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
Safety Guidance for Eswatini
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 21, 2025).
Terrorism
While there are no specified concerns of terrorism for Eswatini, in general, terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists have increasingly used less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) For more information, see our Terrorism page
Regional Power Outages (load shedding)
Eswatini’s ability to deliver power to the electrical grid may be inhibited by on-going regional load-shedding. Precautions should be taken to carry a flashlight or non-electric light source in event of a sustained loss of power.
Demonstrations
Public protests, demonstrations, and strikes occur occasionally in Eswatini, mostly in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Armed law enforcement personnel have been known to use force to disrupt or control such events. During the course of such events, police may not distinguish between observers and protesters. You should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations. Demonstrations can be unpredictable, so travelers should avoid areas near protests and demonstrations. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
CRIME
Crime is the most significant threat to U.S. citizens and incidents of petty crime and violent crime are prevalent throughout Eswatini. Criminals will resort to force, including deadly force, to accomplish their goal and are not deterred by confrontations with their intended victims. Carjackings may become violent if victims do not immediately cooperate.
Take Precautions
Congested, urban areas are particularly dangerous at night. Exercise caution at all times. Do not to wear jewelry or carry expensive or unnecessary valuables in public. Do not display cell phones and large sums of cash. When using an ATM, always make sure to cover the screen as you enter your PIN, and have a plan in mind in the case that your card gets hacked. Convert currency at authorized currency exchanges; never with street vendors. Never store or leave items of value in your vehicle. Exercise caution when using local taxis. Ensure the taxi you use is from a reputable company. Never enter a taxi that is occupied by anyone besides the driver. Call a friend to let them know the plate number of the taxi you are using.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 999 and contact the U.S. Embassy at 268-2417 9000 . Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: help you find appropriate medical care assist you in reporting a crime to the police contact relatives or friends with your written consent explain the local criminal justice process in general terms provide a list of local attorneys provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution help you find accommodation and arrange flights home replace a stolen or lost passport
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance at 2417-9000.
Tourism
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. Emergency response is unreliable and subsequent appropriate medical treatment may not be available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
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.