Coronavirus travel health
Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Eswatini on the TravelHealthPro website
See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
International travel
There are no direct commercial options to return to the UK from Eswatini. All air travel is via South Africa. There are regular Eswatini Air Link services between Johannesburg OR Tambo and Sikhuphe International Airport in Eswatini. See the Air Link Services website or contact the airline for the latest information. For further information, follow our travel advice for South Africa.
Other countries may restrict movement or bring in new quarantine rules with little warning. You should check the travel advice for the countries on your route for the latest information.
Entry and borders
Entry and exit to South Africa via some land borders is restricted. All travellers must be able to provide evidence, in paper copy, of a negative COVID-19 PCR test on entry to Eswatini. This test must have been taken no more than 72 hours before entry.
See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Eswatini.
Returning to the UK
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
Be prepared for your plans to change
No travel is risk-free during COVID. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.
Plan ahead and make sure you:
- can access money
- understand what your insurance will cover
- can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned
Travel in Eswatini
Travel within Eswatini is possible, but road blocks or unexpected protests and road closures could occur. You should avoid protests, demonstrations, or marches. Stay alert for signs of disturbances.
It is compulsory to wear a mask everywhere, even when travelling alone in a vehicle. There is a requirement for 1.5 metres of social distance with others.
Accommodation
Hotels are open for business. Strict hygiene measures are in place to ensure guest safety.
Public places and services
Only outdoor entertainment is allowed and is subject to COVID-19 precautions. All sporting events are permitted but must adhere to strict COVID-19 precautions. Up to 2,000 vaccinated spectators may attend sporting events in stadiums and up to 500 vaccinated spectators at open grounds.
It is compulsory to wear a mask everywhere, even when travelling alone in a vehicle. There is a requirement for 1.5 metres of social distance with others.
Healthcare in Eswatini
If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should call the Government of Eswatini’s coronavirus hotline for further advice on 977.
View Health for further details on healthcare in Eswatini.
For contact details of English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers.
Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health.
See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.
COVID-19 vaccines if you live in Eswatini
Wherever possible British nationals should aim to be vaccinated in the country where they live. We will update this page when the Government of Eswatini announces new information on the national vaccination programme. You can sign up to get email notifications when this page is updated.
The Eswatini national vaccine programme started in March 2021 and is using the AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The Government of Eswatini has stated that British nationals resident in Eswatini are eligible for vaccination. People wishing to access a vaccine should register on the Eswatini Ministry of Health website. Once registered you will receive a message with your SMS code. You will need to show this code when you go for your vaccination, along with your national Identity document.
Find out more, including about vaccines that are authorised in the UK or approved by the World Health Organisation, on the COVID-19 vaccines if you live abroad..
If you’re a British national living in Eswatini, you should seek medical advice from your local healthcare provider. Information about COVID-19 vaccines used in the national programme where you live, including regulatory status, should be available from local authorities.
Finance
For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.
Further information
If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.
Crime
Crime levels are low, but street crimes and burglaries do occur, sometimes involving violence. Vehicles have been taken at gunpoint. Avoid walking in the downtown areas of Mbabane and Manzini after dark and do not travel around in remote rural areas unless in a group. There is often an increase in criminal activity during the festive season.
Keep valuables in a safe place and avoid carrying large amounts of money or wearing conspicuous jewellery.
Avoid travelling into or out of Eswatini by road at night. There have been numerous incidences of car hijackings on major routes from South Africa and Mozambique.
Political Situation
In late June, July and again in early-mid- October, there were a series of protests and demonstrations, which sometimes resulted in violent confrontations with security forces. Such gatherings can occur at any time with little notice. Road blocks or road closures may occur because of protests. You should avoid protests, demonstrations or marches and stay alert for signs of disturbances. A curfew which was in place between 9pm and 4am has now been lifted but may be re-imposed at short notice.
For those wishing to travel to South Africa or Mozambique, check exit and entry requirements for countries as part of your planning, including the need for PCR tests.
Road travel
You can drive using a UK driving licences or an International Driving Permit.
The standard of driving is lower than in the UK. Drivers often cross the central reservation to avoid obstructions. Speeding is a problem (the maximum speed limit is 120 km on motorways and 80 km on other unrestricted roads). Minor roads are not well maintained and road markings are poor.
Take care on rural roads; there have been a number of serious accidents and deaths as a result of animals straying onto roads. Avoid driving on rural roads at night. As well as the possibility of hitting animals, there is the additional risk of abandoned unlit trailers and poorly lit heavy vehicles.
Be wary of anyone who offers you help if you breakdown or need to change a tyre as it presents the opportunity for theft, muggings and hijackings. You should park in well-lit areas. Do not pick up strangers. Do not stop to assist apparently distressed motorists, as this is a technique sometimes used by hijackers. Instead, report the incident to the police.
