161 countries and territories138 of 193 UN membersmonthly to 2026-09back to 1926

Travel advice for Eswatini

Most governments advise increased caution in Eswatini
Summary of 15 governments, written 4 Nov 2026Austria, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and the United States advise increased caution, while Belgium, Estonia, Singapore and the United Kingdom advise normal precautions. Protests may become violent, while theft, armed robbery and carjacking are concerns, with specific crime cautions for Mbabane and Manzini. Canada adds extra caution for rural areas, Austria applies caution nationwide, and several governments advise avoiding night driving on routes from South Africa or Mozambique.
7 normal8 caution
Places named by governmentsMbabaneManziniSouth AfricaMozambique
15governments advising
1strongest level held, high caution
14 Octlatest change (Canada)
+6.6%arrivals, Sep 2026 against a year before

What each government says

Its level on one scale, its own wording, and a summary of its advice written from its own text

Australia1High caution
Exercise a high degree of caution

Australia advises a high degree of caution for Eswatini.

Level since 3 May 2022
Austria1High caution
Security level 2: security risk

Exercise caution throughout Eswatini because a security risk applies nationwide. Protests are possible, particularly in larger cities, while robbery, burglary and car theft are rising, especially in Mbabane, Manzini and Matsapha; victims are often foreign nationals and car hijacking may be armed. Do not resist an attacker, avoid overland journeys and hitchhiking, stay out of isolated or dark areas at night, and avoid night drives from Mozambique or South Africa.

MbabaneManziniMatsaphaMozambique
Level since 30 Oct 2026, summary 1 Nov 2026
Canada1High caution
Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Eswatini because civil unrest and likely demonstrations create violence and disruption. Avoid crowds, and take care because petty crime, armed carjacking and difficult nighttime road conditions are risks. Exercise extra caution in Mbabane, Manzini and rural areas, travel overland only by day, avoid walking alone after dark, and use reputable operators for wildlife viewing and adventure activities.

MbabaneManzinirural areasHighveld near Mbabane
Level since 28 Jun 2022, summary 3 Nov 2026
Hungary1High caution
Not on the list; hu class

Hungary advises a high degree of caution for Eswatini.

Level since 2 Nov 2026
Ireland1High caution
High degree of caution

Exercise high caution in Eswatini, as protests, demonstrations and strikes may cause disruption despite improved security. Stay away from crowds and protests, remain vigilant, and follow authorities' instructions. Avoid driving at night and public transport due to poor roads and poor vehicle quality, although airport coaches between Johannesburg and Mbabane are generally safe. Healthcare is available, but medicine shortages may require transfer to South Africa for serious treatment.

JohannesburgMbabaneSouth Africa
Level since 29 Oct 2026, summary 3 Nov 2026
Netherlands1High caution
Colour code yellow: pay attention, there are safety risks

Exercise caution in Eswatini due to theft, pickpocketing and armed robbery. Carjacking occurs on roads to South Africa and Mozambique; avoid travel after sunset. LGBTQ+ travellers risk discrimination and aggression; avoid public affection. Avoid drugs, photographing sensitive locations, demonstrations and crowds, especially in larger cities; heavy rain can cause landslides, mudflows and flooding, so follow local authorities and get travel insurance because hospital treatment may require transfer to South Africa.

South AfricaMozambiqueEswatini's larger cities
Level since 29 Oct 2026, summary 3 Nov 2026
Slovenia1High caution
Increased caution

In Eswatini, use increased caution because protests can turn violent, crime is frequent, and robberies and vehicle theft occur. Avoid walking in Mbabane and Manzini city centres late at night, and avoid solo travel to remote areas at night. Avoid night driving, especially on main roads from South Africa or Mozambique, because vehicle hijackings occur. Be alert to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and tickborne diseases, flooding and limited medical services.

Mbabane city centreManzini city centreremote areasmain roads from South Africa
Level since 30 Oct 2026, summary 3 Nov 2026
United States1High caution
Level 2: exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution in Eswatini because crime and unrest are concerns. Armed robberies and carjackings occur sporadically, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively. Avoid all public gatherings, including peaceful demonstrations and protests, because they could turn violent with little or no warning.

