General Information
ENTRY REGULATIONS
Separate border regulations apply to
Swaziland and South Africa and
while these are generally quick and
hassle-free, it is advisable to establish
requirements in advance. It has long been
felt that to further promote tourism in the
region, a common visa regulation among
the Southern African states should be put
in place and that citizens of the region
should have free entry between those states,
similar to the freedom enjoyed in the EU
countries. Border restrictions from
Swaziland into Mozambique were lifted in
2006.
The following regulations currently apply but
are subject to change:
British Commonwealth
Citizens of most British Commonwealth
countries, including African states, do NOT
require visas. Exceptions are Bangladesh,
India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
European Union Countries
Citizens of EU countries may obtain free visas
on arrival at Swaziland’s borders. These
countries are Belgium, Denmark, France,
Germany, Greece, Irish Republic, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and
Spain. (See above for the United Kingdom.)
The gesture is also extended to Austrian and
Swiss nationals. It is advisable that those
concerned enter through the main border
posts to obtain their visas (see table).
Other Countries
Visa-free entry is granted to citizens of Israel,
The Republic of South Africa, Taiwan and
the United States of America.
If in doubt about your status, consult your
travel agent or a Swazi diplomatic office if
there is one in your area. Do not proceed to Swaziland without being sure of your status.
All visitors, as well as Swazi citizens, require
a valid passport when entering or leaving the
country.
Health Requirements
Although malaria has been partially
eradicated, it is advisable to take precautions,
especially in the eastern part of the country
during summer. Yellow fever and cholera
vaccinations are only required if a visitor has
come from or travelled through an endemic
area.
Getting to Swaziland & Borders
Matsapha International Airport is located near
the industrial area, 8 km from Manzini and
25 km from Mbabane. Access is via the MR3
highway. Road access into Swaziland is
through 13 border posts. A tax of E50.00
per person is payable when departing from
Matsapha Airport, while non-Swazi registered
vehicles are subject to a minimum entry fee
of E50.00, depending on the class of vehicle.
All Swaziland’s borders are open seven days
a week throughout the year although hours
vary and may change from time to time. The
borders are:
The borders are:
Bulembu/Josefdal ..............08.00-16.00
Gege/Bothashoop ..............08.00-16.00
Lavumisa/Golela ................07.00-22.00
*Lomahasha/Namaacha ........07.00-20.00
Lundzi/Waverley ................07.00-16.00
Mahamba..........................07.00-22.00
Mananga/Bordergate .......... 08.00-18.00
Matsamo/Jeppe’s Reef ........ 08.00-20.00
*Mhlumeni/Goba ...............07.00-20.00
Ngwenya/Oshoek ...............07.00-22.00
Salitjie/Onverwacht ............ 08.00-18.00
Sandlane/Nerston ...............08.00-18.00
Sicunusa/Houdkop .............08.00-18.00
* These borders link to Mozambique. All
the others have common borders with
South Africa.
Driving
Vehicles travel on the left hand side of the road. Speed limits are 120 kph on the highways and open roads, 80 or 60 kph in restricted areas and 60 kph in cities, towns and villages. Foreign driving licences are valid provided they incorporate a photograph of the holder.
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
Visitors and returning residents must complete declarations of goods for import. Accompanied items for import purchased outside Swaziland but within the Common Customs Area are sales tax free to the value of E1000 per person and E2000 per family. Thereafter, tax of 14% is payable. The South African VAT of 14% charged on goods in that country will be refunded when bona fide residents bring them into Swaziland on completion of the relevant forms. Customs duty on goods originating from outside the CCA varies depending on their nature. People arriving to take up residence may import normal household and personal effects tax free, as may residents who have been overseas for more than six months. Firearms and ammunition may be imported only with prior permission obtainable from The Firearms Licensing Board, P.O. Box 49, Mbabane H100, Swaziland. Arrangements should be made in advance with a government veterinarian for the import of all animals. For regulations pertaining to commercial imports and exports, please refer to Transport and Freight.
WORK AND RESIDENCE PERMITS
The Government of Swaziland maintains a strict localisation policy and expatriates may fill posts only where no suitably qualified Swazis are available. A valid work permit must be obtained prior to taking up employment and this document, together with proof of employment, must be produced at the point of entry. Work permits are issued for a maximum of five years but will be renewed if necessary. Applications for permission to take up residence and employment should be submitted at least two months prior to a contract commencing. Spouses and dependants of expatriate employees must make separate application before taking up employment. Queries relating to work permits should be addressed to The Chief Immigration Officer, P.O. Box 372 Mbabane H100.
FORMING A COMPANY
The formation of a company, usually carried out by attorneys or accounting firms, is generally quick and costs around E2,500. Annual licences fee vary between E400 and E1,600 depending on a company’s nominal capital and it costs E70 to lodge a Form C. Depending on the nature of the business, a trading licence may be required and while these vary considerably, an entity can expect to pay up to E3000. Membership of private companies (Pty. Ltd.) is restricted to 50 people with a minimum of two shareholders while public companies (Ltd.) must have at least two directors and seven shareholders. Foreign concerns may register in Swaziland and these branches are bound by the same regulations as local operations. Partnerships may also be established with a maximum of 20 people and individuals may be the sole proprietors of their ventures. All companies must have a local registered office and appoint a recognised firm of auditors.
LEGAL SYSTEM
Swaziland’s legal system is based on Roman-Dutch law. The Chief Justice heads the judiciary and the courts comprise the High, Magistrates’ and Industrial Courts. These take precedence over the traditional legal system, which comprises the national courts.
BUSINESS AND BANKING HOURS
The normal working day is from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm although many manufacturers run 24 hour, seven days a week operations on a shift basis. Shops usually open between 7.30 and 9.00 am, depending on the nature of the business, and close at 5.00 pm with video outlets and some pharmacies and supermarkets open for extended hours and on Sundays. Hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs may serve liquor from 11.00 am on any day and close as stipulated on the individual licence. Banking services are available six days a week, normally from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm Monday to Friday, closing on Wednesdays at 1.00 pm, and 8.30 to 11.00 am Saturdays. All the banks provide automatic telling machines.
LANGUAGE
The official languages are English and siSwati and many Swazis are bi-lingual. Official information and notices are published in English, which is also the most commonly used language in business.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Some public holidays do not apply to every category of employee, particularly those engaged in manufacturing industries and domestic work. Clarification on this may be sought from the Department of Labour.
TIME ZONE
Greenwich Meantime plus two hours.
ELECTRICITY
220.240 volt AC.
Public Holidays 2009
1 January ................... New Year’s Day
19 April ....................... King’s Birthday
10-13 April ................... Easter Holiday
25 April ................... National Flag Day
1 May............................. Workers’ Day
21 May ......................... Ascension Day
22 July ......................... Public Holiday
t.b.a. ........ Umlanga (Reed Dance) Day
(August/September)
6 September ........................ Somhlolo
(Independence) Day
25 December ................. Christmas Day
26 December .................... Boxing Day
t.b.a. ............................... Incwala Day
(December/January)
CLIMATE & SEASONS
Spring: August - October; mild weather,
14.- 30 degrees C.
Summer: November - January; rainy,
18 - 30 degrees C.
Autumn: February - April; fairly dry,
15 - 30 degrees C.
Winter: May - July; dry,
5 - 25 degrees C.
SCHOOL TERMS 2012
1ST Term: 26 January to 23 April
2nd Term: 18 May to 13 August
3rd Term: 07 September to 10 December
CURRENCY
Swaziland’s currency is the Lilangeni (plural
Emalangeni which abbreviates to “E”). It is
on a par with the South African Rand.