The South African Department of Home Affairs has firmly dismissed widespread online claims suggesting that Lesotho nationals can now enter South Africa using only their national identity cards, clarifying that no such agreement exists between the two countries.
The department said current immigration regulations remain fully in force, and all travellers are still required to present valid passports when crossing the border in either direction.
The clarification comes after misleading posts circulated across social media platforms and informal news channels, claiming that border entry requirements between South Africa and Lesotho had recently been relaxed.
According to Home Affairs, these claims are incorrect and have no basis in official policy or bilateral agreements.
Legal framework remains unchanged
The department emphasised that South Africa’s immigration system continues to be governed by existing legislation, specifically the Immigration Act of 2002, which requires all individuals entering or leaving the country to hold valid travel documentation.
Officials warned that allowing entry without a passport would directly contravene the law and create operational and legal complications at border posts.
The government therefore reiterated that no exemptions have been introduced for any nationality, including citizens of Lesotho.
Misinterpretation of recent government meeting
Home Affairs explained that the confusion appears to stem from a ministerial engagement held in Cape Town on 17 April 2026, where officials from both South Africa and Lesotho reviewed findings from a joint technical working group.
The working group had been tasked, under the guidance of a binational commission, to explore possible long-term models for managing migration between the two neighbouring countries.
However, the department stressed that the meeting was strictly a presentation of research findings and did not constitute a policy announcement.
Any recommendations emerging from the study are still subject to further consideration by the binational commission.
No authority for immediate policy change
Officials also clarified that neither country’s ministers have unilateral authority to implement changes arising from the study at this stage.
The process remains in its early stages, with no decisions taken regarding border management reforms or travel document exemptions.
Even if future policy adjustments were to be considered, Home Affairs noted that such changes would require a formal legislative process involving amendments to existing immigration laws through Parliament.
No such legislative process has been initiated.
Existing border rules remain in force
Home Affairs reaffirmed that all travellers, including citizens of South Africa and Lesotho, must continue to comply with standard border entry requirements.
Valid passports remain mandatory at all shared ports of entry, with no exceptions currently in place.
The department also urged the public to exercise caution when engaging with information shared on social media, warning against the spread of unverified claims that could mislead travellers and create confusion at border posts.
Authorities have called on citizens to rely only on official government communications regarding immigration and border policy updates.
Source: South African Department of Home Affairs statements and official briefing materials.
