Eswatini Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is a landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa that welcomes international visitors with relatively straightforward entry requirements. Most travelers from major tourist-generating countries can enter visa-free for short stays, making it an accessible destination for tourism and business visits. The country has four main ports of entry: King Mswati III International Airport (near Manzini), Matsapha Airport, and several land border crossings with South Africa and Mozambique. The immigration process in Eswatini is generally efficient and straightforward. Upon arrival, travelers will need to present a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and demonstrate sufficient funds for their stay. Immigration officers are typically courteous and professional, though border crossings can experience delays during peak holiday periods, particularly at the Ngwenya and Lomahasha border posts with South Africa. Before traveling to Eswatini, visitors should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date and contains blank pages for entry stamps. It's advisable to carry proof of accommodation, return tickets, and travel insurance. While Eswatini is generally welcoming to tourists, travelers should familiarize themselves with local customs and regulations, particularly regarding photography of government buildings and respect for the monarchy.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Eswatini operates a relatively liberal visa policy, allowing citizens of many countries to enter without a visa for tourism and short business visits. Visa requirements depend on nationality and purpose of visit.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 30 days (extendable)

Citizens of these countries can enter Eswatini without a visa for tourism or business purposes

Includes

All European Union member states United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand South Africa Botswana Lesotho Namibia Zimbabwe Mauritius Seychelles Kenya Tanzania Zambia Malawi Japan South Korea Singapore Hong Kong SAR Israel Brazil Argentina Chile Uruguay

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. Extensions beyond 30 days must be applied for at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Mbabane. Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds may be requested at entry.

Visa on Arrival

Up to 30 days

Citizens of certain Commonwealth and African countries can obtain a visa on arrival

Includes

India Ghana Nigeria Uganda Rwanda Bangladesh Pakistan Sri Lanka

How to Apply: Visa is issued at the port of entry upon presentation of valid passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Processing typically takes 15-30 minutes.
Cost: Approximately 50-100 USD (varies by nationality, payable in USD, EUR, ZAR, or SZL)

It's recommended to have exact change in accepted currencies. Visa on arrival is at the discretion of immigration officers, so having all supporting documents is crucial.

Visa Required

Typically 30-90 days depending on visa type

Citizens of countries not listed above must obtain a visa before traveling to Eswatini

How to Apply: Apply at the nearest Eswatini embassy, high commission, or consulate. Applications typically require: completed application form, valid passport with 6 months validity, passport photos, proof of accommodation, return flight tickets, bank statements, and visa fee. Processing time is usually 5-10 working days.

If there is no Eswatini diplomatic mission in your country, contact the Ministry of Home Affairs in Mbabane or apply through the nearest South African embassy. Some nationalities may require additional security clearance, extending processing time.

Arrival Process

The entry process into Eswatini is generally straightforward. Whether arriving by air or land border, travelers should be prepared with all necessary documentation and be ready to answer questions about their visit.

Document Check

Upon arrival, proceed to immigration counters where officers will check your passport, visa (if required), and entry eligibility. Have your passport, return tickets, and accommodation details ready.

Immigration Interview

Immigration officers may ask about the purpose of your visit, duration of stay, accommodation arrangements, and your occupation. Answer honestly and have supporting documents readily available.

Entry Stamp

If approved, your passport will be stamped with an entry stamp indicating the date of entry and permitted duration of stay. Verify the dates are correct before leaving the counter.

Customs Declaration

Proceed to baggage claim, collect your luggage, and pass through customs. Declare any items exceeding duty-free allowances or restricted items. Most travelers pass through the green 'nothing to declare' channel.

Exit Airport/Border Post

After clearing customs, you're free to enter Eswatini. Currency exchange facilities and transportation options are available at major entry points.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date with at least 2 blank pages for stamps. Damaged passports may be rejected.

Visa (if required)

Printed copy of visa approval or visa sticker in passport, depending on your nationality.

Proof of Onward Travel

Return flight ticket, bus ticket, or proof of onward travel to another country. This is frequently requested and may result in entry denial if not provided.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, invitation letter from host, or address where you'll be staying. Immigration may contact hotels to verify bookings.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay (approximately 50-100 USD per day is advisable).

Yellow Fever Certificate

Required if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries. Must be presented at immigration.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Dress appropriately and be respectful when dealing with immigration officials. Eswatini is a conservative monarchy, and professional attire is appreciated.

Have all documents organized and easily accessible before reaching the immigration counter to speed up the process.

Print physical copies of important documents (hotel reservations, return tickets, visa) as internet connectivity may be limited at border posts.

Arrive at land borders during daylight hours when possible, as some smaller border posts have limited hours of operation.

If entering from South Africa, ensure you complete South African exit procedures before proceeding to Eswatini immigration.

Keep your entry stamp legible and safe; you'll need to present it when exiting the country.

Have small denominations of accepted currencies (USD, ZAR, EUR) for visa fees if applicable, as change may not always be available.

Be patient during peak periods (South African public holidays, December/January) when border crossings can be congested.

Customs & Duty-Free

Eswatini customs regulations are designed to prevent illegal imports while allowing reasonable personal items for travelers. Understanding duty-free allowances and prohibited items will help ensure a smooth customs clearance process.

Alcohol

2 liters of wine and 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine and 2 liters of beer

Only for travelers 18 years and older. Alcohol must be for personal consumption only.

Tobacco

400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

Only for travelers 18 years and older. Must be for personal use.

Perfume

50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette

For personal use only.

Currency

No limit on foreign currency, but amounts exceeding 15,000 SZL (approximately 800 USD) must be declared

Declaration is mandatory for amounts above the threshold. Forms are available at entry points. Keep declaration forms for exit.

