Travel Tips – Swaziland

Visas
Visas are required by all except the following nationalities for stays of up to 60 days:

(a) Nationals of Britain, Australia, Canada, USA, Other EU, Japan
(b) Nationals of Commonwealth countries (except nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Bangladesh, Cameroon, India, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka who do require a visa);
(c) Nationals of Switzerland
(d) Nationals of Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Norway, Poland, San Marino and Taiwan.

Please note: Visa requirements are subject to change without notification and therefore information needs to be verified with relevant authorities.

Electricity
220/30 volts AC, 50Hz; 15-amp round pin plugs are in use.

Communication
Telephone:
Country code: 268.
All outgoing international calls go through the international operator. Public telephones are available.

Language
English is the official language of business; however the local language SiSwati (also known as Swazi) will be useful talking to some locals.

Currency
The currency of Swaziland, the lilangeni, is tied to the South African rand. Shops in Swaziland often accept and make change for both currencies. American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Travelers cheques are widely accepted. Several banks will exchange traveler's cheques, but to avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take them in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Transport
By Air - Swaziland has one international Airport - Matsapha Airport situated just 1km outside of Manzini. Only two airlines fly there which provide flights from Johannesburg and Durban in South Africa as well as Maputo and Vilanculos in Mozambique. By Road - Swaziland is a small country and it is easy to go anywhere in the country during one day. Driving is moderately safe although it is fairly hilly in areas and roads can become very winding. Vehicles are driven on the left of the road and an International Drivers Permit is a mandatory requirement. The speed limit is less than 80kmph.

Food
Many foods are available in Swazi grocery stores, but traditional foods are still common. Maize-based dishes are popular. Beans, nuts, and sour milk are also common ingredients. Dried and cooked local meats, such as antelope, are widely available. Sweet breads, vegetables and fruits are often available from roadside merchants.

Safety
Swaziland has a much lower crime rate than other countries in the region. Hippopotami are found (rarely) in the country's rivers, and are one of the more dangerous animals you are likely to come across. Cows are frequently herded across country roads and therefore it is advisable to travel cautiously during the day and recommended to avoid travelling at night.

Health
Although medical facilities are generally limited in Swaziland, Mbabame Clinic is well-equipped to deal with minor problems. Most international visitors will use private services. These are frequently attached to the larger hotels. In emergency cases, where specialised treatment is required, the patient may be transported to a South African hospital. Health insurance is recommended.

Vaccinations
Cholera vaccination certificates are no longer required on entry to Swaziland but it is a risk and precautions are essential. A vaccination against typhoid is advised. Malaria risk exists throughout the year and precautionary medication is necessary. Bilharzia is endemic and it is advisable to avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Hepatitis A is present; hepatitis B is highly endemic and precautions need to be taken. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travelers over 1 year of age arriving within 6 days from infected areas.