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 National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Swaziland: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Swaziland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
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. Ensure 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 visa is not required for Swaziland for visits under 30 days. Passports must have at least three months validity and two blank passport pages. South Africa, a common location to visit as well, also requires two blank pages, meaning travellers to both will require four. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
Swaziland Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Swaziland? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Swaziland and GOV.UK
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 experiences60 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 UK citizens. 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. Mobile phones and carrying large amounts of cash are not recommended.
Travellers should not leave items in their car. Use caution when taking local taxis. Ensure 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 peculiar finds.
These candles are molded by hand into different kinds of shapes and animals. The beautiful designs and vibrant colours 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. Traveller’s diarrhoea 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, traveller’s checks are widely accepted.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Swaziland
If you are in Swaziland and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
The British embassy in Swaziland is:
British High Commission Mbabane
Mbabane
Mbabane
Eswatini
Ready to start your next journey? Ring us up at or book online now!
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?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Swaziland
