South Africa has extended the visa-free entry period for holders of ordinary passports from Lesotho, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 90 days per visit. The decision took immediate effect on 5 May 2025.
The Department of Home Affairs announced the new directive through Immigration Circular No. 5 of 2025. The move is aimed at aligning with the principle of reciprocity, as South African passport holders already enjoy similar travel privileges when visiting Lesotho.
Previously, citizens of Lesotho were permitted to enter South Africa without a visa for a maximum of 30 days. With the latest directive signed by Minister of Home Affairs Dr. L. A. Schreiber, the exemption period has now been tripled.
The exemption remains limited to visits not requiring temporary sojourn visas under sections 13 to 24 of South Africa’s Immigration Act of 2002. This means Lesotho passport holders can now stay for up to 90 days for purposes such as tourism or business, but not for work, study, or long-term stays which require separate permits.
Immigration officers and consular officials across South Africa have been instructed to enforce the updated policy immediately.
The results of our BiNational Commission: thank you Your Excellency @CyrilRamaphosa, My Brother and Colleague @RonaldLamola and the Government of the Republic of South Africa for the extension of visa for Basotho from 30 to 90 days per visit as per the decision of our past BNC. pic.twitter.com/rEAqSbZRQJ
— Lejone Mpotjoane (@LMpotjoane) May 8, 2025
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