Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are standard.

Language

The official languages are Siswati and English.

Money

The official currency is the lilangeni (SZL), plural emalangeni, which is equal to 100 cents. It is not convertible; visitors should exchange any emalangeni they have left back into their own currency before leaving the country. The lilangeni is pegged to the South African rand (L1 to R1), which is also accepted as legal tender (notes only). Larger cities and tourist facilities accept international credit cards; ATMs are widely available. Banks are generally open Monday to Friday, and some banks are open on Saturdays.

Tipping

Service charges are not normally included in bills, but tips of 10 to 15 percent are customary.

Health

For health purposes, travellers arriving in Eswatini after having been in a yellow fever infected area require a vaccination certificate. Hepatitis A, rabies, polio and typhoid vaccinations are recommended, as are malaria prevention measures for those visiting the lowland areas. Bilharzia exists in some rivers, and cholera outbreaks occur. Normal precautions should be taken around potential exposure HIV/AIDS infection. Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink and food, including dairy products, presents no risk. Medical facilities are poor in the country, but tourist hotels offer private services for minor problems. Serious cases can be transported to South Africa for treatment; medical insurance is recommended.

Safety

The crime rate is low and most visits are trouble free, but visitors should take precautions against theft, and avoid travelling by road at night as there is a risk of hijacking.

Local customs

Same-sex relationships and acts are illegal in Eswatini. Discrimination against LGBT people is commonplace within society, and many LGBT people are not open about their sexual orientation or gender identity. Travellers should refrain from overt displays of affection in public, such as holding hands or kissing.

Doing business

Business etiquette is fairly informal, though lightweight suits are recommended for meetings. Appointments should be made in advance and business cards should be carried for identification. Handshakes are the normal form of greeting for both men and women. Meetings are not restricted to business matters only and may take place over prolonged lunches; engagements (entertaining and meetings) often take place outdoors because of the temperate climate. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken at lunch.

Duty free

Travellers to Eswatini do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars and 250g tobacco; two litres of wine and 50ml of perfume.

Communications

The international dialling code for Eswatini is +268 and the outgoing code 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Visitors can use local SIM cards in most European and Australian phones; WiFi is still rare, even in many hotels. Travellers may find a few paid-for WiFi spots Mbabane, Manzini and Malkerns Valley.

Passport & Visa

All visitors require a passport, tickets and documents for return or onward travel, and sufficient funds to cover their stay. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date travellers expect to leave Eswatini.

UK citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date travellers expect to leave Eswatini.

Canadian citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date travellers expect to leave Eswatini.

Australians citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date travellers expect to leave Eswatini.

South African citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date travellers expect to leave Eswatini.

Irish citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date travellers expect to leave Eswatini.

New Zealand citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date travellers expect to leave Eswatini.

Useful contacts

eSwatini Official Tourism: www.thekingdomofeswatini.com.

999 (Police)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Embassy of eSwatini, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 234 5002.

High Commission of eSwatini, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7630 6611.

High Commission of eSwatini, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 344 1910.

Embassies / consulates in Eswatini

United States Embassy, Mbabane: +268 2417 9000.

British High Commission, Pretoria (also responsible for eSwatini): +27 (0)12 421 7500.

Canadian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for eSwatini): +27 (0)12 422 3000.

South African High Commission, Mbabane: +268 404 4651.

New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for eSwatini): + 27 (0)12 435 9000.