Eswatini Travel Status

WATCH

Travel to Eswatini is operating normally overall, with international flights, airports, immigration services and land border crossings functioning. Travellers should nevertheless be aware of current official warnings concerning crime and the possibility of demonstrations and civil unrest.

Visa requirements

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Some foreign visitors can enter Eswatini without a visa for short stays, while travellers from visa-required countries must obtain the appropriate permission before travelling.

Passport requirements

Travellers should check the passport requirements applying to their nationality. Current guidance for British visitors requires a passport valid for at least three months after arrival and at least two blank pages.

Check your entry stamp

Travellers should make sure their passport is correctly stamped when entering Eswatini and check that the date is correct. Incorrect or missing immigration stamps can cause problems when leaving or attempting to return.

South Africa border

Eswatini has numerous land crossings with South Africa. Opening hours differ considerably between border posts, so travellers should check their intended crossing before beginning an overland journey.

Mozambique border

Land crossings with Mozambique are also operating. Mhlumeni-Goba provides 24-hour service, while other crossings operate during specified hours.

Driving into Eswatini

Travellers entering with a foreign-registered vehicle must complete the required customs declaration and pay the applicable road levy. Proof of the declaration and payment should remain in the vehicle.

Crime

Robbery, carjacking and other crime occur in Eswatini. Travellers should take additional care with valuables, particularly after dark, and avoid isolated locations.

Demonstrations

Political demonstrations and protests can occur with little warning. Travellers should avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings because peaceful events can become confrontational.

Yellow fever

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries classified as having a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Eswatini Air operations restored

Eswatini Air experienced flight cancellations in mid-September, but the airline subsequently confirmed that operations had returned to normal.

Regional flights operating

Scheduled services are operating between King Mswati III International Airport and regional destinations including Johannesburg and Durban.

Land borders operating

Eswatini’s main land crossings with South Africa and Mozambique are operating. Travellers should check opening hours because not all border posts operate around the clock.

Current security advisory

The current U.S. travel advisory places Eswatini at Level 2 because of crime and sporadic unrest.

Check whether your nationality requires a visa and make sure your passport meets Eswatini’s entry requirements.

If travelling overland from South Africa or Mozambique, check the operating hours of your intended border crossing before departure. Some crossings close in the afternoon or evening.

If driving a foreign-registered vehicle into Eswatini, allow time at the border for customs formalities and the required road levy.

Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings and monitor local information if protests or unrest occur during your visit.

If flying, check your flight with the airline before travelling to the airport, particularly following the temporary cancellations experienced earlier this month.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.