Border closures

[Chris8d]

Sorry guys, but borders are still closed.

Sani was closed as well as Ramatsediso, he had to walk in.

He was allowed to exit at Qachas nek, but it seems that it is only for residents, as he told me that it was open but it was closed

He had to have a swab done to exit and was telling how they stuck this long, very long he says, stick up his nose and he could feel it at the back of his head, his most scary experience ever

[Sechaba]

Going to Underberg nextweek, I thought I would support those doing business in Sani Pass and contribute to the economy. Politicians are a serious problem here, Lesotho has not reported any cases since Friday, so far they have 1800 cases and 42 deaths, but the economy is bleeding, I really don't understand these politicians thinking.

[Chris8d]

Rumor has it that Sani will open by the weekend.

[AK77]

Rumor has it that Sani will open by the weekend.

Can anyone confirm this? Would be great news.
Worry about the SA impact then to Lesotho. Saw an article stating in the WC cases have increased by 42%

[Plasie_Fourie]

I believe Sani is open

[Chris8d]

I believe Sani is open

Yes, opened last week.

But you have to have a COVID test done, for your account when entering, a very long stick up the nose.

[BigRed]

Good day all

I need to send a technician to Maseru for work. He'll be passing through the Maseru bridge border crossing.

What are the current COVID-19 testing requirements? The R170 rapid test or the full Lancet swab test - i believe to be taken within 72 hrs prior to crossing border.

Anyone know what the requirements are?

[DiscoJan]

Good day all

I need to send a technician to Maseru for work. He'll be passing through the Maseru bridge border crossing.

What are the current COVID-19 testing requirements? The R170 rapid test or the full Lancet swab test - i believe to be taken within 72 hrs prior to crossing border.

Anyone know what the requirements are?

Full PCR test not older than 72 hrs. But the test result is valid for 14 days so will be allowed back into SA with same test (if returning within that 14 days). I haven't heard that they do the rapid test yet.

Some guys have been allowed in with the date of the report being 72 hrs (IE the actual swab was taken over 72 hrs) but it depends on the official at the border...

[BigRed]

Full PCR test not older than 72 hrs. But the test result is valid for 14 days so will be allowed back into SA with same test (if returning within that 14 days). I haven't heard that they do the rapid test yet.

Some guys have been allowed in with the date of the report being 72 hrs (IE the actual swab was taken over 72 hrs) but it depends on the official at the border...

thank you

[DiscoJan]

Hi all,

Lesotho has gone to lockdown level Orange - equivalent to SA level 4.

Borders are closed except for emergency services and returning Basotho.

We should hear later today what this means for us expats working here...

[Plasie_Fourie]

Good day
Do we know if Sani is open?

[DiscoJan]

Lesotho is on a hard lockdown, not sure when it ends. Only essential services are allowed to travel. There is big police and army presence stopping vehicles. You need permits from Nacosec and employer to be allowed to travel. I am travelling there to Koa mine on Monday, have 3 permits and letters to allow me to pass.

Thus wouldn't advise trying to travel around Lesotho as a normal visitor. Will try check when it is supposed to end.

[Plasie_Fourie]

I am in Lesotho in lockdown now and need to go down. I receive this from DA rep that this borders is open.

[DiscoJan]

As a visitor I would still be hesitant to travel. I was issued another letter from the Lesotho government giving specific permission for our company employees and contractors to travel, wilth all our names on the list

[Plasie_Fourie]

[AfricaBen]

Hi guys,

Does anyone have any updates on the latest with the Lesotho border. We were planning on going down on the weekend starting 19 March and camping at Semonkong, but I am hearing conflicting reports about the borders and restrictions in Lesotho.

[AfricaBen]

I just spoke with Glen from Malealea Lodge. He says the Lesotho border remains closed for tourists. There are rumors that this may change but not confirmed.

[DiscoJan]

I can't comment on tourist entry, but coming into Lesotho on Tuesday they demanded all my letters from the mine and the Nacosec travel docs. This at Caledonspoort.

They were quite full of s....

[Bogaards]

Have heard that the borders will now be open again?

Have Trip to Senqu river coming up in April with Halfway Fourways...

Apparently one needs to do a Covid test...

[DiscoJan]

Does seems more freer than last week. But yes you still need a covid test of less than 14 day. I go in with mine that's a day or 3 old and come back with same test within the 14 days validity test.