Level since 30 May 2022, summary 1 Nov 2026
Belgium0Normal precautions
No advice against travel

Travel to Eswatini is generally safe when usual precautions are taken. Demonstrations may occur without notice and may turn violent.

Level since 30 Oct 2026, summary 1 Nov 2026
Estonia0Normal precautions
Ee level 0

Exercise normal precautions when travelling to Eswatini. Estonia has no embassy there, and the absence of other EU representations may make consular assistance extremely difficult, so consult other countries' travel information. Entry conditions may change without prompt notice. Estonian citizens may stay visa free for up to 30 days at a time, extendable by 60 days, while holders of foreign passports need a visa.

Level since 3 Nov 2026, summary 3 Nov 2026
Germany0Normal precautions
No warning

Germany advises normal precautions for Eswatini.

Level since 15 Sep 2022
Hong Kong0Normal precautions
Hk level 0

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Eswatini.

Level since 29 Apr 2022
Japan0Normal precautions
No danger level for the whole country

Japan advises normal precautions for Eswatini.

Level since 29 Oct 2026
Singapore0Normal precautions
No advisory

Take normal precautions when travelling to Eswatini. In remote areas with poor coverage and harsh roads, carry extra fuel and spare tyres, use major roads, and prepare for breakdowns and natural hazards. Keep valuables out of sight to avoid smash-and-grab robberies, and physically check locks because robbers use anti-jamming devices. A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required, and South Africa has strict entry rules for minors.

remote areas of EswatiniSouth Africa
Level since 31 Oct 2026, summary 1 Nov 2026
United Kingdom0Normal precautions
No warning

Take normal precautions in Eswatini. Ensure your passport has three months' validity and two blank pages; visits without a visa are limited to 30 days, and longer stays require a temporary residence permit. Check medical needs, insurance and yellow fever requirements, and declare restricted or taxable goods. If also travelling to South Africa, children may need extra documents and vehicles may require customs declarations and a road fund levy.

South Africa
Level since 29 Oct 2026, summary 3 Nov 2026

Changes by month

Last 12 months

HighMediumLowNoneNew

What changed

The latest 12 of 64; arrivals beside each, not as its cause

14 Oct 2026CanadaCanada adds El Niño information to Eswatini's natural disasters and climate guidance.low
10 Dec 2025United KingdomNew guidance was added on dual nationals returning to the UK from Eswatini. Arrivals +7.8% on a year beforelow
16 Oct 2025United KingdomEswatini travel advice was reviewed for accuracy with no significant updates. Arrivals +7.9% on a year beforenone
3 Feb 2025United KingdomTravel to Eswatini may face short-notice border delays or closures that disrupt journeys. Arrivals +25.1% on a year beforemedium
31 Dec 2024United KingdomTravellers are warned of possible short-notice border delays or closures in Eswatini. Arrivals +11.9% on a year beforemedium
21 Nov 2024United KingdomEswatini travel advice was reviewed for accuracy without significant updates. Arrivals +10.6% on a year beforenone
20 Mar 2024United KingdomThe travel advice has been rewritten to be easier to read and understand. Arrivals +36.6% on a year beforenone
22 Jun 2023United KingdomGlobal terrorism risks to British nationals abroad were added to Eswatini’s travel advice. Arrivals +342.3% on a year beforelow
27 Jan 2023United KingdomEswatini’s advice was updated on protests, demonstrations and security incidents in the past year. Arrivals +119.8% on a year beforemedium
28 Nov 2022United KingdomUpdated advice on crime, road travel and the effects of natural disasters. Arrivals +111.1% on a year beforelow
11 Nov 2022United KingdomCOVID-19 restrictions in Eswatini were removed, and safety and security advice was updated. Arrivals +111.1% on a year beforemedium
4 Apr 2022United KingdomEntry guidance was updated on providing proof of vaccination when entering Eswatini. Arrivals +307.1% on a year beforemedium
Travel advice for every destination, in one call

Levels from 20 governments on one scale, every dated change since 2018 with its categories, summary and impact, and the destination's arrivals beside each one. On the Intelligence plan, and in the MCP server for assistants.

GET /v1/advisories?dest=SZ GET /v1/advisories/changes?dest=SZ&impact=medium&with=arrivals

See Intelligence