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Make sure you have up to date information on Swaziland visa and vaccination requirements, as well as travel tips and advice.

Visas

You do not need a visa to enter Swaziland. Tourists are allowed to stay for up to 30 days. Following this you can apply for a further 30-day extension at the Ministry of Home Affairs. If staying for longer than 60 days, you will need to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP).

Passports

Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months from the date of arrival and has two blank pages.

If you're planning to visit South Africa before or after your Swaziland trip, make sure you have an extra two blank pages. In total, four blank pages.

Vaccinations

The UK Health Security Agency and FCDO recommends that UK citizens are up to date with routine vaccinations and are inoculated against the following before travelling to Swaziland:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Tetanus
  • Typhoid

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country, however, there is a certificate requirement.

You will need to be vaccinated a certain number of weeks prior to departure, check with a health worker as these times vary. Some travellers may need additional vaccinations. Check the TravelHealthPro website for further information.

Money

The Swaziland currency is the Lilangeni, or Emalangeni when more than one. The currency’s symbol is ‘E’ and it is comprised of 100 cents with notes coming in denominations of E200, E100, E50, E20 and E10. There are E5, E2 and E1 coins and a range of cents too.

The South African Rand is also accepted, which can be helpful when arriving from South Africa.

Banks tend to open on weekdays between 08:30 and 14:30, closing earlier on Saturdays at 11:00.

Only a few ATMs take foreign debit and credit cards, though cards are accepted at most hotels, shops and restaurants with an international clientele. Travellers cheques are widely accepted.

Getting Around

Buses are well-used by locals. However, they are overcrowded and often unreliable. Local authorities don't recommend tourists travel by public buses.

Driving is on the left hand side on roads which are generally of good quality. Street lighting can be limited and the further into the bush you travel, the more likely you are to encounter poorer quality roads.

Speed limits are 80 kph on main roads and 60 kph in built up districts. An International Driving Permit is advisable, though a domestic licence with photo ID should suffice.

Eating & Drinking

There are decent restaurants in Mbabane and the Ezulwini Valley, with a pronounced Portuguese culinary influence from nearby Mozambique. Look out for succulent prawns and authentic staples like stew and pap, especially in more rural areas.

Tipping at around 10-15% is customary.

Water is generally safe to drink but most visitors tend to prefer bottled water. This is widely available, and it’s always worth just checking the cap is sealed before drinking.

Avoid unpasteurised milk, or milk that has come from uncertain origin. Make sure fruit and vegetables have either been peeled or thoroughly washed in sterilised water. If you're unsure, it's best to avoid it.

Weather

The weather can vary, with the altitude being often largely responsible. Generally the weather is mild, never getting too hot or too cold. That said, the Lowland can experience extremes and frosts occasionally occur in the Highveld. The Middleveld and Lubombo are subtropical and dry, with any rain falling mostly between October and March.

Clothing Recommendations

This is a place for light, comfortable clothing. A warm jacket or fleece will be useful for the cooler evenings. As always, a sunhat should be considered essential, as well as a decent pair of walking shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Plug Types & Electricity

Swaziland uses type M plugs. The Type M plug and socket can look like the ‘Type D’ plug but is much larger. When purchasing a travel plug, make sure it's specifically for Eswatini (Swaziland). If it just says 'Africa', the likelihood is that it won't work. An international all-in-one plug will probably have the correct plug. Visit the Electrical Safety First website for more information.

The Swazi current is 220/240v.