Eswatini entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bulgarian passport holders need a visa to enter Eswatini. Apply in advance through an Eswatini embassy or consulate — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa as of 2026. Processing can take a couple of weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a visa at the Eswatini embassy or consulate before travel. The official government immigration portal is at www.gov.sz. Processing times vary — apply at least 4 weeks before departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Required | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Eswatini. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required | Immigration officers at King Mswati III International Airport will ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Eswatini. Officers may ask for it if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — bank statements or a credit card. There is no fixed minimum amount, but showing at least 500 USD equivalent helps avoid questions. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — apply in advance
Eswatini does not offer visa on arrival for Bulgarian passport holders. You must get a visa from an embassy before you travel. Plan at least 2–3 weeks ahead.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you enter Eswatini, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at an Eswatini embassy
Contact the Eswatini embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., in Brussels or London for Bulgarian residents). Submit your application, passport photos, and fee. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep all confirmations saved on your phone.
3
Arrive at King Mswati III International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. The process is usually straightforward.
Download Eswatini Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostSZL 500 (~$28 USD)
Apply at Eswatini embassy or on arrival. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostSZL 1,000 (~$56 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostSZL 750 (~$42 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Eswatini company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
SZL 2,000 (~$112 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Eswatini. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
SZL 5,000 (~$280 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least SZL 500,000 in a local business. Must provide business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
SZL 1,500 (~$84 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Eswatini. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival. | SZL 500 (~$28 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | SZL 1,000 (~$56 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of SZL 5,000 (~$280 USD). | SZL 100 (~$5.60 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Eswatini
No transit visa needed
Bulgarian passport holders transiting through Eswatini do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsKing Mswati III International Airport (SHO)
Health & vaccines for Eswatini
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation. Drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Mbabane
Eswatini Immigration Department Headquarters
Mhlambanyatsi Road, Mbabane
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Manzini
Manzini Immigration Office
Ngwane Street, Manzini
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for visa-related services.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalMbabane
LanguageEnglish, Swazi
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months.
Money
CurrencySwazi lilangeni (SZL)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 16.24 SZL
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
MType M (three round pins, similar to South Africa)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa on arrival for Bulgarian citizens. You must obtain a visa from an Eswatini embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 5–10 business days, but can take longer during peak periods. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary by embassy. Expect to pay around €50–€80 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount.
You apply at the Eswatini embassy or consulate that covers your country of residence. For Bulgarians, the nearest embassy is often in Brussels (Belgium) or London (UK). Some countries may have honorary consulates that can accept applications.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
Eswatini requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Bulgaria is not a risk country, so you only need it if you've recently traveled to an affected area.
Typically: a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), two passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, proof of sufficient funds (bank statement), and travel insurance. Check the embassy's website for the exact list.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.