Personal Safety
AUTHORITIES IN SWAZILAND (ESWATINI) ARE MAINTAINING MINIMAL RESTRICTIONS AIMED AT CURBING THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) AS OF OCTOBER 28. MOST BUSINESSES AND SERVICES HAVE RESUMED OPERATIONS PROVIDED THEY IMPLEMENT STRICT SOCIAL DISTANCING AND HYGIENE REQUIREMENTS. LAND AND AIR PORTS OF ENTRY HAVE BEEN REOPENED. TRAVELERS ENTERING SWAZILAND WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST TAKEN NO LONGER THAN 72 HOURS BEFORE ARRIVAL IN THE COUNTRY. ALL TRAVELERS WILL BE SCREENED UPON ARRIVAL. THOSE SHOWING SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE A TEST AT THEIR OWN COST. TRAVELERS MAY BE SUBJECT TO MANDATORY QUARANTINE FOR UP TO 14 DAYS, THIS IS LIKELY IF THE TRAVELER TESTS POSITIVE. AUTHORITIES COULD REINTRODUCE, EASE, OR OTHERWISE AMEND RESTRICTIONS AT ANY TIME BASED UPON DISEASE ACTIVITY.
Note: this page contains basic risk information. For more details, please contact the Risk Services Office at risk@berkeley.edu.
If you are traveling to Swaziland on University-related business, please sign up for the University’s travel insurance program by going here. For more information on the travel insurance program, please go here.
Because everyone’s health is unique, we suggest seeking the advice of a medical professional before traveling internationally. Members of the campus community interested in protecting their health while abroad may schedule an appointment with the University Health Services International Travel Clinic.
The geopolitical threat is moderate in eSwatini (Swaziland). eSwatini, formerly Swaziland, is a constitutional monarchy and a nonparty state. Elections are held regularly; however, election campaigning and political parties are prohibited. All executive authority is vested in the king, King Mswati III, as the head of state, governing with his Advisory Council and traditional advisers. The king appoints the prime minister from the 65-seat national assembly. The country's Constitution was accepted in 2005 and ratified in 2006; its provisions provide the king, his Advisory Council and advisers with much of their authority. Tensions between royalists and those advocating democracy have resulted in clashes between police and the Royal Protection Services (RPS), and protesters; these incidents of civil unrest and political demonstrations have mainly taken place in urban areas in and around Lobamba, Manzini, and Mbabane. The political situation is generally stable, though there are occasional politically motivated demonstrations. The government has banned some political parties and labeled them as terrorist organizations.
The capabilities and responsiveness of security services in Swaziland (eSwatini) are generally adequate. The Royal Swaziland (eSwatini) Police Service is likely to be the most relevant for foreign nationals and local staff. Police officers are typically able to speak English, though no other foreign languages. Police response to emergency calls may be slow. Incidents of police harassment or inappropriate detention of foreigners are rare but do occur. Security forces occasionally expect bribes. In Swaziland (eSwatini), foreign nationals should not rely on security forces and instead liaise with their diplomatic mission.
The threat of civil unrest is high. Protests occur frequently in Swaziland (eSwatini) and regularly devolve into violence. Most demonstrations are related to economic conditions, social issues, or political developments over the king's policies. Protests are most common in Mbabane and typically cause significant transportation delays.
Legal/Political
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law.
The Monarchy: There are special laws related to criticism of the monarchy in Eswatini. U.S. citizens should be aware of these laws and abide by them while in Eswatini.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
Photography: It is illegal to photograph Eswatini's government buildings, members of the Eswatini armed forces, royal residences, and official ceremonies without prior permission from government authorities.
LGBTI Travelers:While colonial-era legislation against sodomy remains on the books, no penalties are specified, and there have been no arrests. The government of Eswatini denounces same-sex relationships and acts as illegal but have not prosecuted any cases. Societal discrimination against LGBTI persons is prevalent, and LGBTI persons generally conceal their sexual orientation and gender identity.