Gifts/Goods

Goods up to a value of 5,000 SZL (approximately 270 USD)

Must be for personal use or gifts. Commercial quantities will be subject to duty and may require import permits.

Prohibited Items

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances - strictly illegal with severe penalties including imprisonment
Firearms and ammunition - without proper permits from Eswatini authorities
Counterfeit goods and pirated materials - including fake designer items and pirated media
Obscene or pornographic materials - Eswatini has strict decency laws
Endangered species products - items made from protected wildlife (ivory, rhino horn, certain skins)
Hazardous materials - explosives, flammable substances, toxic chemicals
Fresh fruits and vegetables from certain regions - to prevent agricultural pest introduction
Meat and dairy products - from countries with disease outbreaks
Plants and plant materials - without phytosanitary certificates

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - must be in original containers with prescription or doctor's letter. Quantities should be reasonable for personal use during stay
Professional camera/video equipment - may require temporary import permit if for commercial purposes
Drones and UAVs - require prior authorization from Civil Aviation Authority; recreational use is restricted
Hunting rifles - require special permits from police and wildlife authorities, must be declared
Live animals and pets - require veterinary health certificates, rabies vaccination proof, and import permits
Radio transmission equipment - requires authorization from telecommunications authority
Cultural artifacts and antiques - may require export permits when leaving

Health Requirements

Eswatini has specific health requirements for entry, primarily focused on preventing the introduction of infectious diseases. Travelers should plan ahead to ensure they meet all health requirements and take recommended precautions.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - REQUIRED if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days prior to arrival. Must have valid International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) showing vaccination at least 10 days before arrival. This is strictly enforced.

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers due to potential exposure through food and water
Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
Typhoid - recommended, especially for travelers visiting rural areas or staying with friends/relatives
Rabies - recommended for travelers involved in outdoor activities, working with animals, or visiting rural areas
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) - ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
Tetanus-Diphtheria - ensure booster is current
Polio - one-time booster recommended for adults if not received in childhood
Influenza - recommended for all travelers, especially during flu season

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Medical facilities in Eswatini are limited, particularly outside major towns, and serious conditions may require medical evacuation to South Africa. Insurance should cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation. Carry proof of insurance and emergency contact numbers.

Current Health Requirements: Health entry requirements can change rapidly, particularly regarding emerging infectious diseases. Check current COVID-19 requirements (testing, vaccination certificates, quarantine) with official sources before travel, as these may still be in effect or reintroduced. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for travel to low-altitude areas, particularly during the rainy season (November-April). Consult a travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before departure for personalized advice.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Ministry of Home Affairs (Immigration)

P.O. Box 432, Mbabane, Eswatini

For visa extensions, immigration inquiries, and official information. Visit in person at government offices in Mbabane for visa extensions.

Emergency Services

999 - General emergencies (Police, Ambulance, Fire)

Additional numbers: Police 404-2221, Ambulance 404-2423. Response times vary; in remote areas, consider private medical evacuation services.

King Mswati III International Airport

Main international airport near Manzini

Contact: +268 2518 6500. Located approximately 60km from Mbabane.

Your Country's Embassy/High Commission

Locate your embassy or consulate in Eswatini or accredited to Eswatini (often based in South Africa)

Register your travel with your embassy's travel registration system. Many countries do not have resident missions in Eswatini; check before travel.

Tourism Authority

Eswatini Tourism Authority, Mbabane

For tourism information, complaints, and assistance: +268 2404 2531

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passports; they cannot be included on parents' passports. Travelers entering or departing Eswatini with children under 18 may be required to present an unabridged birth certificate showing both parents' details. If traveling with only one parent, a notarized affidavit of consent from the non-traveling parent is required. If a parent is deceased or the child has only one legal guardian, relevant documentation (death certificate, court order) must be presented. These requirements are strictly enforced at all ports of entry, particularly land borders with South Africa. Carry original or certified copies of all documents.

Traveling with Pets

Pets entering Eswatini require: (1) Valid rabies vaccination certificate (must be vaccinated at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before entry), (2) Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, (3) Import permit from Eswatini Veterinary Services, (4) Microchip identification (recommended), (5) Proof of treatment for internal and external parasites. Dogs and cats from high-risk rabies countries may require additional quarantine or testing. Birds require additional permits and health certificates. Contact the Department of Veterinary and Livestock Services well in advance (at least 6 weeks) to obtain import permits. Pets must enter through designated ports of entry.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas/visa-free stays of 30 days can be extended for additional periods by applying at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Mbabane before your current authorization expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration officials and typically require: completed application form, valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, accommodation details, police clearance certificate (for long extensions), and extension fee. For stays exceeding 90 days or for work/study purposes, you must apply for a temporary residence permit or appropriate visa category. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, deportation, and future entry bans. Start extension applications at least one week before expiry.

Business Travelers

Business visitors entering visa-free or on tourist visas may attend meetings, conferences, and negotiations but cannot engage in gainful employment or work. For employment, a work permit must be obtained before arrival through the employer's application to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Business travelers should carry: business invitation letter from Eswatini company, company registration documents, proof of business relationship, and return tickets. Journalists and media professionals require special accreditation from the Ministry of Information and should apply well in advance.

Dual Nationals

Travelers holding dual nationality should use the same passport for entry and exit. If you hold Eswatini citizenship, you must enter and exit using your Eswatini passport. Using different passports may cause complications with immigration officials. Declare dual nationality if asked.

Refugees and Stateless Persons

Holders of refugee travel documents or stateless persons' documents should contact the nearest Eswatini diplomatic mission before travel to determine entry requirements. Additional documentation may be required, and processing times may be longer. Carry all documentation related to your refugee or stateless status.