Last updated: 13 Jan 2020
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 2020: |
Jan 1; Apr 10, 13, 19, 25; May 1, 21; Jul 22; Sep 6, 7; Dec 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. |
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
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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 |
