Immigration update: COVID-19 travel advisory for the Kingdom of Eswatini
Updated COVID-19 travel advisory for the Kingdom of Eswatini
On 29 September 2020, the Minister of Health, announced updated travel regulations for all travellers to and from Eswatini.
Who is affected?
This will affect all international travellers to and from Eswatini.
Background
Following the announcement of a National Emergency and subsequent implementation of strict measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Eswatini restricted entry to the country to everyone except citizens and residents.
Eswatini is gradually lifting these measures as the spread of the virus is slowing in the Kingdom with about 500 active cases. There is still a significant risk of a second wave of infections as observed in many other countries.
Impact
Travelers and passengers should continue using the following ports of entry: Ngwenya, Mahamba, Lavumisa, Mananga, Matsamo, King Mswati 111 International Airport and Matsapa Airport. Lomahasha will remain the only gate way to Mozambique
1. Travellers entering the Kingdom of Eswatini
i. All travellers entering the Kingdom of Eswatini will be screened at the Points of Entry for the following:
a. COVID-19 negative certificate/Results taken within 72 hours before entry into the country.
b. Symptoms of COVID-19.
c. Country of origin and transit.
ii. Travellers who do not present a valid negative COVID-19 result or is presenting with COVID-19 symptoms or both, will be required to do the COVID-19 test at the Point of Entry at their cost. Currently the cost of the RT-PCR test is E 850.00
iii. Travellers may be required to undergo a quarantine not exceeding 14 days or isolation as advised by the port health officers.
2. Travellers going out of the Kingdom of Eswatini
i. All travelers should plan to have a COVID-19 test 72 hours before the travel date.
ii. Testing for COVID-19 will be at the cost of the traveler at a private laboratory.
iii. All travellers leaving the Kingdom of Eswatini will be screened at the point of exit for the following
a. COVID-19 certificate/Results taken 72 hours before exiting out of the country.
b. Symptoms of COVID-19.
c. Country of destination and transit.
iv. If found to be having COVID-19 symptoms the traveler will not be allowed to exit the country and the protocol for COVID-19 testing will be effected. The testing will be done at their own cost.
How Santa Fe can assist
Santa Fe can support your business with any immigration compliance and advisory issues concerning your expatriate population. We can review current employees’ visas and assist with necessary advice or solutions to ensure ongoing compliance with the Immigration Act and Regulations.
We will also keep your business updated on ongoing developments on all Kenyan immigration matters and will advise on any changes requiring your attention.
Should you have any questions, please contact:
Terence Rover
Immigration Manager – South Africa
Santa Fe Relocation
Johannesburg, South Africa
D: +27 (0) 10 442 8933
M: +27 (0) 72 279 9606
E: Terence.Rover@santaferelo.com
Paolo Longo
Regional Immigration Director – India, Middle East & Africa
Santa Fe Relocation
Johannesburg, South Africa
D: +27 (0) 10 595 2337
M: +27 (0) 83 677 7949
E: Paolo.Longo@santaferelo.com
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