Eswatini Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Eswatini
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated July 1, 2024
Eswatini recorded 12.5 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2021, a rate that is high by global standards. That places Eswatini #33 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 19% over the past decade (from 15.4 in 2011). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Eswatini at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
12.5 /100k
Safety Rank
#163 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2021
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2021)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 19% over the past decade (from 15.4 in 2011). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Eswatini Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Eswatini:
Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise increased caution in Eswatini due to crime and civil unrest . Country Summary: Crime is common in Eswatini and sporadic armed robberies and carjackings do occur. Local police may lack the resources to deal effectively with criminal incidents. Demonstrations and protests occur sporadically in Eswatini. U.S. citizens are reminded to avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones, as they could turn violent with little or no warning. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Eswatini.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Eswatini Population & Demographics
Population of 1,242,822, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eswatini safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Eswatini at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 12.5 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Eswatini?
Eswatini has an intentional homicide rate of 12.5 per 100,000 people (2021, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #33 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Eswatini?
Eswatini is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Eswatini compare to other countries?
Eswatini's homicide rate of 12.5 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Africa average of 7.6.