Eswatini entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders need a visa to enter Eswatini. You must apply in advance through an Eswatini embassy or consulate — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need to apply for a visa before traveling to Eswatini. Start your application through the Government of Eswatini Immigration portal. Processing times vary, so apply at least 2–3 weeks before your departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Eswatini. Airlines may also enforce this at check-in, so double-check your passport expiry date before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended | Immigration officers at King Mswati III International Airport may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Eswatini. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-arranged tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. There's no fixed minimum amount, but showing at least 500 USD equivalent helps avoid questions. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Eswatini does not offer visa on arrival or an e-visa for UAE passport holders. You must apply in advance at an embassy. Plan ahead — processing can take up to 2 weeks.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in Eswatini, not from your departure date. If your passport expires in less than 6 months, renew it before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at an Eswatini embassy or consulate
Contact the nearest Eswatini embassy or consulate (e.g., in Abu Dhabi, UAE) to submit your visa application. Provide your passport, completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of funds. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days.
2
Receive your visa and check details
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Double-check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct. If anything is wrong, contact the embassy immediately.
3
Arrive at King Mswati III International Airport (MTS)
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy — they may ask for it.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There are no additional arrival forms or fees for tourists.
Download Eswatini Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostSZL 1,000 (~$55 USD)
Standard option for tourism; apply at embassy or on arrival.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostSZL 1,500 (~$83 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple visits.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostSZL 1,200 (~$66 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Eswatini company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
SZL 2,000 (~$110 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Eswatini. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Business Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
SZL 5,000 (~$275 USD) application fee
For investors starting a business or making a significant financial contribution. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
SZL 1,500 (~$83 USD) application fee
For enrolment at an accredited Eswatini institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for UAE passport holders; apply at Eswatini embassy or on arrival. | SZL 1,000 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | SZL 1,500 (~$83 USD) |
| Stay extension feeApply at immigration office before current stay expires. | SZL 500 (~$28 USD) per extension |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | SZL 100 (~$5.50 USD) per day, max SZL 5,000 (~$275 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Eswatini
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through Eswatini airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Transit hubsKing Mswati III International Airport (MTS) · Matsapha Airport (MTS)
Health & vaccines for Eswatini
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Mbabane
Eswatini Immigration Department – Headquarters
Mhlambanyatsi Road, Mbabane
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Manzini
Manzini Immigration Office
Ngwane Street, Manzini
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for southern region.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalMbabane
LanguageEnglish, Swazi
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months.
Money
CurrencySwazi lilangeni (SZL)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 16.27 SZL
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
MType M (three round pins, similar to South Africa)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Eswatini does not offer visa on arrival for UAE passport holders. You must obtain a visa in advance from an Eswatini embassy or consulate.
No. Eswatini does not have an e-visa system. All visa applications must be submitted in person or by mail to an embassy or consulate.
Processing usually takes 5–10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by nationality and embassy. Contact the Eswatini embassy in Abu Dhabi for the exact fee. Expect to pay around 50–100 USD equivalent.
No. The visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply from outside the country.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, you may need a vaccination certificate. Check with the embassy for current requirements.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.