Eswatini, SA tighten festive season border measures
By Delisa Magagula
Cross-border travellers moving between Eswatini and South Africa during the 2025 festive season should expect extended operating hours at selected Eswatini border posts as well as stricter health and security checks upon entering the Republic of South Africa.
Authorities in both countries have announced measures aimed at easing congestion while safeguarding public health and preventing the illegal movement of restricted goods.
The Ministry of Home Affairs in Eswatini has confirmed that Mahamba, Matsamo and Mananga border posts will operate under extended hours from 22- 24 December.
The adjustments are intended to accommodate the annual spike in traffic as citizens travel for holidays, family visits and year-end activities.
According to the Ministry, Mahamba currently operates from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm but will extend to midnight on 23 and 24 December.
Matsamo, which normally closes at eight in the evening, will operate until ten at night from 22 to 24 December. Mananga, usually closing at six in the evening, will operate until eight at night over the same period.
All other border posts not appearing on the extension list will continue operating under their usual schedules.
The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the extension aims to reduce congestion and improve the flow of travellers, noting that the festive season traditionally results in heavier traffic.
The Ministry also reminded travellers to ensure they carry the correct documents and comply with all requirements at ports of entry to avoid unnecessary delays.
At the same time, South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has issued a public alert announcing intensified screening measures for all travellers entering the Republic during the holiday period.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the increase in regional mobility at this time of year requires strengthened measures to prevent the importation of communicable diseases.
Dr Masiapato said all inbound travellers will be screened for signs of illness on arrival. He encouraged any traveller experiencing symptoms to report immediately to BMA port health officials for assessment.
The Commissioner also emphasised compliance with yellow fever regulations.
Travellers arriving from countries where the disease is endemic will be expected to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.
According to the BMA, individuals who fail to produce one may be denied entry into South Africa.
Tighter controls will also apply to travellers carrying agricultural produce.
Dr Masiapato explained that while South Africa allows certain agricultural products from its six immediate neighbours Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Mozambique these items must meet strict phytosanitary, health and quality standards as set by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
Meat, fruits and vegetables that do not comply with these standards, or that are being imported without the required permits, will be confiscated and destroyed.
To enforce these regulations, BMA teams will conduct searches using sniffer dogs and virtual inspection tools. The Commissioner said these measures are essential for protecting South Africa’s biosecurity and preventing the spread of pests, diseases and unsafe food products.
Meanwhile, Eswatini’s Ministry of Health has also issued guidance for travellers passing through its own borders, confirming that port health desks will be fully active throughout the festive period.
Ministry of Health Communications Officer Nsindiso Tsabedze said the country has long maintained screening procedures at ports of entry, but checks will be stricter this season, particularly for signs of respiratory illnesses, including Covid-19, following the identification of recent cases in the kingdom.
The intensified health protocols in both countries reflect a coordinated effort to ensure safe movement during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Authorities have advised travellers to allow extra time for inspections, prepare necessary documents in advance, and cooperate fully with officials to ensure efficient processing at the borders.
Worth noting, the measures announced by Eswatini and the BMA underline a shared concern for public health and orderly travel, while recognising the significant rise in cross-border movement expected over the Christmas period.
