Travel Vaccines and Advice for Swaziland
Located near Mozambique and South Africa, Swaziland and is one of the smallest countries in Africa. Travellers should not be fooled by the size of Swaziland. This nation has a lot of different attractions and activities to discover.
The Swaziland people value culture and heritage in their everyday lives. Their friendliness will make travellers feel safe and more than welcome. The people aren’t the only amazing thing about Swaziland. The mountains, valleys, forests, and plains are just some some of the breathtaking landscapes.
Whether you’re immersing yourself in the people, wildlife or art, Swaziland awaits you.
Do I Need Vaccines for Swaziland?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Swaziland. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Swaziland: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Swaziland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. |
Routine Vaccinations for Swaziland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
There is a risk for malaria in the eastern areas close to Mozambique and South Africa. This also includes the Lubombo district and the eastern half of Hhohho, Mazini, and Shiselweni districts. Antimalarials are recommended for these areas.
People travelling to Swaziland should try to avoid mosquito bites. Infections such as dengue and chikungunya are present in the region. Make sure to bring and use mosquito repellents and netting.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Swaziland?
A passport is needed, but visas are not required for people who plan to stay less than 90 days. Travellers enter Swaziland from South Africa.
A yellow fever vaccine is required as South Africa will need proof for your return entry.
Swaziland Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Swaziland? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Swaziland and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Swaziland?
Swaziland has a subtropical climate affected by the moist air from the Indian Ocean. Here is what to expect from the climate in Swaziland:
- Climatic Regions – There are three different regions of Swaziland. The west experiences wet summers and dry winters, and a subtropical climate. The east experiences a difference in climate in the mountainous Lubombo area. The mountains see a different kind of climate because of their altitude of about 1,200 meters.
- Temperature – The lowveld part of Swaziland is warmer, around 20 degrees. The middleveld temperature is a bit lower. The highveld is warmer in the summer (January), but, the temperature drops to 10 at night.
- Rainfall – Moisture varies depending on time of year. October and March are the wettest seasons when 80% of rainfall happens. The highveld has the most rainfall between 90 to 150 centimeters. The midveld experiences 60 to 80 centimeters of rain.
How Safe is Swaziland?
Swaziland does have a high level of political and other demonstrations. It’s recommended for travellers to avoid crowds, rallies, and demonstrations.
Petty and violent crimes also occur in Swaziland and are a threat to Canadians. Carjacking is does occur in Swaziland as well. It is better for the victim to cooperate to avoid violence.
It’s important to take precautions when travelling in Swaziland. Travellers should avoid congested, urban areas, especially at night. Cell phones and carrying large amounts of cash are not recommended.
Travellers should not leave items in their car. Use caution when taking local taxis. Make sure the taxi company is reputable. Do not enter a taxi with another person besides the driver.
Swazi Candles Craft Market
It’s a popular tourist attraction in Swaziland. Swaziland has many impressive markets for their traditional arts and crafts. The Swazi Candles Craft Market shows off their handcrafted candles by local artisans. This market has paraffin wax candles, beauty products, and many more unique finds.
These candles are molded by hand into different kinds of shapes and animals. The beautiful designs and vibrant colors of the candles make them perfect souvenirs.
What Should I Take To Swaziland?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Swaziland:
- Packing for Health — Be sure to bring any prescription medications with you. Travellers’ diarrhea kits, suture/syringe kit, altitude sickness medicine, antimalarials are also recommended.
- Passport and Visa — travellers going to Swaziland need a passport that has at least three months validity. A visa is not required for travel to Swaziland.
- Money — The currency is Lilangeni. Credit cards like American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted at hotels, shops, and markets. There aren’t many ATMs that accept international/debit cards. But, travellers’ checks are widely accepted.
Canadian Embassy in Swaziland
The Canadian Embassy’s mission is to advance the interests of the United States and to serve and protect Canadians. The embassy offers the following services:
Canadian Embassy Mbabane
Kenneth Kaunda Avenue 1138,
Maputo, Mozambique
Tel.: 258 (21) 492-623
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Swaziland
“Our experience was very thorough , pleasant, and efficient! The nurse was very knowledgeable, reviewed everything we needed for our trip to Swaziland. She also explained how to use any of the prescribed drugs, and what to watch for with the vaccinations, in case we had any reactions. Reviewed everything we needed to take with us in our first aid kit & also to ensure we had the important drugs with us at all times .”
“The nurse was informative, knowledgeable and very compassionate I did not even feel the injection”
“Extremely Informative, Educational and Efficient. The nurse at the Barrie ON office is extremely professional and knowledgeable. Thank you for assisting me in make informed healthy decisions prior to my travel to Swaziland.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Swaziland?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Swaziland?
What is the Climate Like in Swaziland?
How Safe is Swaziland?
The Swazi Candles Craft Market
What Should I Take To Swaziland?
Canadian Embassy in Swaziland
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