The U.S. Embassy in Maseru confirmed that routine visa processing for Lesotho citizens remains at the Johannesburg consulate under a wider African realignment that began on 1 August.

The U.S. Department of State realigned routine visa processing across sub-Saharan Africa to approximately 20 regional hubs. The change took effect on 1 August 2026.

Lesotho Tribune | 3 August 2026

Lesotho already operated under this model. Routine fee-based visa applications for Basotho have been processed at the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg since 2021.

Routine visa processing stays in Johannesburg

All routine fee-based visa processing for Lesotho citizens continues at the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg. The embassy stated that the realignment strengthens U.S. national security by promoting rigorous screening and better aligning resources with American interests.

Moving forward all routine fee-based visa processing for Lesotho citizens will continue to be processed at the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg.

Diplomatic visas remain in Maseru

Diplomatic and official non-immigrant visas continue to be handled at the U.S. Embassy in Maseru. Some no-fee non-immigrant visas also remain available in Lesotho.

Basotho seeking routine visas must continue to apply through the Johannesburg consulate. Full guidance is available on the U.S. Embassy Lesotho website and at travel.state.gov.