Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Eswatini due to crime and civil unrest. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 30 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
(268) 2417-9000, US Embassy Mbabane, Corner of MR 103 and Cultural Center Drive, Ezulwini, P.O. Box D202, The Gables, H106, Eswatini; https://sz.usembassy.gov/; ConsularMbabane@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
268
Local Emergency Phone
Emergency 999; Police 999; Fire 933
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Eswatini: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Varies from tropical to near temperate
Currency (Code)
Emalangeni (SZL)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): M
Major Languages
English (used for government business), siSwati
Major Religions
Christian 90% (Zionist - 40%, Roman Catholic 20%, other 30% - includes Anglican, Methodist, Mormon, Jehovah's Witness), Muslim 2%
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Hlane Royal National Park; Mbuluzi Game Reserve; Mlawula Nature Reserve; Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary; Malolotja Nature Reserve, Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve
Major Sports
Soccer, rugby, cricket
Cultural Practices
If sitting on the ground, it is considered very rude to point one's feet at another person.
Tipping Guidelines
Service charges are not normally included in bills, but tips of 10% are customary.
Souvenirs
Woven rugs, clay pots, sisal woven baskets, traditional dyed cloth or hand-loomed mohair items, glass-bead or precious-metal jewelry, carved wooden statues, sheet-metal toys
Traditional Cuisine
Karoo roast ostrich steak — thinly sliced ostrich steaks marinated in red wine and juniper berries with salt and pepper then fried in butter and served with onions sautéed with peppercorns, white wine, and heavy cream; traditionally accompanied with a pumpkin and ground maize mash
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Monday, September 18, 2023
