Swaziland - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: Smuggling and drug taking are both illegal and can incur severe penalties. It is prohibited to photograph the Royal Palace, the Royal Family, uniformed police, army personnel, army vehicles or aircraft and bank buildings. Visitors should always ask permission before taking photographs of local residents.
Personal medications may be brought into the country, but a doctor’s note is advisable in case of questioning by customs.

Traditional Swazi culture, in rural areas especially, plays an important role in daily life.

Dress is usually casual. English is widely used in business circles and appointments should always be made. Exchanging business cards is customary. Many hotels in the main cities can provide basic conference facilities. Office hours are Mon–Fri 0800–1300 and 1400–1645.

Immigration and customs: Passports must be valid for six months and visas are not necessary for visitors from South Africa, UK, the USA, Australia, Canada and many Commonwealth countries. Other nationals should consult their local consulate for current visa requirements.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by all those arriving from infected areas.

Duty free allowances are counted as one for married couples travelling together.

Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the left and foreign drivers will require an international driving permit. Car hire is available through a number of international agencies. The maximum speed limit is 80kph.

A good bus network links many of the towns and cities, and there are minibus taxis that run shorter routes. Regular taxis are available in the larger towns.

Travel health: Medical facilities are generally limited outside of Mbabane but private services are available through some hotels. Visitors should ensure they have adequate health insurance that includes medical evacuation to South Africa.

Visitors will need protection against malaria together with insect repellent and suitable clothing to discourage mosquito bites. Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus and rabies are also present. Visitors should not swim or paddle in fresh water due to the risk of bilharzia, and should check for ticks after walking or hiking in rural areas, as tick bite fever can occur.

Mains water is generally safe to drink in urban areas, but elsewhere should be boiled or sterilised before use. Bottled water is also available. Milk is pasteurised.

Money: Local currency is the lilangeni (plural, emalangeni). The South African rand is accepted as legal tender, although coins cannot be used. Visitors are advised to exchange emalangeni back into their own currency before leaving Swaziland. American Express, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and ATMs are available in most towns. Travellers cheques are easily changed but should be taken in US dollars, pounds sterling or euros to avoid additional charges. Banking hours are Mon–Fri 0830–1430 and Sat 0830–1100.

There were 311,656 tourist arrivals in 2005.