Visa Free Countries for Eswatini: A Comprehensive Guide

As of 2024, citizens of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 72 countries and territories worldwide. This article provides a detailed overview of the visa-free travel options available to Eswatini passport holders, including entry requirements, stay durations, and important considerations for international travel.

Passport Ranking and Global Mobility

The Eswatini passport ranks 72nd in the world according to the Henley Passport Index. While not among the most powerful passports globally, it still offers considerable travel freedom compared to many other African nations.

Visa-Free Countries for Eswatini Citizens

Eswatini passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to several countries across different continents. Here’s a comprehensive list of destinations where Eswatini citizens can travel without obtaining a visa in advance:

Africa

1. Benin (90 days)
2. Botswana (90 days)
3. Gambia (90 days)
4. Ghana (90 days)
5. Kenya (3 months with Electronic Travel Authorization)
6. Lesotho (90 days)
7. Malawi (90 days)
8. Mauritius (90 days)
9. Mozambique (30 days)
10. Namibia (3 months)
11. South Africa (30 days)
12. Tanzania (3 months)
13. Uganda (3 months)
14. Zambia (90 days)
15. Zimbabwe (3 months)

Americas and Caribbean

1. Antigua and Barbuda (1 month)
2. Bahamas (3 months)
3. Barbados (6 months)
4. Dominica (6 months)
5. Ecuador (90 days)
6. Grenada (3 months)
7. Guyana (60 days)
8. Haiti (3 months)
9. Jamaica (Visa not required)
10. Saint Kitts and Nevis (3 months)
11. Saint Lucia (6 weeks)
12. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (1 month)
13. Trinidad and Tobago (Visa not required)

Asia and Oceania

1. Fiji (4 months)
2. Hong Kong (90 days)
3. Israel (3 months)
4. Malaysia (30 days)
5. Micronesia (30 days)
6. Philippines (30 days)
7. Singapore (30 days)
8. South Korea (30 days)
9. Vanuatu (30 days)

Europe

1. Ireland (Visa not required)
2. United Kingdom and Crown dependencies (90 days)

Visa on Arrival and eVisa Options

In addition to visa-free destinations, Eswatini citizens can obtain visas on arrival or eVisas for several countries, further expanding their travel options:

Visa on Arrival

1. Bangladesh (30 days)
2. Bolivia (90 days)
3. Cambodia (30 days)
4. Cape Verde (Visa on arrival)
5. Comoros (45 days)
6. Iran (30 days)
7. Jordan (Visa on arrival)
8. Kuwait (3 months)
9. Laos (30 days)
10. Madagascar (90 days)
11. Maldives (30 days)
12. Mauritania (Visa on arrival)
13. Nepal (Visa required)
14. Nicaragua (30 days)
15. Palau (30 days)
16. Rwanda (30 days)
17. Samoa (60 days Entry Permit on arrival)
18. Seychelles (3 months Visitor’s Permit on arrival)
19. Sierra Leone (Visa on arrival)
20. Somalia (30 days)
21. Timor-Leste (30 days)
22. Togo (7 days)
23. Tuvalu (1 month)

eVisa Options

1. Angola (30 days)
2. Côte d’Ivoire (eVisa)
3. Djibouti (31 days)
4. Ethiopia (up to 90 days)
5. Gabon (eVisa)
6. Georgia (eVisa)
7. Guinea-Bissau (90 days)
8. India (60 days)
9. Kyrgyzstan (eVisa)
10. Qatar (eVisa)
11. São Tomé and Príncipe (eVisa)
12. South Sudan (Electronic Visa)
13. Sri Lanka (30 days)
14. Suriname (eVisa)

Important Considerations for Eswatini Travelers

While visa-free travel offers great convenience, Eswatini citizens should be aware of several factors that may affect their international journeys:

Passport Validity

Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay. Always check the specific requirements for your destination before traveling.

Proof of Onward Travel

Some countries may require proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or evidence of sufficient funds to purchase one. This is particularly common in Southeast Asian countries.

Length of Stay

While visa-free entry is possible, the duration of stay varies by country. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or future travel restrictions. Always adhere to the permitted length of stay.

Purpose of Visit

Visa-free travel typically applies to tourism, business meetings, or short-term visits. If you plan to work, study, or engage in other activities, you may need to apply for a specific visa.

Health Requirements

Some countries require proof of vaccination, particularly for yellow fever. Many African countries require all incoming passengers older than nine months to one year to have a current International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.

Criminal Record

Certain countries may deny entry to individuals with criminal records, even for visa-free travel.

Visa Application Process for Restricted Countries

For countries not offering visa-free access, Eswatini citizens will need to apply for a visa. The general process typically involves:

1. Checking the embassy website for requirements
2. Gathering necessary documents (passport, photos, bank statements, etc.)
3. Completing the visa application form
4. Paying the visa fee
5. Attending an interview (if required)
6. Waiting for visa processing

Processing times and fees vary by country, so apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

Special Considerations for Dependent and Disputed Territories

Eswatini citizens should be aware of specific entry requirements for dependent and disputed territories:

Dependent Territories

1. Cook Islands (New Zealand): Visa not required for 31 days
2. Niue (New Zealand): Visa not required for 30 days
3. British Virgin Islands (UK): Visa not required
4. Cayman Islands (UK): Visa not required
5. Montserrat (UK): Visa not required
6. Pitcairn Islands (UK): Visa not required for 14 days

Disputed or Partially Recognized Territories

1. Kosovo: Visa not required
2. Northern Cyprus: Visa not required
3. Palestine: Visa not required (Arrival by sea to Gaza Strip not allowed)
4. Taiwan: Visa not required for 90 days

Future Outlook for Eswatini Passport Holders

The number of visa-free destinations for Eswatini citizens has been gradually increasing over the years. As Eswatini’s economic and diplomatic ties strengthen globally, there’s potential for further expansion of visa-free travel options in the future.

Conclusion

Eswatini passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a diverse range of countries across Africa, the Americas, Caribbean, and parts of Asia and Europe. While this offers significant travel freedom, it’s crucial to research specific entry requirements, stay durations, and any recent changes in immigration policies before embarking on international travel.

By staying informed and prepared, Eswatini citizens can make the most of their global mobility opportunities and explore the world with greater ease. Always check with the respective embassies or consulates for the most up-to-date information, as visa policies can change without notice.

Remember that visa-free access is a privilege, and travelers should always respect local laws and customs when visiting foreign countries. By doing so, Eswatini citizens can continue to enjoy and potentially expand their visa-free travel options in the future.

Citations: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Swazi_citizens [2] https://www.guideconsultants.com/all-passports/lesotho-passport-visa-free-countries-list/ [3] https://getgoldenvisa.com/passport/lesotho [4] http://evisalesotho.com [5] https://visaindex.com/visa-requirement/lesotho-passport-visa-free-countries-list/ [6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Lesotho_citizens [7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Swazi_citizens