Eswatini Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Eswatini.
Healthcare System
Eswatini has a dual healthcare system with both public and private facilities. Public hospitals serve the majority of citizens but often face resource constraints, staff shortages, and limited equipment. Private clinics and hospitals offer higher quality care but at significant cost. Medical facilities are concentrated in Mbabane and Manzini, with limited services in rural areas.
Hospitals
Main facilities for tourists include Mbabane Clinic (private, recommended for foreigners), The Clinic in Mbabane, and Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Manzini. These facilities can handle routine medical issues, minor injuries, and common illnesses. For serious conditions, patients are typically evacuated to Nelspruit or Johannesburg in South Africa.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available in Mbabane, Manzini, and larger towns, typically open during business hours (Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-5 PM, Saturday mornings). Common medications are available, but specific brands may differ from home countries. Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications in original packaging. Some pharmacies in shopping centers stay open later.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and essential for travel to Eswatini. Medical evacuation to South Africa can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Ensure your policy covers adventure activities if planning wildlife safaris or hiking.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit and sufficient supplies of any prescription medications
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medical records with you
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers medical evacuation to South Africa
- Private clinics often require upfront payment or proof of insurance before treatment
- Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for lowveld areas including game reserves
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for assistance in medical emergencies
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Opportunistic theft including pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles is the most common crime affecting tourists. Thieves target distracted visitors in crowded areas, markets, and bus ranks.
Smash-and-grab thefts from vehicles at traffic lights and break-ins to parked cars occur regularly. Carjackings are rare but have been reported, particularly at night.
Road accidents are a significant risk due to poor road conditions, lack of street lighting, pedestrians and livestock on roads, aggressive driving, and drinking and driving. Many roads are narrow and winding with limited shoulders.
Political protests and demonstrations occur occasionally, particularly related to calls for democratic reforms. While generally peaceful, some protests have turned violent with roadblocks, tire burning, and clashes with security forces.
In game reserves and rural areas, encounters with dangerous wildlife including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and snakes are possible. Most incidents occur when tourists fail to follow safety guidelines.
Malaria is present in lowveld areas, particularly during the rainy season (November-April). Eswatini has one of the world's highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates, though this primarily affects residents. Tuberculosis is also common.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists at bus ranks, markets, or tourist sites claiming to be official guides or offering cheap tours. They may take payment upfront and disappear, provide substandard services, or lead tourists to dangerous areas.
Unlicensed taxi drivers or minibus operators charge inflated rates to tourists, particularly at borders, airports, and tourist sites. Some may claim meters are broken or refuse to use them.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something, asking for directions, creating a commotion) while an accomplice steals bags, wallets, or phones. Common at ATMs, markets, and tourist areas.
Individuals approach tourists claiming to collect money for orphanages, schools, or community projects. Some may show fake documentation or ask tourists to visit facilities to pressure donations.
Budget accommodations may show attractive photos online but provide substandard rooms, or claim the advertised room is unavailable and offer a more expensive alternative upon arrival.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Urban Safety
- Avoid walking alone at night in urban areas; use taxis after dark
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas
- Keep valuables hidden and carry only what you need for the day
- Be discreet when using ATMs; shield your PIN and be aware of your surroundings
- Avoid displaying expensive cameras, jewelry, or smartphones in public
- Stay alert in crowded places like markets and bus ranks where pickpockets operate
Transportation Safety
- Avoid driving at night due to poor lighting, pedestrians, and animals on roads
- Always wear seatbelts and ensure children are properly secured
- Keep doors locked and windows up while driving in urban areas
- Be extremely cautious on winding mountain roads and during rainy conditions
- Use reputable rental companies and check vehicle condition thoroughly
- Consider hiring a local driver if uncomfortable with local driving conditions
- Avoid minibus taxis if possible; they are often overcrowded and poorly maintained
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations with good security, including guards or secure parking
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Keep doors and windows locked, even when inside your room
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door
- Know the location of emergency exits and keep a flashlight handy
- Book accommodations through reputable platforms with verified reviews
Money and Documents
- Carry copies of important documents and store originals in hotel safe
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers during daylight hours
- Divide money and cards between different locations on your person and in luggage
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card freezes
- Carry some cash in local currency (Lilangeni) as cards aren't accepted everywhere
- Keep emergency contact numbers and embassy details easily accessible
Health Precautions
- Drink only bottled or purified water; avoid ice in drinks
- Eat at busy, reputable restaurants where food turnover is high
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Ensure food is thoroughly cooked, particularly meat
- Avoid swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers due to bilharzia risk
- Update routine vaccinations and get recommended travel vaccines before departure
- Carry a basic medical kit with anti-diarrheal medication and rehydration salts
Wildlife and Nature
- Never exit your vehicle in game reserves except in designated safe areas
- Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife; use zoom lenses for photography
- Follow all instructions from game rangers and guides
- Store food securely to avoid attracting animals to campsites
- Wear appropriate footwear when hiking and watch where you step
- Make noise when walking in bush areas to avoid surprising animals
- Don't swim in areas where hippos or crocodiles may be present
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly, particularly in rural areas and when visiting cultural sites
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially in traditional settings
- Show respect for the royal family; criticism is considered offensive
- Remove shoes when entering homes and some cultural sites
- Learn basic siSwati greetings; locals appreciate the effort
- Avoid public displays of affection, which are culturally inappropriate
- Be respectful during cultural ceremonies; ask your guide about appropriate behavior
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally find Eswatini relatively safe compared to some other African destinations, though standard precautions are essential. Solo female travelers are not uncommon, particularly in tourist areas and game reserves. However, traditional gender roles remain prevalent, and women may experience unwanted attention, particularly in urban areas and rural communities. Harassment is usually verbal rather than physical, but women should remain vigilant, especially after dark.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, particularly in rural areas and cultural sites
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use reputable taxis or hotel transportation
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations with good security
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention; don't feel obligated to be overly friendly
- Consider joining group tours for activities like hiking or visiting remote areas
- Keep your phone charged and share your itinerary with someone you trust
- Avoid accepting drinks from strangers and watch your beverages in bars
- Wear a fake wedding ring if comfortable doing so to deter unwanted advances
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from situations that feel uncomfortable
- Connect with other travelers or expat communities for advice and potential travel companions
- Be cautious about sharing accommodation details with strangers
- In taxis, sit in the back seat and keep windows partially up
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is not explicitly criminalized in Eswatini, creating a legal gray area. However, there are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no specific LGBTQ+ rights legislation.
- Exercise discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in public spaces
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Be cautious about discussing LGBTQ+ topics with locals unless you're certain of their views
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; some international hotels may be more welcoming
- Consider booking accommodations with separate beds to avoid potential issues
- Connect with LGBTQ+ organizations or online communities for current advice before traveling
- Be aware that traditional gender presentation is expected in most settings
- Use discretion on social media and dating apps; avoid sharing specific location information
- Have a cover story prepared if asked about relationship status or travel companions
- Keep contact information for your embassy readily available
- Consider traveling as part of a larger tour group for additional security
- Be prepared for questions about marital status; have responses ready that you're comfortable with
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Eswatini due to limited medical facilities, the potential need for medical evacuation to South Africa, high healthcare costs for foreigners, and various travel risks. Medical evacuation alone can cost $50,000-$100,000 USD. Most healthcare facilities require payment upfront or proof of insurance before treatment. Without insurance, you could face devastating financial costs or inadequate medical care in emergencies.
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