Sani Pass: Lesotho introduced an "attraction fee and tourism levy" at Sani Pass Border Gate!

The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) has introduced a tourism levy at Sani Pass Gate in Lesotho's Mokhotlong district. Effective since 01 April 2024, all visitors with foreign passports, expect for children under the age of 13 years, must pay an attraction fee and tourism levy of M100* upon entering the Sani Pass Gate.
According to LTDC Public Relations Manager Mr. Molapo Matela, the levy will be collected by accommodation owners, tour operators as well as events organisers on behalf of the LTDC.
Sani Pass is a mountain pass located in the West of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on the road between Himeville and Mokhotlong in Lesotho. The South African/Lesotho border is at the summit of the pass and not at the South African border control point. Sani Pass therefore lies entirely within South Africa.

 

*The Lesotho loti is pegged to the South African rand on a 1:1 basis through the Common Monetary Area, and both are accepted as legal tender within Lesotho.

Lesotho introduces a tourism levy!

The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Retšelisitsoe Nko, has announced that Lesotho has introduced a tourism levy. The new tax, which is paid by tourists for specific travel and tourism services offered in Lesotho, became operational on 01 October 2022. The levy is getting collected by the enterprises thus accommodation owners, tour guides, and event organisers.
Mr. Maurice Thetso Thamae, Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) Head of Finance and Administration, further noted that 50% of the Lesotho Tourism Levy will be used to promote tourism, saying 30% will be used for administration while 10% will be used by the Ministry of Tourism to formulate laws and regulations for tourism.