Africa
Is Eswatini safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Eswatini safe?
Low crime in most areas and friendly locals. Political protests have turned violent in the past, so avoid demonstrations and follow local news.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-07-09.
- Homicide rate: 12.5 per 100,000 people (2021, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 33.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 999 · Ambulance 977 · Fire 933.
- Solo women: Comfortable in tourist areas and lodges; exercise usual caution at night in Manzini and Mbabane, and avoid hitchhiking.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Road crashes, with animals and pedestrians on dark roads
- Occasional political protests and roadblocks
- Malaria in the lowveld
- Bag and vehicle theft in Manzini and Mbabane
Laws visitors break by accident
- Criticising the king is illegal and can lead to arrest
- Photographing royal residences, police and military sites is prohibited
Safety by place in Eswatini
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Mbabane | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Eswatini safe for tourists?
Low crime in most areas and friendly locals. Political protests have turned violent in the past, so avoid demonstrations and follow local news.
Is Eswatini safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable in tourist areas and lodges; exercise usual caution at night in Manzini and Mbabane, and avoid hitchhiking.
What is the emergency number in Eswatini?
Police 999 · Ambulance 977 · Fire 933.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Eswatini
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.