UAE and Eswatini sign mutual visa-waiver agreement on May 30, 2026
An MOU signed by UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and Eswatini Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe waives entry visas for holders of ordinary, diplomatic, and service passports.
On May 30, 2026, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Eswatini signed a memorandum of understanding on the mutual exemption of entry-visa requirements for holders of ordinary, diplomatic, and service passports. The agreement was signed by UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and Eswatini Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe.
What's changed
The bilateral memorandum waives entry-visa requirements for citizens of both states travelling on ordinary, diplomatic, or service passports. The agreement takes effect 30 days after the exchange of diplomatic notes confirming completion of internal ratification procedures by both countries; a date-certain effective date has not been published in the May 30 signing announcement.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs framed the MOU as part of the UAE's broader programme of bilateral mobility cooperation, building on similar visa-exemption agreements with African Union member states. The agreement covers entry-visa requirements only; specific stay duration, conditions of stay, and any reciprocal commercial-visa categories were not detailed in the signing announcement.
Who's affected
The agreement applies to UAE citizens travelling to Eswatini and to Eswatini citizens travelling to the UAE on covered passport categories. Eswatini, a landlocked southern African state, has a population of approximately 1.2 million; the UAE hosts a modest Eswatini-national community alongside the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) cohort. Holders of unofficial or commercial passports beyond the three named categories continue to require entry visas under existing rules.
When it takes effect
The MOU enters into force 30 days after both governments exchange diplomatic notes confirming completion of internal ratification procedures. Until that exchange is publicly notified by either Ministry of Foreign Affairs, existing entry-visa requirements apply to both UAE and Eswatini nationals. Pre-existing visa applications submitted before the effective date will be processed under current rules.