Eswatini

Petty crime is common in major towns, particularly Mbabane and Manzini. This includes pickpocketing and robbery. Be particularly careful in major towns. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re out after dark.

Violent crime, including armed assault and carjacking, can occur.

Safety risks are greater at night, including on roads and in rural areas. Avoid walking alone, particularly at night and in isolated areas.

There have been reports of carjacking along major routes from South Africa and Mozambique, especially at night.

Police resources are varied throughout Eswatini. 

To protect yourself from road-based crime:

• always keep car doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, including when moving
• avoid driving into and out of Eswatini at night due to the threat of carjacking
• never offer a lift to strangers

Due to the high rate of HIV/AIDS, seek medical help straight away if you're a victim of violent crime, especially sexual assault.

Kidnapping 

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Cyber Security

Demonstrations and protests

Protests and civil unrest may occur. Protests can lead to violent clashes between protestors and security forces, including the use of deadly force.

Communication can be disrupted, particularly internet services.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid protests and demonstrations
• check media for updates and follow the instructions of local authorities.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

To reduce your risks:

• consider likely terrorist targets and the level of security provided, including in places visited by foreigners, such as shopping centres.
• always be alert to possible threats, especially in public places.
• report any suspicious items or activities to the police
• take official warnings seriously
• monitor the media for threats
• follow the instructions of local authorities.

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Eswatini experiences extreme weather, including thunderstorms and heavy rains, from October to April. It also faces bushfires from July to October, as well as risks of flooding, drought, and earthquakes.

If you're visiting an area that has recently had severe weather:

• confirm your plans with your tour operator or travel provider
• ask local tour operators and hotels if accommodation and essential services have been affected

To protect yourself if a natural disaster or severe weather occurs:

• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• closely monitor local news and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

HIV/AIDS

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is very high.

Take precautions if taking part in activities that put you at risk of infection.

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria occurs year-round in most areas except in Mbabane and Highveld (the Highlands).

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• sleep under treated mosquito nets
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

See a doctor if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases occur. This includes:

• cholera
• hepatitis
• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• rabies

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water to avoid contact with waterborne diseases

To reduce your risk of rabies, don't go near dogs and other mammals. If you're bitten or scratched, seek medical help straight away. 

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Eswatini for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

The standard of medical facilities is low. There can be shortages of basic medicine.

Hospitals will ask you to confirm your insurance cover or pay up-front before treatment.

If you're seriously ill or injured, you could need treatment at a more suitable place. This is usually South Africa. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Ask police or prison officials to contact the Australian High Commission in South Africa if you're arrested or detained.

Death penalty

Serious offences, including murder and treason, carry the death penalty. Corporal punishment exists, including for children.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include mandatory prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other crimes

It's illegal to:

• possess pornography
• take photos of government buildings, military installations, armed forces, royal residences or official ceremonies
• actions or words that are considered offensive or insulting to the king or royal family
• engage in same-sex relationships

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Eswatini doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Visitor visas

Tourists can enter Eswatini for up to 30 days without a visa. Your passport must be valid for six months after departure and have two blank pages. You'll need to get a visa in advance for other types of visits.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for visa details, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Entry by Vehicle 

If you enter by vehicle other than one registered in Eswatini, you'll have to complete a customs declaration form at border posts on entry and departure. A road fund levy of SZL100 is payable at the border, there's no Bureau to Change, South African Rand is accepted. 

You must always carry the customs declaration form and the road fund levy payment in the vehicle. Vehicles may be searched at borders. 

This process can cause lengthy delays, plan your travel accordingly. 

More information:

• Eswatini Ministry of Home Affairs
• Eswatini High Commission in South Africa

Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations

If you're travelling from, or transiting through an infected area or country with transmission risk, you'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter South Africa and Eswatini. This doesn't apply to a child aged under one year.

If you can't show proof of vaccination, or your vaccination was administered less than 10 days before departure, authorities may not let you enter.

You can't get vaccinated when you arrive. 

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Travel via South Africa

There are limited flights to and from South Africa. Contact your travel provider for details. Special rules apply if you're going to or from Eswatini through South Africa, including transiting.

South Africa has specific documentation rules for children and doesn't accept provisional travel documents. It also requires travellers to carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

More information:

• Travel advice for South Africa

LGBTQIA+ information

Officials may refuse you entry to Eswatini if you try to enter as a same-sex married couple.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

The Lilangeni (SZL) is the currency of Eswatini.

Declare all amounts over SZL15,000 on arrival. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash. Consult the Eswatini Revenue Service for up-to-date information.  

You can't convert SZL into another currency.

South African Rand notes are widely accepted.

Larger cities and tourist facilities accept international credit cards. ATMs are widely available. Contact your bank to ensure that your cards will work.

Driving permit

To drive, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted) and
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

If you intend to drive:

• check you have the right insurance cover
• be aware of animals and pedestrians straying onto roads
• avoid travelling alone in remote rural areas

Don't travel into or out of Eswatini by road at night due to the threat of carjacking.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorcycle, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only registered taxis. Arrange them through your hotel if possible. There are limited ride share options available.

Avoid hailing taxis on the street, as they are poorly maintained.

Public transport

Avoid travel by bus where possible. Buses are often over-loaded and poorly maintained.

Air travel

Check Eswatini's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, you should contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 999.

Medical emergencies

Call 977.

Police

Call 999.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Eswatini. You can get consular help from the Australian High Commission in South Africa.

Australian High Commission, Pretoria

292 Orient Street
Arcadia
Pretoria 0083, Republic of South Africa

Phone: +27 12 423 6000
Email: consular.pretoria@dfat.gov.au

Website: southafrica.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission in South Africa
X: @AuHCSouthAfrica

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia