Eswatini

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Eswatini, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Eswatini

Capital

Mbabane

Main Cities

Lobamba, Manzini, Hhohho, Big Bend, and Malkerns

Local Languages

SiSwati, Chichewa

Currency

Swazi Lilangeni (SZL)

Climate

Best time to film is mid-October

General Visa Requirements:

Refer to the link for a list of visa-exempt countries. If your country of origin is not listed, a visa is required, find link below Visa Application process.

Required Documents:

A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date, with at least 2 blank pages.
Proof of onward and return flights.
Hotel booking confirmation.
Documentation outlining the purpose of your travel, including:
A company profile from the production company with a synopsis of the project, detailing what will be filmed in Eswatini.
Letter of invitation.
Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
Confirm with your airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa.
Medical card and Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (if applicable).

Visa Application Process:

Refer to the link for a list of visa-exempt countries. If your country of origin is not listed, a visa is required: Eswatini Visa Guide

Processing Time:

Typically, 1 to 2 weeks.

Cost:

No cost

Accreditation Requirements:

Accreditation for international film crews is not required in Eswatini.

Required Documents:

While International Crew Accreditation is not mandatory in Eswatini, it is advised to keep the following documents/information available:

A treatment outlining what will be filmed in Eswatini.
Passport scans for each crew member.
Visa scans for each crew member.
A list of equipment entering Eswatini.
The value of the equipment, along with serial numbers.

Processing Time:

Accreditation for international film crews is not required in Eswatini.

Cost:

Accreditation for international film crews is not required in Eswatini.

Issuing Organization:

The Ministry of ICT (Information, Communication and Technology) is responsible for issuing film permits.

Required Documents:

Passports for all crew members.
Passport photos of each crew member.
Filming dates.
Filming locations in Eswatini.
A brief description of the nature of the shoot.
A detailed list of all equipment, including serial numbers.
The value of the equipment.
A letter of invitation.

Processing Time:

Permit applications take approximately 5 to 10 working days (about 2 weeks).

Cost:

$200 | 15% tax on the value of the equipment.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

This is negotiated between Hoodlum & the private owners.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

This is negotiated between Hoodlum & the private owners.

Drone Regulations:

There are currently no certification standards approved by SWACAA for RPAS/UAV/Drones. While there are local and international activities to develop certification standards for these PAS/UAV/Drones, temporary compliance alternatives are being used.

Without approved certification standards, an applicant must submit a Risk Assessment to SWACAA. In addition, the overall operation specifications should be submitted for each RPAS/UAV/Drone to be issued with an RPAS/UAV/Drone letter of Approval before it is operated. In addition, no RPAS/UAV/Drone will be approved by SWACAA to carry firearms or Dangerous Goods.

Swaziland is in the early stages of development in many aspects, especially regarding legislation. Currently, only rules for drones below a minimum of 1.5 kilograms can be found.

You need a letter of Approval from the Swaziland Civil Aviation Authority (SWACAA) for the possession of such drones. In addition, to bring your drone into the country, an import license from the SWACAA must be obtained.

Hobbyist drone flights are allowed in Swaziland
Hobbyist Swaziland drone pilot license is not required
Hobbyist Drone registration/authorization is required in Swaziland for hobbyists
Drone Remote ID is not required in Swaziland for hobbyists
Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for hobbyists’ drone operations in Swaziland

Note for Foreign Operators

If you’re traveling to Swaziland and want to bring your drone, SWACAA lists these special considerations for foreigners who wish to fly drones:

You must obtain an import license from SWACAA before entering the country with your drone.
You must obtain a letter of Approval from SWACAA to fly a drone for any purpose in Swaziland.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Issuance of the approval to operate a RPAS/UAV/drone is contingent upon applicant obtaining a written approval/authorization from below mentioned organizations:

Swaziland Royal Police (RSP)(Mandatory)
Swaziland Communications Commission
Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force (USDF)(Mandatory)
Local Authority (Such as Chief, District Administrator,
Municipality)(Mandatory)
SRA (where applicable)
Filming Authorities (Where applicable for filming and other
photography)
Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy (Where applicable for mine
surveys)
Wildlife Management (Where applicable)
Water Authorities(Where water surveys are done)
Others (Such as farm or premise owner, Municipality)(Where applicable)

PAS/UAV/Drone Company Requirements:

Aircraft Operating Certificate
Operation Specifications
Insurance must cover the activity to be conducted
Risk Assessment

RPAS/UAV/Drone Flying Crew:

Current RPAS/UAV/Drone License
Current Medical
Ratings

Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.

Permit Issuance:

The Swaziland (Eswatini) Civil Aviation Authority (SWACAA) issues drone permits.

Timing:

For drone importation, you must obtain an import license from SWACAA before entering Eswatini. Approximately 2 weeks.

Cost:

Drone permits are included with film permits upon request, and fees may range from $100 to $300.

Carnet Status:

Yes, Eswatini is an ATA Carnet country.

General Process for Carnet Countries

Submit an import request for filming equipment.
Provide a detailed list of the filming equipment along with serial numbers.
Include the value of the equipment.

Required Documents:

Passport of crew members.
Stamped visa (valid for at least 6 months).
Commercial invoice (for the import clearance process).
Air waybill.
Import request for filming equipment.
Detailed list of filming equipment, including serial numbers.
Value of the equipment.

Issuing Organization:

Eswatini Airport Customs Clearance.

Timing:

1 to 2 working days.

Cost:

15% of the equipment’s value.

General Overview:

There is current tension between country and citizens. It does not affect tourists and people movement. Can have a spillover of lawlessness, one need to stay vigilant of areas to stay away from.