Last updated: 20 Sep 2021
eSwatini (Swaziland)
About
| Situated between Mozambique and South Africa, tiny Swaziland is one of the smallest countries in Africa. It is also one of its gems. Ingrained with a strong sense of national pride, the country is emblazoned with a rich cultural heritage. Outdoor activities can include white-water rafting through the rapids in Bulungu Gorge, game-spotting on a wildlife drive, organised through Big Game Parks. Mkhaya Game Reserve is a top private reserve where you may spot the elusive black rhino; and in Hlane Royal National Park look out for lion, elephant and plenty of antelope. Immerse those weary bones in the ‘cuddle puddle', one of the many hot mineral springs around the country, or throw a fishing line in at Mlawula Nature Reserve, and also admire the varied species of antelopes and birds. This is where the Lebombo Mountains meet with the surrounding Lowveld. Border Posts Bulembu / Josefsdal 08h00 - 16h00 Gege / Bothashoop 08h00 - 16h00 Lavumisa / Golela 07h00 - 22h00 Lomahasha / Namaacha 07h00 - 20h00 Lundzi / Waverley 07h00 - 16h00 Mahamba 07h00 - 22h00 Mananga 08h00 - 18h00 Matsamo / Jeppe’s Reef 08h00 - 20h00 Mhlumeni 24 hours Ngwenya / Oshoek 07h00 - 24h00 Salitje / Onverwacht 08h00 - 18h00 Sandlane / Nerston 08h00 - 18h00 Sicunusa / Houdkop 08h00 - 18h00 |
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| Capital: | Mbabane (MTS) |
| Currency: | Lilangeni (SZL) |
| Language: | English and Swati |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 268 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +2 hours (same as South Africa) |
| Public Holidays 2021: |
Jan 1; Mar 20; Apr 2, 5, 19, 25; May 1, 13; Jun 21; Jul 22; Sep 6; 22; Dec 21, 25, 26, 28 |
| Side of the Road: | Left. South African drivers' licences are recognised in SADC countries (Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe). It is recommended that a letter of verification be obtained from the South African Department of Transport. |
| Best Time to go: | June to August |
| Best For: | National Parks, Cultural Activities |
| Plugs: | 230 volts AC, 50Hz. South African-style plugs with two circular metal pins above a large circular grounding pin are in use. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are poor in the country, but the tourist hotels offer private services. Medication can be brought into the country, but it is best to have an accompanying doctors note. |
| Customs: | Permission to photograph individuals should always be sought. In some cases, a gratuity may be asked for. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | It is prohibited to photograph the Royal Palace, the Royal Family, uniformed police, army personnel, army vehicles or aircraft and bank buildings. Homosexuality is illegal |
| Travel Warnings: | Only a few ATMs accept international credit/debit cards |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Swaziland without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes and 20 cigars and 250g of tobacco • 2L of wine and 1L of spirits • 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette • Goods up to the value of E5,000. These allowances only apply to travellers arriving from countries other than Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia or South Africa. Travellers coming from these countries may import goods up to the value of E1,000. |
Travel Alerts
Last updated: 17/09/2021
Eswatini is open for travel from all countries, with some health measures in place.
Form requirements
- Passengers must complete a Disease Surveillance Form on arrival.
Test requirements
- Passengers are advised to hold a negative PCR test certificate obtained within 72 hours prior to departure.
- This does not apply to nationals and residents of Mozambique or South Africa.
- Nationals and residents of Mozambique or South Africa must hold a negative PCR test certificate obtained within 72 hours prior to departure.
Quarantine requirements
- Passengers may be required to quarantine for up to 14 days on arrival.
- Passengers not holding a negative PCR test obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival and passengers showing symptoms of Covid-19 will be subject to PCR testing on arrival at their own expense.
- This does not apply to nationals and residents of Mozambique or South Africa.
Exit requirements
- Passengers departing Eswatini must hold a negative PCR test obtained within 72 hours prior to departure.
This Information is intended as a Guideline.
Issuing Authorities
The Swaziland High Commission
715 Government Ave, Arcadia 0083
PO Box 14294 Hatfield, 0028
Tel: (012) 344-1910/17/24
Fax: (012) 343-0455 / (012) 3445245
Web: www.swazihighcom.co.za
E-mail: visa@swazihighcom.co.za
Consular Section (VISA) hours: 0900-1230 Mon,Wed and Fri
Telephone enquiries : Mon/Wed/Fri 1430-1630 and Tue/Thur 0830-1630
Visa Requirements
- No visas are required for South African passport holders for a stay of up to 30 days.
- Ensure passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months and that there are two blank pages in the passport .
SWAZILAND
Border Post TimesOshoek
07h00 – 00h00 (12 midnight)
(from Johannesburg)
Josefsdal
08:00 – 16:00
(from Barberton – scenic, but 20km of dirt/gravel road)
Jeppes Reef
07:00 – 20:00
(from Malelane Gate in Kruger Park & Nelspruit)
Golela
07:00 – 22:00
(from Durban)
Houtkop – Emahlathini
08:00 – 18:00
(from Drakensburg & KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields)
Namaacha
07:00 - 20:00
(from Maputo - Mozambique)
Goba
Open 24 Hours
(from Maputo - Mozambique)
SA Representative
SA High Commission
2nd Fl., The New Mall, Dr Sishayi Rd, Mbabane
Tel: (00268) 2404 4651-4 Fax: (00268) 2404 4335
E-mail: sahc@africaonline.co.sz
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