If you travel in a vehicle other than one registered in Eswatini, you will have to complete a customs declaration form at border posts on entry and departure. A road fund levy of E50 is payable at the border. You must carry with you in the vehicle at all times proof of your customs declaration and payment of the road fund levy. Vehicles may be searched at borders.
Do not use public transport (buses and taxis). Vehicles are generally poorly maintained and overloaded.
Air travel
A list of recent incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety network.
We can’t offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. However, the International Air Transport Association publishes a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.
In 2007 an audit of Eswatini’s Civil Aviation Authority by the International Civil Aviation Organisation found that the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Eswatini was below the global average.
The EU operating ban on airlines from Eswatini was lifted in April 2014.
There are regular Eswatini Air Link services between Johannesburg OR Tambo and Sikhuphe International Airport in Eswatini. See the Air Link Services website or contact the airline for the latest information.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Eswatini, attacks can’t be ruled out.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out more about the global threat from terrorism.
There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.
This page has information on travelling to Eswatini. Check what you must do to return to the UK.
This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Eswatini set and enforce entry rules.
All travellers
Usually British passport holders do not require visas for Eswatini.
Travellers entering and exiting the Kingdom of Eswatini must produce either of the following, upon arrival at the points of entry:
i) If fully vaccinated, a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate (hard or electronic).
OR
ii) A valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result (hard or electronic) that is not older than 72 hours, for the unvaccinated.
“Fully vaccinated” means complete doses of a vaccine, i.e. two doses for a two-dose vaccine, and one dose for a one-dose vaccine.
Valid vaccination certificates considered are those of COVID-19 vaccine candidates that have been prequalified by WHO. This will be updated periodically as the need arises.
Vaccination cards are not allowed at points of entry – only vaccination certificates allowed.
Outbound travellers from Eswatini must also comply with the requirements of airlines and the country of transit and destination.
Children under 12 years are exempted from the above measures.
In addition, all travellers, upon arrival at the points of entry will be screened for the following:
- Symptoms of COVID-19
- Temperature checks
- Health declaration form
Travellers may be required to undergo a quarantine period not exceeding 14 days or isolation as advised by the Port Health Officers.
You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.
If you’re fully vaccinated
A valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate (hard or electronic) is required as proof of vaccination status.
Proof of vaccination status
Eswatini will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.
If you’re not fully vaccinated
A valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result (hard or electronic) that is not older than 72 hours is required if you are not fully vaccinated.
If you’ve had COVID-19 in the past year
Entry requirements for Eswatini are the same for all travellers, regardless of whether you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past year.
Children and young people
Children under 12 years are exempted from the entry requirements.
If you’re transiting through a South African airport with children, see our South Africa travel advice page for information and advice about the documents you’ll need to carry.
If you’re transiting through Eswatini
Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.
Check with your airline before departing.
Exemptions
There are no exemptions to Eswatini’s entry requirements.
Check your passport and travel documents before you travel
Passport validity
If you are visiting Eswatini, your passport should be valid for 3 months from the date you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages.
If you intend to visit South Africa before or after travelling to Eswatini, you’ll need to have an additional 2 blank pages to enter and leave South Africa.
Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Visas
Usually British passport holders do not require visas for Eswatini.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry into, transit and exit from Eswatini. Your Emergency Travel Document should have a minimum of 6 months remaining validity.
Returning to the UK
There are no direct commercial options to return to the UK from Eswatini. All air travel is via South Africa. There are regular Eswatini Air Link services between Johannesburg OR Tambo and King Mswati III International Airport in Eswatini. See the Air Link website or contact the airline for the latest information.
Check what you must do to return to the UK.
Possession and smuggling of narcotics are illegal. Foreign nationals have been imprisoned on drug offences. Punishments can be severe.
Same-sex relationships and acts are illegal in Eswatini. There is prevalent discrimination against LGBT people within society and many LGBT people are not open about their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is therefore advisable to refrain from overt displays of affection in public, such as holding hands or kissing. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Eswatini on the TravelHealthPro website
See the healthcare information in the Coronavirus section for information on what to do if you think you have coronavirus while in Eswatini.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).
Local medical care
Basic healthcare is available in Eswatini, but there are shortages of even common medications. Medical evacuation to South Africa is necessary for serious accidents and emergencies. Local private hospitals can arrange evacuation but only if you are fully insured or you can produce funds in advance. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 933 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
HIV / AIDS
UNAIDS in 2015 estimated that around 210,000 adults aged 15 or over in Eswatini were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 28.8% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.
In the wet summer months (November to April) violent thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rains are common in the highveld areas.
The local currency (Emalangeni) is not convertible. South African notes (but not coins) are legal tender, as are most major credit cards. ATM machines are readily available.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. If you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).
Foreign travel checklist
Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.
Travel safety
The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.
When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.
Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.
Refunds and cancellations
If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.
For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Registering your travel details with us
We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.
Previous versions of FCDO travel advice
If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice Team a request.
Further help
If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.
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