Eswatini

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 999 for police
• Dial 977 for ambulance
• Dial 933 for fire

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Crime is the most significant threat to U.S. citizens. Incidents of petty and violent crime are common across the country.

• Criminals will resort to force, sometimes deadly, to accomplish their goal. They are not deterred by confrontations with their intended victims.
• Carjackings may become violent if victims do not immediately cooperate.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams and internet romance scams may occur in Eswatini.

Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 999.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault or domestic violence are encouraged to contact the nearest U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• It is illegal to use drones in Eswatini unless a permit is obtained through civil aviation.

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS.
• The fastest route may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care. For serious injuries, you may need to travel to South Africa for appropriate medical care.
• First responders may not be able to quickly reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Eswatini seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 
• There are special laws related to criticism of the monarchy in Eswatini.
• It is illegal to photograph Eswatini's government buildings, members of the Eswatini armed forces, royal residences, and official ceremonies without prior permission from government authorities.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Detention conditions

• Detention centers at local police stations are below U.S. standards. They may be crowded with only very basic toilet facilities and no privacy. Men and women may be detained in the same room if the center is crowded. Meals are provided but may be of low quality.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your trip using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Colonial-era legislation against sodomy remains in place. However, there are no specific penalties and there have been no known arrests.

• The government of Eswatini denounces same-sex relationships and views them as illegal. However, it has not prosecuted any cases.
• Discrimination against gay and lesbian individuals is common. Gay and lesbian individuals generally hide their sexual orientation.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Eswatini does not prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities.
• The most common types of accessibility may include sidewalks, crosswalks, elevators, ramps, and audible tones at traffic signals. 
• Expect accessibility to be very limited in public transportation, lodging, communication or information, and general infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
• Accessibility is more common in cities and urban areas, especially in newer buildings. Older buildings have few accessibility options and elevators may not work.
• People with disabilities asking for assistance or guidance will generally be helped with care.
• Sign language interpreters may be available but limited.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Eswatini Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 977 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are available.

• Response time of emergency responders may be long especially in rural areas.
• Ambulances may not be equipped with advanced medical equipment. 
• Response time in city and urban areas is better.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Eswatini. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Eswatini.
• Most care providers in Eswatini, especially the larger ones, accept cash and credit card payments.
• Some hospitals and clinics often need payment upfront before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Health facilities are available throughout Eswatini. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics may lack basic resources and supplies. 
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission if the patient does not have local health insurance. Private hospitals require a large, refundable deposit for patients without local medical insurance to ensure the hospital bill is fully covered.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse or have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transferring to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are available but limited.
• Hospital-based care is available through government, mission, and private hospitals.

Prescription medications

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. The prescription should be either in English or Siswati.
• A maximum of a two-week supply of medication for personal use may be brought into Eswatini without a letter of authorization from the Ministry of Health.  The individual should have in their possession a valid prescription (with an official translation into English or Swati if the prescription is in a different language).  If bringing a supply of medication for personal use for more than two weeks, you will need a letter of authorization to import pharmaceutical products for personal use from the Eswatini Ministry of Health, Director of Health Services, Pharmaceutical Services (+268 2404 2431).
  
• Check with the Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Eswatini.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• Eswatini does not allow the importation of any medication containing mercury.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Eswatini with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Eswatini courts.
• If you are considering traveling to Eswatini to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood Eswatini via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s birth with local authorities or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is not safe to drink.
• In some rural locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Altitude

• Many cities in Eswatini, such as the capital Mbabane, are at high altitude.
• Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel.
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before traveling to high altitude cities like Mbabane.
• Visit the CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Eswatini.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Traffic accidents in Eswatini occur frequently and are a significant hazard.

• Use extreme caution when driving, as drivers tend to speed on major roads.
• Road dangers include poor lighting, pedestrians, animals, slower moving vehicles, and aggressive drivers.
• Be careful when driving at night and in fog, especially in rural areas.
• Many vehicles are poorly maintained and may lack working headlights.

Traffic laws

• Cars travel on the left in Eswatini. Use caution when driving.
• Always carry your driver’s license. You may face a fine for not doing so.
• International Driving Permit is not required if you have a U.S. driver’s license.
• It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving in Eswatini.
• The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) sets up periodic roadblocks and uses radar to monitor speed. If you are pulled over for a violation you are responsible for the consequences.
• The REPS sets up jaywalking stings. This can result in fines and temporary detention for perpetrators. Pedestrians should use the “zebra crosswalks” when crossing streets.

Taxis and ride-shares

• There are a few rideshare apps, but the reliability is inconsistent. There are some private taxis that are reliable, but the cars may be in older condition.

Public and commercial transportation

Use extreme caution if using mini-bus taxis, locally known as “khumbis”.

• Mini-bus taxis follow fixed routes and passengers hail these taxis almost everywhere in Eswatini.
• Many of these vehicles fail to meet minimal safety standards. Drivers frequently overload vehicles and travel at high speeds. Fatal accidents are very common.
• U.S. government employees working in Eswatini are not allowed to use mini-bus taxis due to the safety risks.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Eswatini’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Eswatini has a subtropical climate with wet and dry seasons.

• Droughts and wildfires may occur from May to September.
• Flooding and hailstorms are common during the rainy season from October to March.
• Eswatini Meteorological Services monitors weather patterns and issues early warnings for extreme weather events. They share forecasts via radio, television, and phones.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates