​Getting There – Eswatini (Swaziland)

Alan Murphy
Expert
By Alan Murphy

Alan is a renowned Africa expert and has authored many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the Swaziland section of their 'South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland' guide.

Alan has authored many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the Swaziland section of their 'South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland' guide.

Alan has authored the Swaziland section of Lonely Planet's 'South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland' guide.

Alan researched and wrote about Swaziland for Lonely Planet.

Map of Eswatini Map of Eswatini
Eswatini Map

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is almost completely surrounded by South Africa. Most people visiting Eswatini are on a larger tour of South Africa. In fact, Eswatini is perfectly located between Kruger National Park and the parks in KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. Border crossings are straightforward.

Therefore, most people visiting Eswatini fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) near Johannesburg to start their South Africa–Eswatini tour.

Self-drive is a popular option but in most other cases, your local tour operator will arrange pick-up from the airport and further transportation as part of your tour package.

If you want to visit just Eswatini, you could fly from Johannesburg to King Mswati III International Airport (SHO) in Manzini, and hire a car here as well.

10 Eswatini Safaris

Flights & Airlines to Eswatini

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Eswatini and what tickets would cost.

Domestic Flights

Scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Manzini in Eswatini can be booked with SA Airlink and Eswatini Air.

Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements

Entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Eswatini embassy/high commission to verify that the information below is current.

  • A passport is required for all foreign visitors and has to be valid for at least six months.
  • Citizens from most countries do not require a visa and will get a 30-day entry permit on arrival. This includes nationals of the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, South Africa, British Commonwealth countries, EU countries and all other countries not included in the link below.
  • Citizens from some countries require a visa and need to apply in advance at their Eswatini embassy or high commission.
  • For more information, including COVID-19 related entry requirements (if any), please check the website of your local Eswatini embassy/high commission or the government travel advisories below:

If coming through South Africa, also check the South African visa and entry requirements.

Want To Visit Eswatini?

10 Eswatini Safaris