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. |
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| Capital: | Mbabane (SHO) |
| Currency: | Lilangeni (SZL) |
| Language: | English and Swati |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 268 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +2 hours (same as South Africa) |
| 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
High Commission Of The Kingdom Of Eswatini
715 Government Ave, Arcadia 0083
PO Box 14294 Hatfield, 0028
Tel: (012) 344-1910
E-mail: visa@swazihighcom.co.za / pretoria@swazihighcom.co.za
Web: www.swazihighcom.co.za
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Apr 18-19, 21, 25; May 1, 29; Jul 22; Sep 1, 6, 8; Dec 25-26, 28-29
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Apr 3, 6, 25, 27; May 1, 14; Jul 22; Sep 6, 7; Dec 25-26, 28
Visa Requirements
No visas are required for South African passport holders for a stay of up to 30 days for tourism / business purposes.
- A full passport valid for at least three months is required for entry into Eswatini, with 2 blank pages
- To check if you require a visa, please visit: www.thekingdomofeswatini.com/visa-guide/
- For other visa types or stays longer than 30 days, please contact the embassy.
Crossing Border by Vehicle:
- Hired Car: Remember to obtain relevant paperwork from the rental company
- Copy of registration papers of the car
- If the car is not in the drivers name, a letter of authorisation is required
- If vehicle is still being financed, carry a letter of authority from the bank (must include dates of travel) together with the vehicle license papers.
- ZA sticker
- Passport & Valid Drivers License
Cross Border Charges:
- Light Vehicles: E100
- Commercial Vehicles: E300
Border Post Times
Bulembu/ Josefdal : 08.00 – 16.00
Gege/ Bothashoop : 08.00 – 16.00
Lavumiso/ Golela : 0700 – 22.00
Lomahasha/Namaacha : 07.00 – 00.00
Lundzi/Waverley : 08.00 – 16.00
Mahamba : 07.00 – 22.00
Mananga : 07.00 – 18.00
Matsamo/Jeppe’s Reef : 07.00 – 20.00
Mhlumeni/Goba : 06:00 – 00:00
Ngwenya/Oshoek :24 Hours
Nsalitshe /Onverwacht : 08.00 – 18.00
Sandlane/ Nerston : 08.00 – 18.00
Sicunusa/Houdkop : 08.00 – 18.00
SA Representative
SA High Commission
2nd Fl., The New Mall, Dr Sishayi Rd, Mbabane
Tel: +268 2049 3000
E-mail: ledwban@dirco.gov.za
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
