Eswatini (Swaziland) travel guide
About Eswatini (Swaziland)
On 19 April 2018, King Mswati III renamed Swaziland to Eswatini, meaning “Land of the Swazis”.
With traditional customs still central to everyday life, the Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland) offers an unparalleled insight into Africa’s tribal societies in a setting that is safe and welcoming to visitors. Combine this with a varied landscape and untamed wildlife, and you have a nation ripe for exploration.
Eswatini (Swaziland) holds the accolade as the only absolute monarchy in Africa (and one of only a handful left in the world). The monarch plays a central role in political and cultural life, with the country’s most important annual events, such as Independence Day, closely linked with the royal household.
Though smaller events involving traditional dress and celebrations can be found across the country at almost any time of year, it is the set piece ceremonies that draw the largest number of participants. In fact, the Umhlanga (Reed Dance) festival is one of Africa’s biggest cultural events. Thousands of unmarried Swazi women travel to the round, mud-brick buildings of the royal compound at Ludzidzini, where they pay tribute to the Queen Mother with reeds, song and dance.
The Incwala, or Kingship Ritual, takes place during the summer solstice and is a rare survivor of what was once common across southern Africa. The highlight of the festival is the spectacular sight of Swazi men in full battle regalia, the likes of which you will not have seen outside a Hollywood blockbuster.
Eswatini (Swaziland) also hosts a great diversity of landscape, ranging from river valleys and cool mountainous Highveld in the west, and hotter and dryer Lowveld in the east. A typical African landscape of acacia-dotted grasslands, the Lowveld is where the country’s most iconic wildlife can be viewed. Mkhaya Game Reserve, one of 17 protected areas, is considered one of the very best places in Africa to witness rhino in their natural habitat.
Friendly, safe and spirited, the country’s distinct and ever-present cultural traditions, together with its landscapes and wildlife, make this small land-locked country a unique and enticing destination.
Key facts
17,364 sq km (6,704 sq miles).
1,343,000 (2016).
78 per sq km.
Mbabane.
Absolute monarchy.
King Mswati III since 1986.
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini since 2023.
Travel Advice
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
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The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Eswatini’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Eswatini set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Eswatini High Commission in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Eswatini, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.
If you’re also travelling to South Africa, your passport must have 2 additional blank pages.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You can visit Eswatini without a visa for up to 30 days.
You can apply for a 30-day extension from the Ministry of Home Affairs. If you want to stay longer than 60 days, you must apply for a temporary residence permit.
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
Check the stamp in your passport has the correct date. If you do not have the correct dates, the Eswatini authorities may stop you from re-entering the country for up to a year.
Health form requirement
You may need to complete a health form if travelling by air.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Eswatini, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Eswatini guide.
Travelling with children through South Africa
If you’re travelling with children through a South African airport, see South Africa travel advice for information about the documents you must carry.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Eswatini. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Entering with your own vehicle
If your vehicle is not registered in Eswatini, you must complete a customs declaration form at the border post and pay a 100 Swazi emalangeni road fund levy. You must always carry proof of your customs declaration and levy payment in the vehicle. Vehicles may be searched at borders.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Eswatini
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Eswatini, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Political situation
Public protests, demonstrations, and strikes do occur occasionally in Eswatini, mostly in response to political or economic issues. Security forces police such events heavily and have used force on occasions.
You should:
- avoid all protests and marches
- be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark
- monitor local media
- keep up to date with developments
Crime
Protecting yourself and your belongings
There can be casual theft, pickpocketing and occasional muggings, particularly at the edges of towns and cities, and at night. Armed robbery has happened but is not common. You should:
- avoid walking in the downtown areas of Mbabane and Manzini after dark
- keep valuables in a safe place
- avoid carrying large amounts of money
- keep expensive-looking jewellery and watches out of sight
Criminal activity usually increases during the pre-Christmas festive season.
Laws and cultural differences
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Punishments for possessing or smuggling narcotic drugs can be severe. You can be imprisoned for illegal drug offences.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Eswatini. LGBT+ people experience discrimination, and many are not open about their sexual orientation or gender identity. Showing affection in public will most likely be frowned on by locals. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Eswatini, see information on driving abroad.
You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
Hire car companies often require their customers to have a year of driving experience.
Drink-driving is a serious offence in Eswatini. If you are tested and found to have more than a 50mg per 100ml of alcohol in your system (in England it is 80mg), you may get a fine and possible imprisonment. The police operate random roadside checks regularly and strictly enforce the law.
Road conditions
The standard of driving in Eswatini is low. Slow moving lorries can be a problem, particularly on hills. Minor roads are not well maintained with some potholes, and road markings are poor.
Take care driving in rural areas as animals stray on to roads and cause serious accidents and deaths. Avoid driving on rural roads at night – there is a risk of hitting abandoned, unlit trailers and poorly lit heavy vehicles.
Public transport
Travel by public transport can be dangerous due to poor standards of driving, lack of rest periods for drivers, the poor quality of vehicles and poor road conditions. However, the airport transfer coaches between Johannesburg and Mbabane are generally safe. Minibuses used in urban areas are usually overcrowded and poorly maintained.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Flooding
In the wet summer months from November to April, violent thunderstorms with lightning, heavy rain, and hailstones are common, especially in the highlands (‘Highveld’). These sometimes damage property and road infrastructure and cause flooding in some areas.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 977 or 933 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccinations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Eswatini
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Eswatini.
HIV and AIDS
In 2015 UNAIDS estimated that around 210,000 adults, aged 15 or over were living with HIV in Eswatini. This is around 28.8% of adults, compared to 0.2% of adults in the UK. Take the normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV and AIDS.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Eswatini
Basic healthcare is available in Eswatini, but there are shortages of common medicines. For serious accidents and emergencies or specialised treatment, it’s likely you would need to go to South Africa. Local private hospitals can arrange evacuation if you are fully insured or you can produce funds in advance.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of medical evacuation to South Africa and repatriation.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Eswatini.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Eswatini
Ambulance: 977
Fire: 933
Police: 999
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
- finding lawyers and funeral directors in Eswatini
- dealing with a death in Eswatini
- being arrested or imprisoned in Eswatini
- getting help if you’re a victim of crime
- what to do if you’re in hospital
- if you’re affected by a crisis such as a terrorist attack
Contacting FCDO
Help abroad
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Help in UK
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
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