On Sunday, March 15, new restrictions on entry to the Republic of South Africa were announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The most relevant restrictions for U.S. citizens currently in or planning to visit Lesotho include: 1) Effective Monday, March 16, closure of some land borders between South Africa and Lesotho, and 2) effective Wednesday, March 18, restrictions on entry to the Republic of South Africa for travelers who have visited certain countries, including the United States, within the previous 20 days. There may be additional restrictions affecting the ability of U.S. citizens to enter South Africa as of March 18. The Department of State has asked the government of South Africa for further information, and we will share this information as we receive it.
1) Closure of Some Land Border Crossings Between South Africa and Lesotho
According to the best information available to the U.S. Embassy in Maseru, as of this time the following border posts remain open:
| Lesotho Border Crossing Name | South African Crossing Name | Operating Hours |
| Maseru Bridge | Maseru Bridge | 24 hours |
| Maputsoe | Ficksburg Bridge | 24 hours |
| Caledonspoort | Caledonspoort | 06:00-22:00 |
| Qacha’s Nek | Quacha’s Nek | 06:00-22:00 |
| Van Rooyen’s Gate | Van Rooyen’s Gate | 06:00-22:00 |
According to the best information available to the U.S. Embassy in Maseru, as of this time the following border posts are closed:
| Lesotho Border Crossing Name | South African Crossing Name | Operating Hours |
| Makhaleng Bridge | Makhaleng Bridge | CLOSED |
| Montansa Pass | Montansa Pass | CLOSED |
| Ngoangoana | Boesmansnek | CLOSED |
| Ongeluksnek | Ongeluksnek | CLOSED |
| Peka Bridge | Peka Bridge | CLOSED |
| Ramatsilitso/Ramatseliso’s Gate | Ramatsilitso/Ramatseliso’s Gate | CLOSED |
| Sani Pass | Sani Pass | CLOSED |
| Sepapus Gate | Sepapus Gate | CLOSED |
| Tele Bridge | Tele Bridge | CLOSED |
Please note that the governments of South Africa or Lesotho may open or close the border crossings with minimal advance notice.
At this time, all international airports in South Africa remain open.
2) Restrictions on Entry to South Africa for Travelers from Selected Countries, Including the United States
Effective Wednesday, March 18, South Africa will refuse entry to any foreign visitor who in the previous 20 days has visited Italy, Iran, Germany, the People’s Republic of China, South Korea, Spain, the United States, or the United Kingdom. The U.S. Embassy in Lesotho has confirmed this policy with the South African High Commission in Lesotho.
The U.S Embassy in Lesotho is working to get further information regarding the new entry restrictions and how they may affect U.S. citizens. We will share additional information as it becomes available.
Please direct further inquiries to USConsularMaseru@state.gov.