Eswatini (Swaziland) offers various visa types for international visitors, including business, tourist, work, and study visas. Requirements may include a valid passport, application form, passport photos, proof of financial means, and travel itinerary. Business visas need a letter from the inviting company, while work visas require a job offer and work permit. Application can be made online or at the Eswatini embassy or consulate. Processing times may vary.
Table of Contents
Important informations
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry | Three months | $83 |
| Multiple entries | Three months | $112 |
| Multiple entries | Six months | $168 |
| Multiple entries | Nine months | $251 |
| Multiple entries | One year | $335 |
Who Needs a Visa for Eswatini?
Citizens of certain countries are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Eswatini (Swaziland). These countries include, but are not limited to, China, India, Russia, and most European and American nations. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of the stay. For instance, tourists typically need a single-entry tourist visa, which is valid for up to 30 days. Business travelers may require a different type of visa, such as a business visa, which allows multiple entries and a longer stay. It is essential to check the Eswatini embassy or consulate in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date information on visa requirements. Failure to obtain the appropriate visa can result in denied entry or legal consequences upon arrival in Eswatini.
How to Apply for an Eswatini Visa
To apply for a visa to Eswatini (Swaziland), follow these steps:
1. Determine the type of visa you need based on the purpose and duration of your stay. Eswatini offers various visa types, including tourist, business, work, and student visas.
2. Gather the required documents. These typically include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a completed visa application form, a recent passport-size photograph, proof of sufficient funds, and travel itinerary.
3. Submit your application and documents. You can apply through the Eswatini Embassy or Consulate in your country, or through the online visa application system if available.
4. Pay the visa application fee. Fees vary depending on the type of visa and your country of residence.
5. Wait for processing. The processing time for visas can vary, so be sure to apply well in advance of your travel dates.
6. Receive your visa. Once approved, your visa will be issued and attached to your passport or sent to you via mail, depending on the application method.
Note: Visa requirements and procedures may change, so be sure to check the latest information from the Eswatini Embassy or Consulate in your country or the Eswatini Immigration Department website.
Eswatini Visa Requirements
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, requires foreign nationals to obtain a visa before entering the country for tourism, business, or work purposes. The Swaziland Immigration Services handles visa applications. Applicants must provide a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a completed application form, two recent passport-size photographs, proof of sufficient funds, and a return or onward ticket. Business travelers may need to provide a letter from their employer or an invitation from the Swazi company. Tourist visas are usually valid for up to 30 days, while work permits can take several weeks to process. It’s essential to apply for a visa well in advance of travel to allow sufficient processing time. Visa fees vary depending on the length of stay and nationality of the applicant.
Processing Time for an Eswatini Visa
Processing times for Eswatini visas can vary depending on the type of visa application and the volume of applications being processed. The Swaziland High Commission or Consulate generally processes visa applications within 10 to 15 business days for tourist and business visas. However, for work or study permits, the processing time can take up to 30 days or more due to additional documentation and clearance requirements from relevant authorities. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee and upon request. Please note that processing times are subject to change and applicants should contact the Swaziland High Commission or Consulate for the most current information.
Duration of an Eswatini Visa
An Eswatini (Swaziland) visa duration depends on the type of visa issued. For tourists, a single-entry visa is valid for up to 30 days, while a multiple-entry visa allows stays of up to 60 days at a time with a maximum validity of two years. Business visas can range from 7 days to 6 months, depending on the purpose and duration of the business activities. Work permits and student visas have specific durations based on the length of employment or study program. It is essential to apply for the correct visa type and duration to avoid overstaying or underestimating the length of stay.
Eswatini Visa Fees
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and the length of stay. As of now, a single-entry tourist visa costs $35 for 30 days, while a multiple-entry visa costs $130 for up to a year. Business visas range from $50 for a single entry to $250 for multiple entries valid for a year. Transit visas cost $10 for a maximum stay of three days. Visa fees may be subject to change, so it’s essential to check the Eswatini High Commission or Embassy website for the most up-to-date information before applying. Applications can be submitted online or at the border, and payment can be made in various forms, including cash, credit card, or bank transfer.
Eswatini Visa Types
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) offers various visa types for foreign nationals intending to enter the country for different purposes. The Swazi Visa Authority issues the following categories:
1. Single Entry Visa: Valid for 30 days, this visa allows a single entry into Eswatini for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends.
2. Multiple Entry Visa: Ideal for frequent travelers, this visa grants multiple entries into Eswatini for a period of one year. It is suitable for individuals who often travel for business or tourism.
3. Work Permit: Required for foreigners planning to work in Eswatini, this visa is issued based on a job offer from a local employer. It is usually valid for the duration of the employment contract.
4. Student Visa: Intended for individuals pursuing education in Eswatini, this visa is granted based on acceptance into an accredited educational institution. It is valid for the duration of the academic program.
5. Spouse/Dependent Visa: Allows the spouse or dependents of a foreign national holding a valid work permit or permanent residence to enter and reside in Eswatini.
