The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has moved swiftly to shut down widespread claims circulating on social media and in some media reports suggesting that Lesotho nationals will soon be allowed to enter South Africa without passports, relying instead on national identity cards.
On Wednesday, the department described the reports as “unfounded” and misleading, warning the public against spreading misinformation that could cause confusion at border posts and undermine immigration laws.
According to Home Affairs, no agreement has been reached between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho to allow passport-free travel. Officials stressed that the current legal framework remains fully in force, and there have been no changes to entry requirements for either country’s citizens.
The department further clarified that any suggestion that Lesotho nationals can now enter South Africa without a valid passport is not only incorrect but also unlawful.
“Allowing entry without a valid passport would violate South Africa’s laws,” the department said. It specifically pointed to section 9 of the Immigration Act of 2002, which states that no person may enter or depart the Republic without a valid passport.
Home Affairs emphasised that this legal requirement applies uniformly and remains the cornerstone of South Africa’s border control system.
The clarification comes amid growing speculation online following recent bilateral discussions between South African and Lesotho officials. The department confirmed that Home Affairs ministers from both countries met in Cape Town on 17 April 2026 as part of ongoing engagements under the Bi-National Commission framework.
During the meeting, the ministers received a study report compiled by a joint task team that was established to explore a potential new migration model between the two neighbouring states. The task team had been mandated to assess possible improvements to border management and cross-border movement, particularly given the close historical, social, and economic ties between South Africa and Lesotho.
Officials said this was the first time the findings and recommendations of the study were formally presented to the ministers for consideration. However, they stressed that the report does not represent a policy change and no decisions have been taken to alter existing immigration rules.
“The recommendations are to be considered by the Bi-National Commission,” the department said, adding that any future changes would follow a structured and lengthy policy process.
Home Affairs was also clear that even if reforms were ever considered, they would require full legislative approval, including possible amendments to immigration laws by Parliament. At present, no such legislative process is underway.
“The status quo remains,” the department stated. “All Lesotho nationals and South African citizens must continue to present valid passports for all entry and exit purposes at our shared ports of entry.”
The department has urged members of the public, media houses, and social media users to verify information before sharing it, warning that misinformation about border policy can create unnecessary confusion and disrupt travel arrangements at official ports of entry.
Lesotho and South Africa share one of the busiest land borders in the region, with thousands of people crossing daily for work, education, trade, and family visits. Any misunderstanding about entry requirements has the potential to cause significant disruption.
Officials say the current focus remains on improving efficiency at border posts and exploring long-term cooperation mechanisms, but not on removing passport requirements.
Home Affairs has reiterated its commitment to transparent communication and has encouraged the public to rely only on official government channels for updates regarding immigration policy.
For now, the department has made it clear: there has been no change, no exemption, and no agreement allowing passport-free travel for Lesotho nationals entering South Africa.
