Swaziland

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.

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 Matsapha Airport, Manzini, 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.

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.

Average temperatures

Spring - September - October 20 degrees Celsius
Summer November - March 25 degrees Celsius
Autumn April - May 20 degrees Celsius
Winter June - August 15 degrees Celsius

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
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.