Eswatini

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. This is recommended to ensure you stay within your 30-day limit.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Eswatini but arrests are rare. 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.

If you are planning to drive in Eswatini, see information on driving abroad.

You’ll need to have a UK or other valid driving licence to drive in Eswatini.

Hire car companies often require their customers to have a year of driving experience.

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Eswatini. If you are tested and found to have more than a 50mg per 100ml of alcohol in your system (in England it is 80mg), you may get a fine and possible imprisonment. The police operate random roadside checks regularly and strictly enforce the law.

Slow moving lorries can be a problem, particularly on hills, with care needed when overtaking. Minor roads are not well maintained with some potholes, and road markings are poor.

Take care when driving throughout Eswatini, especially in rural areas. Animals, including cattle and goats, frequently stray onto roads and can cause serious accidents. Be especially vigilant when driving on rural roads at night. Poorly lit heavy vehicles, abandoned trailers and livestock on the road increase the risk of serious or fatal collisions.

Basic healthcare is available in Eswatini, but there are shortages of common medicines. For serious accidents and emergencies or specialised treatment, it’s likely you would need to go to South Africa. Local private hospitals can arrange evacuation 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 medical evacuation to South Africa and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Eswatini.

Updated information about visa requirements, LGBT+ travellers, road travel and conditions and the health risks you’ll face in Eswatini.