Vaccinations & Health Rules for Eswatini 2026: German Citizens

Quick Answer: What Vaccinations Do German Citizens Need for Eswatini?

Yellow fever certificate: Required only if you've recently visited a yellow fever–endemic country or transited through one for more than 12 hours. Germany is not a yellow fever risk country, so direct travel from Germany does not require yellow fever proof.
Strongly recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, routine vaccines (tetanus, diphtheria, polio), and malaria prophylaxis (for eastern lowveld regions and November–May).
Consider: Rabies (especially for long stays or wildlife contact), and routine booster updates.

Yellow Fever Certificate: Entry Requirements for German Travelers

Eswatini itself has no yellow fever risk, but the country enforces an entry certificate requirement under International Health Regulations. Here's what you need to know:

Do You Need a Yellow Fever Certificate?

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if you are arriving from a country classified as having yellow fever transmission risk or if you have transited through an airport in such a country for more than 12 hours. Germany is not on the WHO list of yellow fever–endemic countries, so German citizens traveling directly from Germany to Eswatini do not need proof of yellow fever vaccination.

However, many travelers to Eswatini arrive via South Africa. If your journey includes a stopover in South Africa lasting longer than 12 hours—even just an airport transit—you may need to present a yellow fever certificate, as South Africa is considered a transmission-risk country by some border authorities. Confirm the current transit rules with your airline or travel agent before departure.

Yellow Fever Certificate Validity and Timing

Since 2016, the WHO eliminated the 10-year booster requirement for yellow fever certificates. A single yellow fever vaccination now provides lifetime protection, and your certificate remains valid for the life of the person vaccinated. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination, so schedule your shot at least 4–6 weeks before departure to allow time for any mild side effects and to ensure the certificate is ready for travel.

You must carry the original physical yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, or ICVP). Photocopies, digital photos, or smartphone screenshots are not accepted at border checkpoints.

Age Requirements

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers aged 9 months and older if arriving from endemic countries. If you're traveling with infants under 9 months, they are exempt from the certificate requirement, but consult your travel clinic about medical advice for very young travelers.

Recommended Vaccinations for Eswatini Travel

The CDC and WHO recommend several vaccinations for travelers to Eswatini, even if they are not entry requirements. These protect against diseases present in the region.

Hepatitis A

Recommended for: Most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities, or eating at informal food venues.
How it spreads: Contaminated food and water.
Vaccine schedule: Two doses, 6–12 months apart. The first dose provides protection within 2–4 weeks; immunity is long-term after the second dose.

Typhoid

Recommended for: Most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting rural areas.
How it spreads: Contaminated food and water.
Vaccine options: Inactivated injection (valid 2–3 years) or oral vaccine (valid 5 years, requires refrigeration and ability to swallow pills).

Routine Vaccinations

Ensure you are up to date with routine vaccinations before travel:

• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
• Polio (consider a booster if you haven't had one recently)
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Influenza (seasonal)
• COVID-19

Hepatitis B

Recommended for: Travelers planning longer stays, those with potential exposure to blood or body fluids, or healthcare workers.
Schedule: Three doses over 6 months (standard) or accelerated schedules available (consult your clinic).

Rabies

Consider if: You plan extended travel, will be in remote areas, have occupational or recreational activities involving animal contact, or may have difficulty accessing post-exposure prophylaxis quickly. Pre-exposure vaccination is not essential for most safari tourists but may be prudent for guides, researchers, or those spending weeks in the bush.

Malaria: Risk, Prophylaxis, and Prevention

Where Is Malaria a Risk in Eswatini?

Malaria risk is not uniform across Eswatini. Risk is highest in the eastern lowveld (lower-altitude areas) and the Lubombo Mountains, particularly during the rainy season (November–May). Mbabane and Manzini, the main cities in the highlands, have minimal malaria risk. Safari lodges in Eswatini vary in location; confirm the altitude and season of your visit with your operator to assess malaria risk accurately.

Malaria Prophylaxis

If you are visiting malaria-risk zones—particularly the lowveld reserves or during the rainy season—antimalarial medication is recommended. Common options include:

• Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone): Start 1–2 days before arrival, continue daily during stay, and for 7 days after departure.
• Doxycycline: Start 1–2 days before arrival, continue daily, and for 28 days after departure.
• Mefloquine: Start 2–3 weeks before arrival, continue weekly, and for 4 weeks after departure.

Consult a travel medicine clinic to choose the most appropriate option based on your medical history, other medications, and length of stay.

Mosquito Bite Prevention

Malaria is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, which are most active at dusk and night. Prevent bites by:

• Using insect repellent containing DEET (20–30%) on exposed skin.
• Wearing long sleeves and trousers, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Sleeping under a bed net treated with insecticide.
• Choosing accommodations with screened windows or air conditioning.

