Entry rules to Eswatini: customs regulations, medical insurance, vaccinations

Citizens of most European countries require a visa to visit Eswatini, except for some visa-free agreements with neighboring countries (e.g., South African Republic).

Eswatini welcomes tourists and business visitors, but strictly enforces immigration rules. At the border, evidence of the purpose of the trip and sufficient funds may be requested.

Learn more about visas in Eswatini in the section “Visas”

Eswatini imposes restrictions on the import and export of goods:

Allowed to import:

• Personal belongings and clothing for personal use.

• A certain amount of alcohol and tobacco for personal consumption.

• Medicines for personal use (with a prescription).

Prohibited to import:

• Narcotic and psychotropic substances.

• Weapons and ammunition without special permission.

• Plants and animals without phytosanitary certificates.

• Animal products (meat, dairy products) from countries with epidemiological risks.

Prohibited to export:

• Wild animals and parts of their bodies (skin, bones, horns).

• Antiquities, valuable items of national heritage.

• Plants and seeds without permission.

Non-compliance with customs rules may result in fines and confiscation of goods.

The climate of Eswatini is tropical:

• Summer (November–March): hot and humid, perfect time for beaches and safaris in the green savannah.

• Winter (May–September): cool and dry, ideal for trekking, mountain walks and wildlife watching.

For tourists from Europe, the optimal period is the dry season (June–September), when there are fewer insects and it is more comfortable to travel around the country.

• Children need their own passport.

• A visa is issued separately for each child unless they are included in their parent's passport (depending on nationality). more about visas in the “Visa” section

• When traveling with one of the parents or third parties, notarized consent of the second parent or guardian is required.

• Insurance and proof of financial ability are required for each child.​

• Importation of dogs and cats is allowed if available:

• International veterinary certificate.

• Vaccinations against rabies (not older than 12 months, not younger than 3 months).

• Additional quarantine requirements may apply.

• For other pets (birds, rodents), local veterinary service permission is required.

• Animals must be accompanied by the owner and transported in an appropriate carrier.​

 Vaccinations:

• Yellow fever: not required if you are flying directly from Europe/most non-risk countries. But mandatory (from 9 months) if you have been in a risk country (or transit >12 hours in such a country's airport) — this is the IHR WHO standard. CDC does not recommend vaccination for travel to Eswatini itself (there is no risk there).

• Recommended (CDC, UK NaTHNaC, Passport Health): hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus/diphtheria/polio (Tdap/polio), measles (MMR — especially important due to global outbreaks).

• Additionally, often recommended: rabies (when in contact with animals), hepatitis B (for all ages).

Malaria: there is a risk in the eastern areas (Lubombo, east Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni) — predominantly P. falciparum, seasonal (higher from September to May). Prophylaxis recommended (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, etc.) + protection from bites (repellents, nets, clothing). Risk is lower in the dry season.

Insurance: strongly recommended (UK FCDO, Ireland and others). Coverage should include emergency assistance, hospitalization, and repatriation. Medical services in Eswatini are limited, serious cases are often evacuated to South Africa.

This information will help you prepare for a trip to Eswatini and avoid unpleasant surprises at the border.

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