Eswatini

Recommended Vaccinations For Eswatini

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk for yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Eswatini

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine or doxycycline. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxime-pyrimethamine has been reported.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Eswatini

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Swaziland through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Eswatini.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever may occur in Eswatini.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

Cholera

Cholera outbreaks occur in Eswatini. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

West Nile Fever

The virus is transmitted to animals, birds and humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, and skin rash.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Sporadic outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) may occur in this country. Commonly spread via contact with domesticated animals infected with the virus. These include cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels, among others.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Malaria

There is a risk of malaria in eastern regions bordering Mozambique and South Africa. This includes all of the Lubumbo district and Big Bend, Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni and Mhlume, Simunye, and Tshaneni.

Sleeping Sickness (Type 1)

This disease may occur in the country. Esta enfermedad puede ocurrir en el país. Cette maladie peut survenir dans le pays.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk for yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Eswatini. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Eswatini, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Schistosomiasis

This disease is present in Eswatini and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Eswatini. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

African Tick Bite Fever

This disease may occur in this country. Ticks that cause this disease are usually most active from November through April. Travellers engaging in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and game hunting in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas may be at a higher risk.

Safety & Security in Eswatini

Personal Safety

Petty crime like pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft occurs throughout Eswatini, particularly in downtown Mbabane and Manzini. Robberies can happen during daylight hours even in crowded areas, as the presence of others does not guarantee safety. Armed robbery and carjacking occur sporadically, though they are less common than theft. Criminals may use force to accomplish their goals, so you should avoid resistance if confronted. Crime rates typically increase during the pre-Christmas festive season. The downtown areas of Mbabane and Manzini become particularly risky after dark, but nighttime crime also occurs in other areas where street lighting is minimal or nonexistent. Avoid walking alone at night anywhere in the country, especially in poorly lit areas. Violent crime including armed assault can occur in both urban and rural areas. Police resources across the country are limited, which affects their ability to respond effectively to incidents. Organized criminal networks operate in the country, engaging in activities including drug distribution, armed robbery, residential burglary and vehicle smuggling. These groups have links to criminal organizations in neighboring countries and access to firearms. While kidnapping is not common, concerns exist about possible regional organized networks involved in abductions. Scams exist, so verify change, negotiate prices in advance and never pay for services upfront. Human trafficking affects vulnerable populations including girls, orphans and foreign children who are exploited for sex work, domestic servitude and agricultural labor. The country also serves as a transit point for trafficking victims moving between Mozambique and South Africa.

Extreme Violence

Eswatini experiences organized criminal violence but murder rates remain lower than in other African countries. Criminal networks engage in violent crimes including armed robbery, residential burglary and drug distribution, with links to organizations in neighboring countries. These syndicates have access to firearms and extensive networks for moving illicit goods. Unlicensed gun ownership remains high despite a reduction in total firearms over the last decade, reflected in an escalation of armed robberies. Gang activity is documented in prisons and juvenile rehabilitation centers. Domestic violence is prevalent and a significant problem. In 2023, the Eswatini Observer reported 147 murders and 133 suicides directly linked to domestic violence during that year. A government survey found that over 8 percent of women and girls ages 13 to 24 reported experiencing sexual violence during their lifetime. Gender-based violence remains a serious concern despite laws providing for penalties of up to 30 years imprisonment for rape. Political violence and security force actions during pro-democracy protests in 2021 resulted in significant casualties. The Eswatini Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration verified 46 deaths and 245 persons with gunshot injuries during the unrest, though the actual numbers may be higher. Security forces used lethal force indiscriminately on protesters and members of the public not engaged in protests, including women and children. Impunity remains entrenched in security forces with no investigations into police violence. In January 2023, human rights lawyer and activist Thulani Maseko was shot and killed at his home hours after the King warned that mercenaries would deal with those calling for democratic reforms. The killers have not been apprehended.

Political Unrest

Eswatini experienced significant pro-democracy protests and civil unrest beginning in 2021, with lower-level unrest continuing through summer 2023. By early 2024, unrest had generally ceased despite very low government approval rates. The country is an absolute monarchy ruled by King Mswati III since 1986, with political parties banned since 1973. In June 2021, peaceful protests escalated into violence and looting when the government prohibited the delivery of petitions. Security forces responded with heavy force, using tear gas, rubber bullets, live ammunition and indiscriminate shooting that killed and injured dozens. The government implemented internet shutdowns and social media blocks lasting several weeks. A curfew was imposed and the army was deployed to protect infrastructure and enforce regulations. Demonstrations and protests continue to occur sporadically in response to political or economic issues, particularly in Mbabane and Manzini. Security forces police these events heavily and have used force on occasions. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent with little warning. Freedom House rates Eswatini as not free with a score of 17 out of 100, scoring 1 out of 40 on political freedoms and 16 out of 60 for civil liberties. The human rights situation has deteriorated with civic space, judicial independence and rule of law remaining under threat. Pro-democracy activists, journalists and opposition figures face arrest, harassment, threats and intimidation. In July 2024, two former members of parliament were sentenced to 25 and 18 years in prison respectively for participating in and supporting pro-democracy protests. Opposition groups have claimed responsibility for killings of police officers, prison guards and a traditional leader, and have threatened violence against anyone testifying on behalf of the government. The political environment is characterized by impunity for human rights violations, lack of judicial independence, restrictions on freedom of assembly and association, and ongoing clampdown on dissenting views.

Areas To Avoid

The downtown areas of Mbabane and Manzini are particularly dangerous after dark and should be avoided at night. Criminal activity increases during the pre-Christmas festive season. Manzini bus rank, through which most inter-city transportation passes, is not considered safe for visitors. Congested urban areas pose risks both day and night. Crime is common in both urban and rural areas throughout the country. Rural areas present additional safety concerns due to poor lighting, isolated locations and limited police presence. Armed carjackings have occurred on main roads entering and leaving Eswatini from South Africa and Mozambique, making it advisable to avoid crossing borders after dark. The edges of towns and cities experience higher rates of muggings and theft. Areas where demonstrations and protests occur should be avoided as even peaceful gatherings can turn violent with little warning. Mbabane and Manzini are the locations where further demonstrations are most likely to occur. Specific locations like Coronation Park in Mbabane should be avoided at night and only visited during daytime with groups of more than two people. Poorly lit areas throughout the country present elevated risks for crime and personal safety. Rural roads at night pose dangers from abandoned unlit trailers, poorly lit heavy vehicles, livestock and limited visibility.