Visa Information
VISA TYPES
Select the visa type that is right for you to see important information on visa fees, documents required, forms, photo specifications and processing times.
Short Term Visa
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Overview
The special dispensation is for Lesotho nationals who are working, studying or running businesses in The Republic of South Africa and have been in the country in such capacity before 30 September 2015
The Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) is a permit issued by the Department of Home Affairs, South Africa.
Lesotho Citizens that would like to remain in South Africa can apply for the newly introduced Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) provided they have a valid LEP permit.
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Fees
The fees are mentioned below
A fixed service fee of R1550 for every applicant
A biometric clearance fee of R185 (Applicable to all who are 18 years and above)
- All adults (18years and over) will pay a total of R1735
- All minors (below 18years of age) will pay a total of R1550
Fees are non-refundable once the application is received by VFS Global and Department of Home Affairs.
Please click here to read the terms and conditions of payment
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Documents Required
- Applicants are requested to get original documents for verification while submitting photocopies for the permit
- If you have completed the online form and taken an appointment through the website then you need to carry the duly completed and signed online form with you to the center. Handwritten forms will not be accepted by Department of Home Affairs.
- Copy of valid Lesotho passport *Original Lesotho Passport is required while submitting the application for verification.
- Certified copy of previous exemption permit
- A copy of the Lesotho Birth Certificate or the Lesotho ID Card. (All applicants need to be registered on the National Population Register of Leostho before applying for the Lesotho Special Permit)
- Print out of Online Payment Reciept or Original Bank payment receipt for each applicant (if a cash deposit prepayment is done in our Standard Bank account)
- Letter of your Appointment to submit at the VFS centre
- As per the permit category you apply for below documents will be required
LSP PERMIT CATEGORY APPLYING FOR REQUIREMENTS Work Letter of employment from employer on their company letterhead (if applicable) and certified true by a Commissioner of Oaths (Police Station, Bank, Post Office) Own Business Business Registration Documents issued by the CIPC and SARS registration Study Proof of registration with a Learning Institution
- * It is recommended that the passport be valid for a period of more than four years. If the validity period of the passport or the travel document is less than four years, the holder will bear the cost of the replacement of both the passport and the LEP into the new passport
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Processing Time
All applications accepted at the Application Centre will have an average processing time of 8 weeks (approximate timeline) for the decision to be returned from Department of Home Affairs. You can track your application online on VFS Global website to determine status of your application.
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Online Forms
Please click here to complete your online form.