Difficulties obtaining an electronic visa have become a central issue in discussions about the future of tourism in Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland.
Speaking in Mbabane on September 17, 2026, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini called for changes to systems and procedures that hinder visitor arrivals and undermine the tourism sector’s competitiveness.
An official government post sharing his remarks at the second Tourism Nkwe Indaba summit specifically identifies problems with the e-Visa platform as an obstacle that needs to be addressed.
Processing delays and failed payments
The prime minister credited the electronic visa system with modernizing entry procedures for Eswatini. But he also acknowledged that its performance has not consistently met the expectations of either the government or tourism businesses.
“That reliability, payment processing and turnaround times have not always matched the ambition behind the system,” he said, according to the government’s account.
Problems have been reported particularly during peak periods such as Umhlanga, the country’s largest cultural and traditional celebration. The prime minister cited delays in processing applications, payment failures and the lack of a manual backup while improvements to the platform are underway.
Tourism businesses have raised these concerns directly with the government. In its coverage of the conference, Eswatini Positive News also reported accounts from industry representatives of five-day waits for visas and travelers stranded at the airport upon arrival.
Government promises action but sets no deadline
Dlamini made clear that the problems require a swift response.
“A visa system that frustrates the very visitors we are courting is a contradiction we cannot sustain,” he said, adding that the government was committed to resolving the issues “with urgency, not indefinite patience.”
The government’s post does not specify what technical fixes are planned or when they will be implemented. While it acknowledges the absence of a manual backup process, it does not announce plans to introduce one.
For now, the statement amounts to a commitment to improve the e-Visa system’s performance. The remarks include no changes to eligibility requirements, visa fees or permitted lengths of stay.
Making travel easier for visitors
Visas are one part of a broader call to remove obstacles facing tourism businesses. The prime minister also wants regulations to keep pace with the growing use of ride-hailing services and seven-seat vehicles in the sector.
He also emphasized the importance of making domestic and international payments easier for accommodation providers and restaurants. The government sees improvements to these services as essential to making tourism a driver of the kingdom’s economic growth.
Who needs an e-Visa for Eswatini?
The electronic system processes applications from travelers who need a visa to visit Eswatini.
Travelers who require a visa can apply through the official e-Visa portal: https://evisa.gov.sz/, which, however, is experiencing access and operational issues, as acknowledged by the government.
However, the availability of an electronic visa does not mean every tourist must apply online. According to the Eswatini Tourism Authority’s official visa guide, citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and several other countries are exempt from visa requirements for short visits.
The guide allows stays of up to 30 days for tourism or business, with the option to apply to the Ministry of Home Affairs for a further 30-day extension.
VisasNews Take
Digital visa systems make travel easier when they offer reliable payments, predictable processing times and accessible support. By publicly acknowledging its platform’s shortcomings, Eswatini’s government has identified the issues that need attention. The next step will be turning that commitment into tangible improvements for applicants, particularly during peak travel periods.
