Published: April 8, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Eswatini Travel Advisory and Eswatini Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Eswatini:
Corner of MR103 and Cultural Center Drive, Ezulwini.
Tel: +268-2417-9000; After-hours emergencies: +268-7602-8414.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 0730-1700; Friday 0730-1230.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
There is no Country Chapter in Eswatini.
Contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.
Eswatini Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution due to crime and civil unrest in Eswatini.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Mbabane as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Eswatini, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
Incidents of petty crime and violent crime are prevalent throughout Eswatini and are the most significant threat to U.S. citizens. Criminals may resort to force, including deadly force, during a robbery. Gangs are not deterred by confrontations with their intended victims. Carjackings may become violent if victims do not immediately cooperate. Additionally, there are reports of carjackings on highways connecting to South Africa and Mozambique. Although criminals consider Mbabane and Manzini prime grounds for operation due to the number of people, businesses, and affluent areas, the rate of crime reported in small towns and rural areas is also high. Local police may lack the resources to deal effectively with criminal incidents.
Most break-ins occur at homes without security guards and/or centrally monitored home alarm systems. Perimeter walls, security guards, window grilles, and centrally monitored alarm systems supported by security response teams are essential to ensure the safety of residents and homes. Although residential guard dogs commonly serve as a deterrent, they should not be a residence’s only line of defense. The general modus operandi of robbers is to target residences or businesses that have little/no security measures in place.
Criminals usually brandish edged weapons (e.g., knives, machetes), but the use of firearms has steadily increased. While criminals generally rely on the threat of force to commit crimes, they will resort to physical, sometimes deadly, force if victims resist. While the murder rate remains lower than some African countries, violent deaths occur in Eswatini on a frequent basis. Some have been particularly gruesome, with victims decapitated and body parts mutilated or removed.
Urban areas are particularly dangerous at night; do not interpret the presence of pedestrians as an indication of a secure/safe environment.
Residential burglary and petty theft are the most commonly reported crimes, occurring at all locations regardless of time. Criminals are generally interested in electronic devices and cash.
Sexual assaults occur frequently and tend to occur on isolated/desolate urban and rural areas or roads.
Kidnapping Threat
There have been no recent high-profile kidnappings in Eswatini; Westerners have not historically been subject to kidnappings within the country.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Eswatini.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Mbabane as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Eswatini.
Eswatini’s borders with South Africa and Mozambique are porous; individuals or groups connected to terrorism could move easily back and forth between the three countries. There have been no recent incidents of terrorism in Eswatini.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Mbabane as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Eswatini, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond adequately. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Eswatini is an absolute monarchy. King Mswati III and Queen Mother Ntombi, the king’s mother, rule as co-monarchs and exercise varying levels of authority over the three branches of government. The bicameral parliament consists of the Senate and House of Assembly, each composed of appointed and elected members. The king appoints the prime minister. Political power remains largely vested with the king and his traditional advisors. Historically, elections are procedurally credible, peaceful, and well-managed.
Protests & Demonstrations
Civil unrest has involved demonstrations and strikes by civil servants and other employment sectors. These demonstrations, advertised widely in local media, are usually in response to labor/political disputes, and do not typically involve anti-U.S. sentiment.
Civil unrest across Eswatini devolved into violence in numerous parts of the country in June-October 2021. Groups organizing protests against the monarchy formed demonstrations in rural townships and on the outskirts of Mbabane. In response, the Government of Eswatini has largely banned demonstrations, warning that authorities would have zero tolerance for those who defied the ban. While the airport did not close, the sole airline serving Eswatini temporarily suspended service, and authorities demanded the internet shut down, leaving an increased demand on cellular voice and text messages causing spotty service. The government imposed a curfew but did not close land borders. Some protests became violent and led to at least 25 deaths, with opportunistic looting and roadblocks occurring throughout the country. Security forces used tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition to restore order. King Mswati III committed to a National Dialogue Forum process, to be facilitated by the South African Development Community (SADC). Sporadic pro-democracy protests continued in 2023 in response to September parliamentary elections deemed unfair and not free by opposition parties.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) monitors all announced demonstrations. Avoid demonstrations, as the police have used non-lethal force to control and disperse protestors. Tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets are the most common tools available to the REPS. Police have also fired warning shots in the air to disperse protestors. The possibility of becoming a collateral casualty should be of concern to anyone in proximity to a demonstration.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Most Emaswati have a favorable view of U.S. nationals and of the United States in general.
Law Enforcement
Emergency: 999 and 9999 (Response time is usually long; callers may be redirected to other police offices for assistance.)
- Hhohho District: +268-2404-3022//3023
- Lubombo District: +268-2343-4422
- Manzini District: +268-2505-2861/2591
- Shiselweni District: +268-2207-8226/7
- Emergency Domestic Violence: 975
The main law enforcement agency in Eswatini is the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS). REPS is responsible for maintaining internal security as well as migration and border crossing enforcement, and reports to the prime minister.
The Umbutfo Eswatini Defense Force (UEDF) is responsible for external security, but also has domestic security responsibilities, including protecting members of the royal family. The UEDF reports to the principal secretary of defense and the army commander. His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) is responsible for the protection, incarceration, and rehabilitation of convicted persons and keeping order within corrective institutions. HMCS personnel sometimes work alongside police during demonstrations and other large events, such as national elections, that call for a larger complement of personnel. The king is the commander in chief of the UEDF, holds the position of minister of defense, and is the titular commissioner in chief of REPS and HMCS.
Traditional chiefs supervise volunteer rural “community police,” who have the authority to arrest suspects concerning minor offenses for trial by an inner council within the chiefdom. For serious offenses, community police transfer suspects to police for further investigation. Civilian authorities generally maintain effective control over the security forces, although members of the security forces have reportedly committed some abuses.
Police Response
Police response time to incidents is slow compared to the U.S. unless the police are in the general area where the incident occurred. Police consider a 30-minute response time adequate, even in urban areas. Police are generally willing to assist but often lack transportation and resources for immediate response or investigation.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Eswatini, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Eswatini.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but the government does not implement the law effectively. Officials sometimes engage in corrupt practices with impunity. There are isolated reports of government corruption, although there is a widespread public perception of corruption in the executive and legislative branches of government and a consensus that the government does little to combat it. Most often, instances of alleged corruption involve personal relationships and bribes being used to secure government contracts on large capital projects. In contrast with previous years, prosecutors have pursued corruption charges against several officials, including a prominent member of parliament, and a handful of senior current and former government officials.
There are credible reports that a person’s relationship with government officials influences the awarding of government contracts; the appointment, employment, and promotion of officials; recruitment into the security services; and school admissions. In contrast with previous years, authorities took action on some nepotism cases in 2020.
Cybersecurity
Eswatini’s internet service continues to improve, with a number of home and business internet service providers now available. SIM cards and mobile phone plans are available through MTN or Eswatini Mobile at reasonable prices. Starlink satellite internet service has recently been approved for use in Eswatini. Sophisticated internet scams or crimes have not been widely reported.
Import/Export Restrictions
It is unclear whether any specific regulations are enforced regarding satellite phones in Eswatini. The Eswatini Communications Commission's website lists restrictions by device type and provides an approved equipment list, but satellite phones are not explicitly defined.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
