Entry-exit Visa
 

I have a USA passport and was told that I would not need a visa to enter Swaziland directly, but that I WOULD need an entry/exit visa to travel into and out of Swaziland from S. Africa. Anyone know about this? Who should I contact to get these visas? I tried to find info on the internet but only found USA-Swaziland requirements.

Hello CeeJ,

To be confident of getting the right information, I think it would be a good idea to call Swaziland's embassy in Washington DC at (202) 234-5002.

I got their phone number, above, from the U.S. Department of State's Consular Information Sheet on Swaziland at

http://travel.state.gov/travel/swaziland.html

I don't know where you got your information from, I don't understand why there would be a difference that depends on your entry route.

If Swaziland has the same regs as South Africa, then you don't need a visa. But you would need entry/exit stamps, that's a different thing. Many people think that for entry into S.A. citizens of some countries can get a visa on entry. But technically, it's not a visa but an entry permit. (Usually 90 days.)

And as a BTW (and referring to S.A.) that can in some cases be emphasised in a different way. Being exempt from needing a visa (or having one) does not guarantee entry. This can be denied if there is not proof of the ability to support oneself during the visit and evidence of a return ticket.

Is it not true that the only way into and out of Swaziland is via South Africa. That is, there is no international airport?

I have a USA passport and drove between South Africa and Swazi across the borders four or five times during a three week stay two years ago...there was no requirement for a visa then. It is mostly a pain because you have to stand in line on one side and then cross the border and stand in line on the other...

NFZ, although there will be no direct flights, there are flights between Matsapha International Airport and Johannesburg International. So although I've never done that route, I presume that means that with a convenient transfer, one wouldn't have to exit and re-enter through S.A. Immigration and Passport Control.

Thanks everyone for good information. I also heard, via e-mail, from Mark of Taga Tours whose tour I will be taking. He reads Fodors Travel Talk too. Anyway, he confirmed that border stamps are all that are necessary -- not visas as I thought. That sure makes it a lot easier! Hope this info will be of use to others. This is a great fourm!