Big Bend

Passport validity requirements

To enter Eswatini, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.

If you’re also travelling to South Africa, your passport must have 2 additional blank pages. 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can visit Eswatini without a visa for up to 30 days.   

You can apply for a 30-day extension from the Ministry of Home Affairs. If you want to stay longer than 60 days, you must apply for a temporary residence permit.

Make sure you get your passport stamped.    

Check the stamp in your passport has the correct date. If you do not have the correct dates, the Eswatini authorities may stop you from re-entering the country for up to a year.

Health form requirement

You may need to complete a health form if travelling by air. You will be asked health related questions on arrival at the land border and at King Mswati III International Airport.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Eswatini, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Eswatini guide.

Travelling with children through South Africa

If you’re travelling with children through a South African airport, see South Africa travel advice for information about the documents you must carry.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Eswatini. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Entering with your own vehicle

If your vehicle is not registered in Eswatini, you must complete a customs declaration form at the border post and pay a 150 Swazi emalangeni road fund levy, E80 for a motorcycle and higher amounts for commercial vehicles. These payments can be made with South African Rands. You must always carry proof of your customs declaration and levy payment in the vehicle. Vehicles may be searched at borders.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Eswatini. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Entering with your own vehicle

If your vehicle is not registered in Eswatini, you must complete a customs declaration form at the border post and pay a 150 Swazi emalangeni road fund levy, E80 for a motorcycle and higher amounts for commercial vehicles. These payments can be made with South African Rands. You must always carry proof of your customs declaration and levy payment in the vehicle. Vehicles may be searched at borders.

Emergency services in Eswatini 

Ambulance: 977

Fire: 933

Police: 999

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding lawyers and funeral directors in Eswatini
• dealing with a death in Eswatini
• being arrested or imprisoned in Eswatini
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates

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Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
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Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook
• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Punishments for possessing or smuggling narcotic drugs can be severe. You can be imprisoned for illegal drug offences.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Eswatini. LGBT+ people experience discrimination, and many are not open about their sexual orientation or gender identity. Showing affection in public will most likely be frowned on by locals. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.