Swaziland (Eswatini) visa

Swaziland Visa Policy

The visa policy of Swaziland regulates the entry requirements of all visitors. Under current conditions, all visitors must have a visa unless they are nationals from countries on the visa waiver list. There are more than 90 countries and territories whose nationals can visit Swaziland without visas and stay for up to 30 days.

All visitors must have passports with a minimum validity of 3 months. Tourists from Commonwealth countries, including EU nations, Japan, and the USA, do not need visas to visit Eswatini. The same visa-free regime exists for business visitors from these countries who can stay in the country for up to 30 days. However, they are allowed to apply to the Home Affairs Ministry for a 30-day extension. Those who wish to stay for longer than 60 days must apply for a special document called a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).

TRP allows them to stay in Swaziland (Eswatini) for up to one year or more. To apply for this permit or any other visa, you must visit the nearest diplomatic mission to submit your application. If there's no foreign mission office close to you, consider applying through a licensed visa partner of the Swaziland government.

Note: Travelers coming through South Africa should apply for their visas through the High Commission in the country.

Key Information About Swaziland

Swaziland is a landlocked country surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique, with a unique culture many will find strange. Read our dos and don'ts for visitors so you can enjoy your visit to the land of the absolute monarchy.

Medical Insurance: All visitors to Eswatini must have active health insurance to access medical care in the country. The insurer must be accepted in the country or neighboring South Africa that also covers the Kingdom of Eswatini. Learn more about the companies with local coverage.

Registration: Eswatini is a largely peaceful country, but like with all nations, upheavals occur from time to time. During such periods, visitors are discouraged from visiting, and this information can come from foreign missions abroad. Registration with embassies and consulates is in your best interest.

Public/Private Facilities: There are guidelines and modes of action at public and private buildings and facilities in the Kingdom of Eswatini that must be adhered to at all times. If you are in doubt about anything, ask questions.

Night Adventures: Avoid walking in central Manzini and Mbabane at night or traveling to remote areas. If you must go on such adventures, do so in groups for your own safety.

Hide Your Possessions: It is unsafe to publicly display valuable possessions like jewelry or a large amount of money. Before leaving your hotel room, keep your belongings in a box or safe place.

Approved Routes: The routes in and out of Swaziland are largely porous, thereby making them unsafe for night trips. Avoid traveling in or out of the country by night on land.

Pictures: It is an ill-advised move to take pictures of military zones and police headquarters. Also, taking pictures in places where traditional activities are in full swing without asking for permission may land you in trouble with the administration or traditional authorities. Please be guided.

Smoking: Smoking in public places like restaurants and bus parks is illegal inside taxis, hospitals, etc. If you must smoke, do so in your room, it secluded area where smoking is permissible.

Application Fee: The embassy will charge a significant fee for the visa application, which must be paid before the application will be accepted. Fees range from over $100 to $200 and more. The amount changes based on different factors. If you wish to visit frequently, it is best to apply for a multiple entry visa and pay the fee once rather than pay a new fee for single entry applications all the time.

Extension: Visitors looking to extend their stay in Eswatini by 30 days must apply for the extension before their visa expires. Applying for an extension on an expired visa is a violation, and you will be fined for it. Furthermore, the extension request may not be granted, and you may be deported immediately. Plan your itinerary properly and apply for extensions at least one week before your visa expires.

Mode of Dressing: There is no strict dress code in Eswatini, but visitors are advised to dress modestly in public. Being a conservative society, there are national dress codes that show some skin, but unless you are in such attire, stick to Western clothes that cover your body so as not to attract the scorn of the locals.

Vaccination: Eswatini has no strict vaccination codes, but you should consider taking a few vaccines like Yellow fever, typhoid, and Covid to protect your immunity. Consult your doctor for professional advice.

ID Card: Always have a valid ID card with you anytime you are in public in case you encounter law enforcement officers. You should also consider carrying a photocopy of your visa if you visit a government building or reserved area in the country. Your documents will save you a lot of effort and anxious moments identifying yourself and why you are in the country.

Overstaying: All visitors must leave the Kingdom before their visa expires or, at most, on the day it expires. Please do so to avoid attracting stiff fines, which must be paid before you will be allowed to leave the country. Every day spent on an expired visa will attract a fee which will be compiled to cover the extra days.

Respect The Custom: Always respect the custom of the people even if you don't agree with it. It's taboo to disrespect traditional authorities or to speak ill of the King. Eswatini is one of three remaining absolute monarchies in the continent of Africa, and the people revere their monarch.

Swaziland e-Visa Online – Get your Swaziland e-Visa with VisaHQ

Swaziland, also known as Eswatini, is located in the Southern region of Africa. Swaziland welcomes foreigners with valid entry documents, and they have a coherent visa policy that regulates the influx of migrants from different countries. The entry requirements vary depending on the visitor's nationality and purpose of visit.