Swaziland
{{ message }}
Mantenga Lodge
Mantenga Falls RoadLobamba
Mountain Inn Mbabane
Po Box 223Mbabane
The Royal Swazi Spa Valley
Private Bag EzulwinLobamba
Lugogo Sun Hotel Mbabane
Main RoadLobamba
Happy Valley Hotel & Casino
Old Manzini Highway Opposite Gables Shopping ComplexLobamba
Foresters Arms Hotel Mhlamanyati
PO Box 14Mhlambanyatsi
Silverstone Lodge
Pine Valley RoadMbabane
Nkonyeni Lodge & Golf Estate
Portion 31 of Farm Nkonyeni No. 523Manzini
Exercise a high degree of caution
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.
Crime
Petty crime, including theft of money or personal property, occurs. Do not show signs of affluence, and ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure. Violent crime is less prevalent but increasing. Armed carjackings, burglaries, car thefts and muggings have occurred, mostly in Manzini, Mbabane and rural areas. Avoid walking in these areas after dark. Do not pick up hitchhikers. You should view offers of roadside assistance with caution.
In 2013, there have been several reported incidents of carjackings in Mozambique, close to border crossings with Swaziland, by individuals impersonating police officers. Be aware that only officers from the Policia de Republica de Moçambique have the authority to establish checkpoints. Official checkpoints are always staffed by four officers and a clearly visible vehicle. Take precautions when being flagged at checkpoints.
Demonstrations and strikes
Demonstrations periodically take place and can lead to violent clashes between state security forces and protestors. You are advised to carry appropriate identification, and to avoid large crowds and areas where demonstrations may occur. Maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Mass labour strikes have crippled the nation for several days at a time. The possibility of further labour and political unrest exists and could result in violence.
Road travel
Traffic drives on the left. Drivers often cross the median to avoid hazards, and by so doing can cause head-on collisions. Speeding is also a serious concern. National roads, including a new divided expressway between Mbabane and Manzini, are relatively good, but many others are unimproved dirt roads. Sidewalks are rare, and motorists share the roads with pedestrians and cyclists. Roaming livestock, abandoned unlit trailers and heavy vehicles pose hazards.
Overland travel should be undertaken during daylight hours as most roads lack adequate lighting. Poor visibility is exacerbated by frequent fog conditions and severe storms, especially in the High Veld, close to Mbabane, and in forest regions near the South African border. Motorists should obtain comprehensive insurance, carry original vehicle registration documents, and ensure the vehicle is equipped with seat belts and a breakdown-warning triangle. There are car rental agencies at Matsapha International Airport.
There are 11 border entry posts with South Africa and two with Mozambique. Most operate between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Entering Swaziland from South Africa on the N4 via the Oshoek border should not be done after dark due to a risk of hijacking. You should exercise caution at the Oshoek border, where major road construction is under way and there is a risk of accidents. Consult local authorities for road conditions and schedules prior to cross-border travel. You should also review the Travel Advice for South Africa, since most travel to Swaziland involves transit through that country.
Public transportation
Avoid using buses and taxis, which are often poorly maintained and overloaded.
Avoid travelling by train if possible.
Consult our Transportation FAQ in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.
Health
- Measles: Global Update - January 28, 2014 19:56
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination.
Rabies
Rabies is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
| * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. | |
| Risk |
|
|---|---|
| Country Entry Requirement* |
|
| Recommendation |
|
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in Southern Africa, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Southern Africa. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis is caused by blood flukes (tiny worms) spread to humans through contaminated water. The eggs of the worms can cause stomach illnesses like diarrhea and cramps or urinary problems. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Avoid swimming in contaminated water. There is no vaccine available for schistosomiasis.
Travellers' diarrhea
- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- Risk of developing travellers’ diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
- The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Southern Africa, certain insects carry and spread diseases like African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, chikungunya, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, Rift Valley fever, and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Malaria
Malaria
- There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this country.
- Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine against malaria.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent and staying in well-screened, air-conditioned accommodations. You may also consider sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net or pre-treating travel gear with insecticides.
- Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. See a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss your options.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in Southern Africa, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
HIV
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
Practise safe sex while travelling, and don’t share needles, razors, or other objects which could transmit infection.
Remember that HIV can also be spread through the use of unsterile medical equipment during medical and dental procedures, tattooing, body piercing or acupuncture. Diseases can also be spread though blood transfusions and organ transplantation if the blood or organs are not screened for HIV or other blood-borne pathogens.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care provider.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Medical services and facilities
Medical services and facilities
The clinic in Mbabane offers very good primary medical care. More serious cases are evacuated to South Africa.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
You are subject to local laws. Consult our Arrest and Detention page for more information.
Serious crimes, including murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances, may lead to the death penalty.
Possession, use and trafficking of illegal drugs may lead to large fines or imprisonment.
Possession of pornographic material is illegal.
Homosexual activity is illegal.
Photography of government buildings and military installations is prohibited.
An International Driving Permit is required.
Culture
Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. You should respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.
Money
The currency is the Lilangeni (SZL), but the South African rand (notes only) is also accepted and widely used. Most major hotels and some restaurants accept credit cards.
Climate
The rainy season extends from October to April. Some roads may become hazardous during this period. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.