Lesotho Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Lesotho
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated September 17, 2024
Lesotho recorded 38.2 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2008, a rate that is among the highest in the world. That places Lesotho #11 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 17% over the past decade (from 45.8 in 2007). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Lesotho at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
38.2 /100k
Safety Rank
#185 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2008
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2008)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 17% over the past decade (from 45.8 in 2007). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Lesotho Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Lesotho:
Reissued after periodic review with changes to overall Travel Advisory level from level 1 to level 2 due to an increase in crime. Exercise increased caution in Lesotho due to crime . Country Summary: Crime is common in Lesotho and sporadic armed robberies and carjackings occur. Local police may lack the resources to respond in a timely manner to criminal incidents. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Lesotho.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Lesotho
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 08, 2025).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
Crime
Lesotho has a high crime rate, and foreigners must remain vigilant at all times. Foreigners are frequently targeted and robbed and have been car-jacked and killed. 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 specifically targeted. Crime is most prevalent in urban areas but can happen anywhere. Criminal incidents have occurred in popular restaurants, along poorly lit or unlit roads, and at locations frequented by foreigners. Victims have included tourists, volunteer workers, and employees of non-governmental organizations. Extra caution should be exercised while walking through downtown Maseru, both at night and during the day. You are urged to exercise caution and avoid crowds, demonstrations, or any other form of public gathering.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobile Devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad are keeping all software (operating system and apps) updated and use virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration. Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers. Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and do not consume suspicious food or drinks.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at (266) 2231 2934or (266) 2232 2099. These numbers should be answered by police 24/7 but have been known to be out of service. Also contact the U.S. Embassy at (266) 2231-2666 Ext: 4124 or (266) 5885-4035 after hours. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Lesotho Population & Demographics
Population of 2,337,423, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lesotho safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Lesotho at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include crime. The homicide rate of 38.2 per 100,000 is among the highest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Lesotho?
Lesotho has an intentional homicide rate of 38.2 per 100,000 people (2008, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #11 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Lesotho?
Lesotho is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Lesotho compare to other countries?
Lesotho's homicide rate of 38.2 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Africa average of 7.6.