6. Permanent Residence: Granted to individuals who have lived in Eswatini for an extended period or have exceptional skills or business interests. It confers the right to live and work in the country indefinitely.
7. Diplomatic Visa: Issued to diplomats, consular officers, and their families, this visa allows them to enter and reside in Eswatini for the duration of their diplomatic assignment.
8. Transit Visa: Intended for travelers passing through Eswatini en route to another country, this visa is valid for up to 72 hours.
9. Special Purpose Visa: Granted to individuals entering Eswatini for specific purposes such as sports events, conferences, or medical treatment. The duration of this visa varies depending on the purpose.
Eswatini Residence Permit
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, issues Residence Permits to individuals who intend to stay in the country for an extended period, typically exceeding 90 days. These permits are categorized based on the purpose of stay, such as employment, business, study, or retirement. The application process involves submitting required documents, including a valid passport, proof of financial means, and a completed application form. The permit is issued for a specific duration, which can be renewed upon expiration. Failure to comply with the permit conditions may result in penalties or deportation. It is essential to note that Eswatini immigration regulations are subject to change, and applicants are advised to consult the Eswatini High Commission or Embassy for the most current information.
Interesting Facts About Eswatini?
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small land-locked country located in Southern Africa. Here are some intriguing facts about this captivating nation:
Eswatini is the last absolute monarchy in Africa, with King Mswati III ruling since 1986. The monarchy plays a significant role in the country’s culture and traditions, which are richly expressed through various ceremonies and festivals.
The country boasts a diverse population of approximately one million people, with three main ethnic groups: the Swazis, who make up about 80% of the population, the Europeans, and the Asians. Swazi is the national language, but English is widely spoken and used in schools and government administration.
Eswatini is renowned for its natural beauty, with lush green forests, rolling hills, and abundant waterfalls. The country is home to numerous protected areas, including the Mkhaya Game Reserve, where visitors can observe the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) and other wildlife.
The Swazi people are known for their vibrant and colorful attire, which is worn during various celebrations and ceremonies. The national flag, designed in 1835, is one of the oldest in the world and features the symbols of the sun, moon, and stars.
Eswatini’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with sugarcane, corn, and sorghum being the main crops. The country also has a growing tourism industry, attracting visitors with its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and adventure activities.
Eligible countries
- EU countries (except Bulgaria and Romania)
- Kuwait
- Andorra
- Lesotho
- Singapore
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Madagascar
- Solomon Islands
- Argentina
- Malawi
- South Africa
- Australia
- Malaysia
- South Korea
- Bahamas
- Maldives
- Switzerland
- Barbados
- Mauritius
- Taiwan
- Belize
- Monaco
- Tanzania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Montenegro
- Tonga
- Botswana
- Mozambique
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Brazil
- Namibia
- Turkey
- Brunei
- Nauru
- Tuvalu
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Uganda
- Chile
- Norway
- Ukraine
- Dominica
- Palestine
- United Arab Emirates
- Timor-Leste
- Papua New Guinea
- United Kingdom
- Gambia
- Qatar
- United States
- Ghana
- Russia
- Uruguay
- Grenada
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Vanuatu
- Guyana
- Saint Lucia
- Vatican City
- Israel
- Samoa
- Zambia
- Jamaica
- San Marino
- Zimbabwe
- Japan
- Serbia
- Kenya
- Seychelles
Summary
The Republic of Eswatini is an absolute monarchy located in eastern South Africa. Citizens of EU countries, Kuwait, Andorra, Lesotho, Singapore, Antigua and Barbuda, Madagascar, Solomon Islands, Argentina, Malawi, South Africa, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, Bahamas, Maldives, Switzerland, Barbados, Mauritius, Taiwan, Belize, Monaco, Tanzania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Tonga, Botswana, Mozambique, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Namibia, Turkey, Brunei, Nauru, Tuvalu, Canada, New Zealand, Uganda, Chile, Norway, Ukraine, Dominica, Palestine, United Arab Emirates, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, United Kingdom, Gambia, Qatar, United States, Ghana, Russia, Uruguay, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Vanuatu, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Vatican City, Israel, Samoa, Zambia, Jamaica, San Marino, and Zimbabwe do not need a visa to enter Eswatini for 30 days.
To apply for a visa, applicants must submit a passport with two blank pages, a completed and signed application form, a fee payment receipt (if applicable), passport photos, a signed travel itinerary, and a bank statement. The processing time is between one to five business days. The duration of a visa is one to three months. Different types of visas include single entry, multiple entries, and business visas, each with varying fees.
A residence permit is required for those staying longer than three months, and applicants must submit additional documents depending on their visa type. Eswatini has two capital cities: Mbabane (administrative) and Lobamba (traditional). The country is known for its unique geological features, including the oldest mine in the world and the oldest mountains. Eswatini is famous for its festivals, such as the BBC’s Top African Festival and the MTN bushfire fest. The country was previously called Swaziland and does not have access to the sea. The people of Eswatini eat meat only on special occasions, and the karoo roast ostrich steak is a popular dish.