Swaziland Information
Swaziland is a country blessed with great beauty and friendly welcoming people. Being one nation with one tribe has allowed Swaziland to hold onto traditions and culture with strength and unity. Pride in the culture and respect for tradition are very evident and much encouraged.A peaceful transition from being a British Protectorate to achieving independence is evident in the lack of animosity between the peoples living in Swaziland.
Public Holidays
- New Years Day* - 1 January
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Kings Birthday* - 19 April
- National Flag Day - 25 April
- Ascension Day - 21 May
- Somhlolo Day -22 July
- Umhlanga Reed Dance - late Aug/early Sept I
- Independence - 6 September
- Christmas Day* - 25 December
- Boxing Day* - 26 December
- Incwala Day - late Dec/early Jan
*These dates remain the same irrespective of the day of the week on which they fall. Other public holiday dates differ each year.
Average Temperatures
- Spring - September - October 20 C
- Summer - November - March 25 C
- Autumn - April - May 20 C
- Winter - June - August 15 C
Climate
With a mild summer and winter, the climate in Swaziland is mostly pleasant all year. Rain is more frequent from October to May, but with plenty of sunshine, low humidity and temperatures around 25�C (77�F). Winters can get quite cold at night but are relatively dry. Closer to Mozambique in the lowlands, conditions become more tropical.
General Information
Please note that travel through South Africa requires an unabridged birth certificate for children under 18 years! If your journey is going to take you through any South African borders, please contact SA Home Affairs for the required documentation list.
Valuable Link The Gables - for restaurant and movie theatre details and phone numbers - www.thegables.co.sz
Currency Lilangeni (Emalangeni - plural) is the currency used in Swaziland. It is on a par to the South African Rand. Rands are accepted currency in Swaziland but Emalangeni are not accepted in South Africa so change your Emalangeni back to Rand before leaving the country. Most Credit cards and travelers cheques are honoured in the Kingdom.
Passports and Visas All visitors require valid passports and travel documents. Visas are required by all EXCEPT: Nationals of Swaziland, British subjects being "Citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies" and nationals of Australia, Bahamas, Barbados,Belgium, Botswana, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Gambia, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierre leone, Republic of South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad, and Tobago, Uganda, Uruguay, the United States of America, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Visas for citizens of Austria, Switzerland and R.O.C can be obtained free of charge at the point of entry. Visitors wishing to stay more than 60 days must apply for a temporary residence permit from the Chief Immigration Officer, P.O.BOX 372, Mbabane Tel: (+268) 404-2941/2. Within Swaziland visas can be obtained from the government offices. From outside the country, visas are issued by the Swaziland Mission abroad.
Airport Tax On departure from King Mswati International Airport - all passengers must pay an airport tax of E50.00
Road Tax A road tax of E50 is payable upon entering Swaziland for non-Swazi registered cars.
Language Siswati and English are the official languages while English is the medium of instruction in all schools and is widely understood.