Eswatini eVisa

Only nationals of countries on the Ministry of Home Affairs list of countries requiring a visa need one; others enter without applying. The eVisa is offered in two types, tourist and business, and the ministry describes visas as suitable for tourists, business visitors, interns and volunteers staying no more than one month. A visa is not appropriate for people who intend to immigrate.

Visa applicants who will only pass through Eswatini must say so in the application and give a clear reason for using the country as a transit route; travellers who do not declare transit are returned to the port of entry they used. The ministry has suspended visas on arrival since the introduction of the eVisa: immigration officers are instructed to refuse entry to anyone arriving without a visa and to place them on a return flight or transport.

Upload a scanned copy of your passport, a recent passport-sized photo and proof of travel arrangements such as flight tickets. The ministry's guidelines also ask for proof of the purpose of the visit and of funds and a passport with at least two blank pages. A yellow fever certificate is required only if you pass through a yellow fever area on the way.

The Ministry of Home Affairs lists the general visa requirements: a passport with at least two unused pages for entry and departure stamps, the prescribed fee where applicable, a signed statement or documents confirming the purpose and length of the visit, two identity photographs and proof of financial means. Acceptable proof includes bank statements, salary advices, an undertaking by a host in Eswatini, a bursary, medical cover, or cash, credit cards or travellers' cheques covering living costs during the stay. For a tourist eVisa the portal asks for a passport photo, a cover letter, the host's ID and details or a hotel reservation, and a certified passport copy.

Travellers arriving by air must also hold a return or onward ticket, show sufficient funds, or lodge a cash deposit equal to the value of such a ticket. The ministry or mission requires the original passport but accepts applications lodged by third parties such as travel agents, immigration practitioners or couriers.

Processing usually takes two to five business days, so apply well before travel. The eVisa is valid for a single entry within 90 days from the date of issue and allows a stay of up to 30 days. It must be obtained before arrival: visas are not issued at the ports of entry.

The eVisa itself cannot be extended. If your visit will exceed 30 days, or you intend to study or work, the ministry requires a Temporary Residence Permit, which has different requirements from an entry visa. On arrival, the immigration officer confirms that you meet the Immigration Act and may set the length of stay; a visa does not guarantee admission.

The Ministry of Home Affairs is on Mhlambanyatsi Road in Mbabane (+268 2404 2941, 2404 5880 or 2404 5882; moha@gov.sz). Visa applications can also be lodged at the ministry's headquarters or at Eswatini's missions and representative offices abroad.