japan without a visa?

Up to 90 days. That is the period of stay the foreign ministry lists for Lesotho on its visa exemption list, revised 1 September 2025.

Can citizens of Lesotho work in Japan on a visa-free stay?

No. A short stay does not include paid work. The Immigration Services Agency says Temporary Visitors cannot work in Japan in principle, apart from short business trips.

Do citizens of Lesotho need JESTA to enter Japan?

Not yet. The law creating JESTA passed on 29 May 2026. It starts on a date to be set by Cabinet Order, no later than 31 March 2029.

Related items

Sources for this page

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Compiled by Japan Japan !! · Updated October 5, 2026