Search
Contact
Login
Share this article
IMPACT – LOW
What is the change? Lesotho has introduced a new E-Visa program that will make traveling to the landlocked country easier for visa-required nationals. The impact of the program will be limited, however, because nationals of 71 countries already enjoy one form of visa exemption or another.
What does the change mean? Visa-required nationals traveling to Lesotho will be able to apply for E-Visas rather than scheduling appointments and applying for visas at Lesotho’s embassies and consulates. There will be no change in process for foreign nationals traveling to Lesotho on a 90-day or 14-day visa waiver.
Background: Lesotho, a small country surrounded on all sides by South Africa, introduced an E-Visa program this month for visa-required nationals. Applicants will no longer need to make appointments and instead may complete applications, submit supporting documentation and receive approvals online. Upon receiving confirmation, travelers should print out the approval notice and be prepared to provide it to authorities when entering the country. Additional information is available on this website.
The program will likely have limited impact because of existing visa exemptions. Lesotho provides 90-day visa exemptions to nationals of 49 countries, and 14-day visa exemptions to nationals of 22 countries. A complete list of visa-waived countries is available here.
BAL Analysis: While Lesotho already provides visa-free travel to nationals of 71 countries, the E-Visa program will make travel to the country easier for travelers from countries for which a visa is required.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
The U.S. State Department suspends visa services in Haiti. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico moves to reduce visa wait times.…
The European Council adopted a revision to the 2011 single-permit directive, paving the way for an improved single work and…
The Romanian government announced updates to its EU Blue Card regulations, as well as changes to work permits, including extending…
The European Council agreed to lift controls at air and sea borders in Bulgaria and Romania in March, and the…