The Kingdom of eSwatini, formerly named Swaziland is a land locked country in Southern Africa. Bordered by Mozambique to its northeast and South Africa to its north, west, south, and southeast.
eSwatini is one of the smallest countries in Africa, with a lovely, warm climate and plenty of sunny, dry days. The east of the country, where the majority of the parks are located, experience hot summers and mild winters, this being due to the low altitude. The west of the country, at a higher altitude, is cooler with more rain. Winter and Summer take place at opposite times as compared to Europe and North America. Winter and summer correspond to the Dry (May to September) and Wet (October to April) seasons respectively. Winter, the dry season has virtually no rainfall, humidity is very low. The hotter lowland region reaching up to 42°C. The month of May brings the end of summer, temperatures being relatively cool. Climate depends on your location, the lowland areas feel subtropical, the highlands are very similar to the South African Highveld climate.
Swazi, a Southern Bantu language, is the official language of eSwatini, spoken by approximately 95% of Swazis. eSwatini is home to several languages, native languages including SiSwati, Zulu, Tsonga, Afrikaaans, and English. English is the medium of education, taught in all public and private schools. Recent immigrant languages include Chichewa and Southern Sotho. eSwatini is predominantly Christian, with Zionists being the largest denomination. There are mosques for the Muslim faith but at present, no official place of worship for people of the Jewish religion.
eSwatini holds the accolade as the only absolute monarchy in Africa. The unit of currency in eSwatini is the Lilangeni – plural Emalangeni (E) – which is fixed to the rand (1 Rand = 1 Lilangeni). The South African Rand is accepted as legal tender, so if coming from South Africa there is no need to change money. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at hotels and upmarket shops and restaurants. Only a few ATMs accept international credit/debit cards. Emalangeni are difficult to exchange for other currencies outside eSwatini, so you should reconvert before you leave. If you are leaving through the airport, you could use your last E50 for the compulsory departure tax.
Eswatini is widely considered to be one of the safest countries in Africa. Friendly, safe and spirited, the countries distinct and ever- present cultural traditions, together with its landscapes and wildlife, make this small land- locked country a unique and enticing destination.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM EQUIPMENT CLEARANCE, FILM PERMIT, VISAS AND WORK PERMITS WHEN FILMING ON LOCATION IN ESWATINI
General film permits.
eSwatini film visas and film permits are very easy to apply for, aside from all the paperwork. The entrance requirements into eSwatini are relaxed with free 30-day visas to any westerners. The filming permit application can take between 5-10 working days.
Film equipment clearance into the country
Eswatini is an ATA carnet country so international film crew bringing in film gear will need to do a carnet for equipment they wish to bring into the country.
Accreditation for international film crew
Not required
Visas & Work Permits
In eSwatini, there is a distinction between visas and permits. Entry visas are granted only to short- term visitors, foreign nationals wishing to remain in eSwatini to work will need to apply for a temporary residence permit instead. There is no “working visa” in eSwatini, the proper documentation is referred to only as a work permit, a type of temporary residence permit, employees will need to apply for only one.
Film crew travelling on Western passports can enter eSwatini visa-free for periods of up to 30 days. A film permit is required to shoot in eSwatini. To apply for a film permit, you need to send your local fixer / service producer an application including a project synopsis, dates, visiting crew passport information pages, and an imported equipment list. If you are coming to film with a local organisation, you will also need to include a Letter of Invitation from this organisation. The local fixer will submit this information on your behalf to relevant authorities. Allow at least 2 weeks to process permits. A copy of the processed permit will be emailed to you for presentation at the airport or border.
Film Location Permits for Swaziland
The details required for application are filming dates, passport information for all crew, a brief of the nature of the shoot and then a list of all/ any equipment.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM LOCATIONS IN THE ESWATINI
The monarch plays a central role in political and cultural life, with the country’s most important annual event, closely linked with the royal household.
eSwatini hosts a great diversity of landscape, ranging from river valleys and cool mountainous Highveld in the west, and hotter and dryer Lowveld in the east. An African landscape of acacia-dotted grasslands, the Lowveld is where the country’s most iconic wildlife can be viewed. Mkhaya Game Reserve, one of 17 protected areas, considered one of the very best places in Africa to witness rhino in their natural habitat. During the summer solstice the Incwala, or Kingship Ritual takes place, the highlight of the festival is the spectacular sight of Swazi men in full battle regalia.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM CREWS, EQUIPMENT AND TALENT IN ESWATINI
Local film crews
Eswatini has a very small pool of local directors, videographers and stills photographers. Key crew should be brought in from abroad. Johannesburg is the closest production centre for crew, a 4hr drive away.
Film equipment
Productions looking to bring in film equipment, eSwatini is part of the ACU (African Customs Union) and works with the ATA Carnet System, moving equipment between members of the ACU (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho) is seamless.
Hiring equipment- there is very little production equipment available in eSwatini, the necessary equipment is sourced from South Africa. Basic camera, lighting, grip, and drone equipment is available. Johannesburg is the closest production centre for larger and more sophisticated equipment.
Talent
Day rates and buyouts are negotiable. Swazi and English are the official languages spoken. Eswatini offers mainly ethnic Swazi looks with some Zulu and Caucasian African looks also available. All other talent needs to be brought in from abroad.