Briefing de orientación en Esuatini

Un reino suazi se fundó a mediados del siglo XVIII y fue gobernado por una serie de reyes, entre ellos MSWATI II, un gobernante del siglo XIX cuyo nombre fue adoptado para el país y para su grupo étnico predominante. Los países europeos definieron las fronteras modernas del reino a finales del siglo XIX, y Suazilandia (nombre con el que llegó a conocerse) fue administrada como territorio bajo la Alta Comisión del Reino Unido desde 1903 hasta su independencia en 1968. Una nueva constitución que entró en vigor en 2005 incluyó disposiciones para un parlamento y un poder judicial más independientes, pero la situación jurídica de los partidos políticos sigue sin estar clara, y el reino continúa considerándose una monarquía absoluta. El rey MSWATI III cambió el nombre del país de Suazilandia a Eswatini en 2018 para reflejar el nombre más utilizado por sus ciudadanos.

En 2021, MSWATI III recurrió a las fuerzas de seguridad para reprimir las manifestaciones prodemocráticas. El proceso de diálogo nacional y reconciliación acordado tras la violencia no se ha materializado. En noviembre de 2023, el rey MSWATI III nombró a un nuevo primer ministro tras unas elecciones nacionales pacíficas. Pese a su clasificación como país de ingresos medianos bajos, Eswatini sufre una pobreza severa, corrupción y un alto desempleo. Eswatini tiene la tasa de prevalencia de VIH/SIDA más alta del mundo, aunque en los últimos años se han registrado descensos notables de nuevas infecciones. Eswatini es el único país de África que reconoce a Taiwán.

Public protests, demonstrations, and strikes do occur occasionally in Eswatini, mostly in response to political or economic issues. Security forces police such events heavily and have used force on occasions.

You should:

• avoid all protests and marches
• be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark
• monitor local media
• keep up to date with developments

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.  

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Eswatini

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Eswatini, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Public protests, demonstrations, and strikes do occur occasionally in Eswatini, mostly in response to political or economic issues. Security forces police such events heavily and have used force on occasions.

You should:

• avoid all protests and marches
• be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark
• monitor local media
• keep up to date with developments

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

There can be casual theft, pickpocketing and occasional muggings, particularly at the edges of towns and cities, and at night. Armed robbery has happened but is not common. You should:

• avoid walking in the downtown areas of Mbabane and Manzini after dark
• keep valuables in a safe place
• avoid carrying large amounts of money
• keep expensive-looking jewellery and watches out of sight

Criminal activity usually increases during the pre-Christmas festive season.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Punishments for possessing or smuggling narcotic drugs can be severe. You can be imprisoned for illegal drug offences.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Eswatini. LGBT+ people experience discrimination, and many are not open about their sexual orientation or gender identity. Showing affection in public will most likely be frowned on by locals. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Eswatini, see information on driving abroad.

You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Hire car companies often require their customers to have a year of driving experience.

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Eswatini. If you are tested and found to have more than a 50mg per 100ml of alcohol in your system (in England it is 80mg), you may get a fine and possible imprisonment. The police operate random roadside checks regularly and strictly enforce the law.

Road conditions

Slow moving lorries can be a problem, particularly on hills, with care needed when overtaking. Minor roads are not well maintained with some potholes, and road markings are poor.

Take care driving in rural areas as animals stray on to roads and cause serious accidents and deaths. Avoid driving on rural roads at night – there is a risk of hitting abandoned, unlit trailers and poorly lit heavy vehicles, as well as animals.

Public transport

Travel by public transport can be dangerous due to poor standards of driving, lack of rest periods for drivers, the poor quality of vehicles and poor road conditions. However, the airport transfer coaches between Johannesburg and Mbabane are generally safe. Minibuses used in urban areas are usually overcrowded and poorly maintained.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Flooding

In the wet summer months from November to April, violent thunderstorms with lightning, heavy rain, and hailstones are common, especially in the highlands (‘Highveld’). These sometimes damage property and road infrastructure and cause flooding in some areas.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 977 or 933 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Eswatini
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Eswatini.

HIV and AIDS

In 2015 UNAIDS estimated that around 210,000 adults, aged 15 or over were living with HIV in Eswatini. This is around 28.8% of adults, compared to 0.2% of adults in the UK. Take the normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV and AIDS. 

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Eswatini

Basic healthcare is available in Eswatini, but there are shortages of common medicines. For serious accidents and emergencies or specialised treatment, it’s likely you would need to go to South Africa. Local private hospitals can arrange evacuation 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 medical evacuation to South Africa and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Eswatini. 

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.