Visas to Eswatini for citizens of European countries

Eswatini is a small kingdom in Southern Africa, popular among tourists for its safaris, mountains, cultural festivals, and the colorful life of the Swazi people. Citizens of most European countries require a visa, although there are some exceptions for visa-free entry for short stays.

Short-term tourist visa

• Purpose: leisure, excursions, safaris, exploring the area, initial meetings with partners.
• Duration of stay: usually up to 30 days, with the possibility of extension on site.
• Features: does not allow employment activity.

Business visa

• Purpose: participation in conferences, business meetings, negotiations with partners.
• Duration of stay: 30–90 days.
• Features: does not grant the right to work; requires an invitation from a company or official partner in Eswatini.

Work visa

• Purpose: employment with a local employer.
• Requirements:
• employment contract with an employer in Eswatini;
• preliminary work permit from the local immigration authority.
• Duration of stay: depends on the contract and work permit.

Student visa

• Purpose: studying at educational institutions in Eswatini.
• Requirements: an invitation from the educational institution and confirmation of financial means for the period of study.
• Features: does not allow working outside the campus without separate permission.

Family / family reunification

• Purpose: for spouses, children, or other categories of relatives.
• Requirements: proof of kinship or marriage, grounds for reunification.
• Features: often issued for a long term with the possibility of extension.

Investment or long-term business-based visa

• Purpose: for entrepreneurs and investors planning to conduct business in Eswatini.
• Requirements: business plan, company registration or investments in the country's economy
• Features: allows entrepreneurial activity and can be extended for a long term.

​For citizens of some European countries, Eswatini may provide visa-free entry for a short term (up to 30 days), most often these are EU countries with established diplomatic relations. However, citizens of most European countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom, need a visa in advance.

Through the consulate or embassy of Eswatini

• Prepare a valid international passport (validity ≥ 6 months).
• Fill out a visa application form (can be downloaded from the embassy website).
• Provide a color passport-sized photo.
• Attach documents:
• hotel reservation confirmation or invitation;
• return ticket or ticket to a third country;
• bank statement or proof of financial solvency.
• Pay the consular fee (€30–€60, depending on the type of visa).
• Processing time: 5–10 business days, sometimes faster with urgent request.

Electronic visa (eVisa)

• Currently, Eswatini is implementing an eVisa system for tourists from Europe.
• Process: filling out an online application form, uploading scans of passport and photo, paying the visa fee.
• The decision comes by email, and the printout of the eVisa is presented upon entry.
  

eVisa is most often suitable for short-term trips (up to 30 days).

For tourists, the following are mandatory:

• Foreign passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Proof of financial means: bank statement or cash (≈ $50–70 per day per person).
• Accommodation confirmation: hotel booking or invitation from a private individual/company.
• Return ticket or ticket to a third country.
• Vaccination requirements against yellow fever may apply if the tourist is arriving from endemic countries.

It is important to remember that the document package may change. Consultants at buch-dein-visum monitor changes and will help you collect the current document package and submit it for obtaining a visa to Eswatini

• Submit documents in advance — at least 3-4 weeks before the trip.
• If planning a safari or participating in festivals (Umhlanga, Incwala), book hotels and tours in advance.
• Keep copies of all documents and electronic visa.
• At the border, comply with customs regulations: it is forbidden to import weapons, drugs, plants, and some products.
• For visa extension on site, contact the immigration department of Eswatini.