The Eswatini passport has secured a place among Africa’s 10 strongest passports, ranking eighth on the continent and 115th globally, according to the latest passport ranking data.
The ranking gives the Eswatini passport a mobility score of 78, meaning emaSwati can access 78 destinations without having to obtain a traditional visa before travelling.
The 78 destinations include countries offering visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival or similar simplified entry arrangements, as well as destinations where travellers can use an electronic travel authorisation instead of applying for a conventional visa in advance.
Of the 78 destinations, 41 offer completely visa-free entry to Eswatini passport holders, while 30 allow entry through visa-on-arrival or other arrival-based arrangements.
A further seven destinations can be accessed through electronic travel authorisation systems. Despite the relatively strong mobility offered by the passport, emaSwati still require traditional visas before travelling to 120 of the destinations assessed in the ranking.
Overall, the Eswatini passport provides access to 39.4 per cent of the destinations covered by the report.
The Caribbean is the most accessible region for Eswatini passport holders, with Eswatini able to access 93.8 per cent of the destinations covered in the region.
This includes 13 destinations offering visa-free entry, one allowing an arrival-based arrangement and another requiring an electronic travel authorisation. Africa is the second most accessible region, with overall access standing at 66 per cent.
Within the continent, Eswatini passport holders can enter 17 destinations without a visa, while 15 offer visa-on-arrival or similar arrangements. Another three destinations can be accessed through electronic travel authorisation.
However, 18 African destinations still require emaSwati to obtain a traditional visa before travelling. Some destinations offer Eswatini passport holders lengthy stays without requiring a traditional visa.
Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Dominica are among the destinations listed as allowing visa-free stays of up to 180 days. Fiji and Vanuatu allow Eswatini passport holders to stay for up to 120 days without a traditional visa.
Several countries allow stays of up to 90 days, including neighbouring Botswana, as well as Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
South Africa, one of Eswatini’s key neighbouring and travel destinations, is listed as allowing Eswatini passport holders to stay for up to 30 days without a visa.
The Philippines, Micronesia and Rwanda also offer 30-day visa-free stays. 
Malaysia and Singapore are listed as visa-free destinations, although travellers are required to complete an arrival card.
Suriname, meanwhile, allows entry using a tourist card.
