Eswatini (fmr. "Swaziland")

Swaziland is a small developing nation in Southern Africa. Several well-developed facilities for tourism are available. The capital is Mbabane. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Swaziland for additional U.S.-Swaziland relations.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Swaziland, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Swaziland is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Traffic accidents in Swaziland may pose an even greater hazard than crime. Visitors should use extreme caution when driving, given the relatively high rates of speed of drivers on major thoroughfares. Other hazards include poor lighting and irregular traffic signals; presence of pedestrians, animals, and slower moving vehicles; aggressive driving behavior; and erratic stopping for pedestrians and animals. Traffic drives on the left in Swaziland, which requires U.S. drivers to exercise particular caution. Special care should be used in driving at night and in fog, especially in rural areas. Rural and suburban areas are poorly lit and pose additional safety hazards as pedestrians and animals cross the road. Many vehicles are poorly maintained and lack headlights.

Extreme caution is recommended if/when using mini-bus taxis, locally known as khumbis, which follow fixed routes and are flagged down by passengers almost everywhere on the streets and roads of Swaziland. Many of these vehicles fail to meet minimal safety standards. Drivers frequently overload the vehicles, travel at excessive speeds, and text/SMS or talk on cell phones while driving, which is illegal in Swaziland. Fatal accidents involving these conveyances are very common.

The Royal Swaziland Police Service sets up periodic road blocks and use radar to monitor your speed. Respect the local laws. If you are pulled over for a moving violation you will be responsible for the consequences. Always drive with your driver’s license. Failure to do so will result in a fine.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Swaziland’s national tourist office.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Swaziland, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Swaziland’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Public protests, demonstrations, and strikes occur from time to time in Swaziland and are mostly in response to on-going labor relations/difficulties. Armed law enforcement personnel have been known to use force to disrupt or control such events. During the course of such events, police may or may not distinguish between “innocent bystanders” and protesters. U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Swaziland by visiting the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and check for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crime is a concern and is the most significant threat to U.S. citizens visiting or working in Swaziland. Incidents of petty crime and violent crime are prevalent throughout Swaziland. Criminals will resort to force if necessary, including deadly force, in order to accomplish their goal. Gangs are not deterred by confrontations with their intended victims. Carjackings occur in Swaziland, and as with other crimes may become violent if victims do not immediately cooperate.

Congested, dark urban areas are particularly dangerous at night, but daytime attacks are not uncommon. The presence of other people on the street should not be misinterpreted as an indication of security. Victims have reported being robbed in the presence of witnesses. Pedestrians are cautioned not to wear jewelry or carry expensive or unnecessary valuables in public. U.S. citizens are also advised against displaying cell phones and large sums of cash as these items are of particular interest to thieves. Money should only be converted at authorized currency exchanges and never with street vendors. Never store or leave items of value in your vehicle as thieves break into unattended vehicles to steal accessible items. Exercise caution when using local taxis. Ensure the taxi you use is from a reputable company. Never enter a taxi that is occupied by anyone else besides the driver. It is good practice to call a friend to let them know the plate number of the taxi you are using.

Crime tends to increase during the holiday season from December to January. If you are the victim of a crime, you should immediately report the incident to the nearest police station. If there is an emergency, the police can be contacted by dialing 999.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the U.S. embassy. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friends.
•  Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Swaziland is 999.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.