Genvisec advises that business and leisure travel should continue to Swaziland. Higher risk visitors may require specific security advice. 

 

Crime

 

Crime levels are low, but street crimes and burglaries do occur, sometimes involving violence. Vehicles have been taken at gunpoint. Avoid walking in the downtown areas of Mbabane and Manzini after dark and do not travel around in remote rural areas unless in a group.

 

Keep valuables in a safe place and avoid carrying large amounts of money or wearing conspicuous jewellery.

 

Avoid travelling into or out of Swaziland by road at night. There have been numerous incidences of car hijacking on major routes from South Africa and Mozambique.

 

The political situation is generally stable, but there are occasional political demonstrations. Some political parties have been banned and designated as terrorist organisations. Avoid gatherings as these can be dispersed forcefully by the police.

 

Road travel

 

You can drive using a UK driving licences or an International Driving Permit.

 

The standard of driving is lower than in the EU. Drivers often cross the central reservation to avoid obstructions. Speeding is a problem (the maximum speed limit is 120 km on motorways and 80 km on other unrestricted roads). Minor roads are not well maintained and road markings are poor.

 

Take care on rural roads; there have been a number of serious accidents and deaths as a result of animals straying onto roads. Avoid driving on rural roads at night. As well as the possibility of hitting animals, there is the additional risk of abandoned unlit trailers and poorly lit heavy vehicles.

 

Be wary of anyone who offers you help if you breakdown or need to change a tyre as it presents the opportunity for theft, muggings and hijackings. You should park in well-lit areas. Do not pick up strangers. Do not stop to assist apparently distressed motorists, as this is a technique sometimes used by hijackers. Instead, report the incident to the police.

 

If you travel in a vehicle other than one registered in Swaziland, you will have to complete a customs declaration form at Swazi border posts on entry and departure. A road fund levy of E50 is payable at the border. You must carry with you in the vehicle at all times proof of your customs declaration and payment of the road fund levy. Vehicles may be searched at borders.

 

Do not use public transport (buses and taxis). Vehicles are generally poorly maintained and overloaded.

 

Air travel

 

A list of recent incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety network.

 

Local laws and customs

Drug taking (dagga/marijuana) and smuggling, though common in local culture, are illegal.  Foreign nationals have been imprisoned on drug offences. Punishments can be severe.  Male homosexuality is illegal.

 

Money

The local currency (Emalangeni) is not convertible. South African notes (but not coins) are legal tender, as are most major credit cards. ATM machines are readily available.

 

 

Health

Basic healthcare is available in Swaziland, but there are shortages of even common medications. Medical evacuation to South Africa is necessary for serious accidents and emergencies. Local private hospitals can arrange evacuation but only 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 any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

The 2013 UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimated that around 190,000 adults aged 15 or over in Swaziland were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 26.5 of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 933 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Natural disasters

In the wet summer months (November to April) violent thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rains are common in the highveld areas.

 

Visa

 

EU passport holders do not require visas for Swaziland. Visitors will normally be given entry permission for up to thirty days. This can be extended at the Swaziland Immigration Department in Mbabane. All Swaziland border posts open daily throughout the year, but hours of operation are variable.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of three months from the date of entry into Swaziland and have several blank pages.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Travelling with children via a South African airport

 

If you’re transiting through a South African airport with children, see our South Africa travel advice page for information and advice about the documents you’ll need to carry.