Is Eswatini Safe for First-Time Travelers?

Travel verdict: Exercise Caution. See the full safety scores, key risks and tips on this page.

Travel verdict: Exercise Caution. The scores and risks below say why.

Safety Scores

Overall Safety5/10

Crime Index5/10

Health & Medical4/10

Natural Disasters6/10

Absolute monarchy; political dissent is banned and protests are violently suppressed
Armed robbery and carjacking, especially after dark in Mbabane and Manzini
One of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world
Limited medical facilities; serious cases require travel to South Africa

Travel Verdict: Exercise Caution

Avoid protests or political gatherings; use well-lit roads after dark

Malaria risk in low-lying areas; bring prophylaxis and travel insurance

Lilangeni pegged to South African rand; ZAR also accepted; ATMs in main towns

Emergency: 999 (police), 977 (ambulance)

Updates for Eswatini will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.