Eswatini coronavirus has been confirmed, and Eswatini authorities have imposed entry bans for a number of confirmed cases. For more information about coronavirus and entry, see the section Health.
Safety
Most trips to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) are made without special problems. The greatest risk is related to lack of transport safety, and there are many car accidents.
Norway is represented by an honorary consulate in Mbabane. The responsible Norwegian embassy for Eswatini is the embassy in Maputo (Mozambique).
The risk of terrorist incidents in Eswatini is considered low.
There is little crime targeting tourists in Eswatini, but thefts, robberies and assaults occur. Travelers are asked to take reasonable precautions, especially when traveling in the urban areas of Mbabane and Manzini. Traveling outdoors on foot after dark is not recommended.
There are often severe penalties for drug offenses.
It is a left-hand drive in Eswatini. Car accidents pose a great danger and travelers are required to exercise great caution in traffic. Public transport means are of a low standard and rarely comply with traffic rules.
Eswatini is an absolute monarchy. There are rarely public demonstrations. During demonstrations or peaceful markings (eg May 1), participants are often arrested. This has so far not affected foreign nationals, but Norwegian citizens are encouraged to exercise caution and stay away from large crowds.
Homosexuality is illegal in Eswatini.
Large parts of the country are recurrently affected by drought, which affects the food and poverty situation. The rainy season is in the period Oct/Nov to March/April. The country is often hit by lightning during the rainy season, and people are regularly injured/killed by lightning. Minor earthquakes can occur, but rarely cause personal injury.
Norwegian citizens staying for a shorter or longer period in Swaziland are encouraged to register on reiseregistrering.no.
Norwegian citizens are encouraged to have valid travel insurance.
In crisis and emergency, the public can contact the embassy in Maputo by email emb.maputo@mfa.no or by phone +258 21 48 01 00. Outside the opening hours of the embassy, the public can contact the UD’s 24-hour operating center Tel: +47 23 95 00 00, e- mail: UDops@mfa.no
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Norwegians do not need a visa to stay in Swaziland. Upon entry, a stamp is issued in the passport which allows stays of up to 30 days. The permit can be extended by the authorities. During work/study breaks, one should consult with the employer/study site, which should ensure proper permission.
Passports should be valid for at least three months after entry. It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure that travel documents are valid.
Emergency passports are accepted in Eswatini, but please note that emergency passports cannot be used when traveling to or via South Africa.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19: Coronavirus has been confirmed in Eswatini. Eswatini authorities have imposed entry bans for a number of confirmed cases. Eswatini has introduced mandatory quarantine for all high-risk country residents. update the websites continuously as further information is received.
Norwegians staying in Eswatini should keep abreast of the development of the corona virus. Follow local authorities’ advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation.
You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.
***
The public health service has a low standard. Travelers are advised to use private services/clinics, and in severe cases evacuation to South Africa is recommended.
Eswatini is one of the countries in the world with the highest incidence of HIV/AIDS. Travelers should be aware of this and take the necessary precautions. Tuberculosis, also multi-resistant tuberculosis, is a major challenge.
Eswatini’s malaria risk is low, but travelers are advised to use mosquito repellent and to wear covering clothing after sunset, especially in low lying areas.
Gulf vaccine is required if arriving from a country at risk of yellow fever infection. Hepatitis A vaccine is also recommended when traveling in the country.
See also the Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s website for health professional travel advice and vaccine advice.
The availability of medicines, including medicines for HIV/AIDS, may be restricted for periods. Travelers are advised to bring the necessary medicines, if necessary, to buy this in South Africa.
Practical information
According to allcitycodes, the area code for calls from Norway to Eswatini is +268. Eswatini’s time difference is + one hour in winter, the same time in summer.
The electricity is 220 volts, and the connectors are usually the same as in South Africa (three large, round holes). The mobile network in Eswatini is relatively well developed, but coverage may be deficient in peripheral areas. Cash cards and mobile phone starter kits are readily available.
The Internet domain in Eswatini is.sz
The local currency lilangeni (plural emalangeni) is tied to the South African rand and has the same value. As of January 2017, NOK 1 = ZAR 1.60. It is possible to use South African banknotes in Eswatini.
ATMs are found in big cities. Credit cards (mostly Visa) are generally accepted at hotels, restaurants and in major stores.
Normal opening hours are Monday-Friday: 08: 30-13: 00 and 14: 00-17: 00, Saturday: 08: 30-13: 00.
Holidays: January 1 – New Year’s Day, second Monday in March – Commonwealth Day, April 25 – Flag Day, July 22 – King Sobhuza II’s birthday, last Monday in August – Umhlanga Day, September 6 – National Day, October 24 – UN -day, 25. -26. December – Jul. Variable Holidays: Good Friday, Easter Eve, Easter Day, Ascension, and the Incwala Ceremony.
The people of Eswatini have deep respect for traditions and for the royal family. In the worst case, derogatory publicity or treatment of the king is punishable. Most residents are also believers, mostly Protestants or belonging to a Christian faith that emphasizes local traditions.
Both English and Siswati are official languages.
It is forbidden to take pictures of government buildings, soldiers in the armed forces, royal residences, official ceremonies and members of the royal family without the permission of the authorities.
Always carry a passport or a certified copy of the passport.