The Department of Home Affairs has refuted claims circulating on social media and in some media reports suggesting that Lesotho nationals will no longer need valid passports to enter South Africa.
In a statement, the department said it had “noted with concern various unfounded media reports and social media posts” claiming that citizens of the Kingdom of Lesotho may enter South Africa using only national ID cards.
“No such agreement has been reached between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho,” the department said, adding that allowing entry without a valid passport “would violate South Africa’s laws.”
It further stressed that such a move would contravene Section 9 of the Immigration Act of 2002, which states that no person may enter or depart the Republic without a valid passport.
The department explained that Home Affairs ministers from both countries met in Cape Town on 17 April 2026 to receive a study report from a joint task team exploring a possible new migration model, but noted that the recommendations are still to be considered by the Bi-National Commission.
“For any such change to even be considered, a legislative process involving Parliament would be required to amend existing immigration laws. No such process is currently underway,” the statement read.
“The status quo remains. 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 urges the public to desist from spreading this misinformation.”