Other Health Risks and Precautions

Traveler's Diarrhea

Practice safe food and water hygiene:

• Drink bottled or boiled water; avoid tap water.
• Eat food that is cooked thoroughly and served hot.
• Avoid raw vegetables, unpasteurized dairy, and street food from informal vendors.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and clean water.

HIV/AIDS

Eswatini has one of the world's highest HIV prevalence rates. The U.S. State Department reports no formal entry restrictions for visitors based on HIV status, but take standard precautions: avoid unprotected sexual contact, do not share needles, and be cautious with medical procedures.

Schistosomiasis

This parasitic infection is transmitted through contaminated freshwater. Avoid swimming in rivers, lakes, and untreated water sources, especially in rural areas.

Health Documents and Travel Insurance

What to Carry

• International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP): Original yellow card, if applicable.
• Passport: Valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay, with at least 2 blank pages (or 4 if transiting South Africa).
• Travel insurance: Strongly recommended, including medical evacuation coverage. Eswatini has limited medical facilities outside major cities.
• Prescription medications: In original labeled containers with a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor.
• Vaccination records: Copies of your routine vaccination history (useful if you need medical care abroad).

Health Declaration Form

Eswatini requires all travelers to complete a health declaration form upon arrival and exit. Print and fill in the form before your flight to save time at immigration. The form screens for fever, cough, and other symptoms consistent with communicable diseases.

Travel Insurance with Medical Coverage

Travel insurance is essential. Eswatini has limited diagnostic and surgical facilities; serious medical conditions may require evacuation to South Africa or overseas. Ensure your policy covers:

• Medical consultation and hospitalization.
• Emergency medical evacuation.
• Repatriation of remains (if applicable).
• Cancellation and trip interruption.

Medication Rules and What to Pack

Medications Allowed into Eswatini

Eswatini does not restrict entry of medications for personal use, provided they are in original labeled containers. However, some medications are controlled or banned (e.g., certain stimulants, strong opioids). If you carry prescription medications, bring:

• Original labeled bottles.
• A letter from your doctor explaining the medication and dosage.
• A copy of your prescription.

Avoid carrying large quantities; customs may question supplies for more than your stated stay.

What to Pack in Your Medical Kit

• Antimalarial medication (if prescribed).
• Antihistamine (for allergies and insect bites).
• Ibuprofen or paracetamol (pain and fever).
• Antidiarrheal medication (loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate).
• Antibiotic ointment and wound care supplies.
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and lip balm.
• Insect repellent (DEET 20–30%).
• Any personal prescription medications.
• Oral rehydration salts.
• Tweezers and a basic first-aid kit.

Health Facilities and Medical Care in Eswatini

Quality and Availability

Medical facilities in Eswatini are limited, especially outside Mbabane and Manzini. The main hospitals are:

• Mbabane: Mseleni Hospital and private clinics offer basic emergency care.
• Manzini: Good Hospital provides comprehensive services.
• Rural areas: Facilities are very basic; serious conditions require referral to South Africa.

Medical evacuation to South Africa (Johannesburg or Pretoria) is common for serious illness or injury. Ensure your travel insurance covers this cost.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are available in Mbabane and Manzini but may have limited stock. Bring essential medications from home.

Cost of Medical Care

Private medical care is expensive; costs for consultation, diagnostics, and hospitalization are comparable to or higher than Western Europe. Travel insurance is non-negotiable.

Before You Travel: Pre-Departure Checklist

• Schedule a travel medicine consultation 4–6 weeks before departure.
• Review and update routine vaccinations.
• Obtain yellow fever vaccination and certificate if needed (valid 10 days after vaccination).
• Start malaria prophylaxis 1–2 days before arrival if indicated.
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation.
• Obtain antimalarial medication, insect repellent, and a personal medical kit.
• Print the Eswatini health declaration form and fill it in before travel.
• Confirm your visa requirements for Eswatini and passport validity.
• Check with your travel operator about specific health risks at your chosen safari lodge or destination.
• Notify your doctor of your travel dates and destination.

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling. Health requirements and disease risks change; consult your travel medicine provider or the CDC website for the most current guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do German citizens need a yellow fever vaccine to enter Eswatini?

No, not for direct travel from Germany. Germany is not a yellow fever–endemic country, so German citizens traveling directly from Germany do not need a yellow fever certificate. However, if your journey includes a stopover in a yellow fever–risk country (such as South Africa) lasting more than 12 hours, you may need proof of yellow fever vaccination. Confirm this with your airline before departure.

What vaccinations are recommended for German travelers to Eswatini?

The CDC and WHO recommend Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, routine vaccines (tetanus, diphtheria, polio), malaria prophylaxis (for eastern lowveld regions during November–May), and consideration of rabies for extended stays or wildlife contact. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure to personalize recommendations based on your itinerary and health history.

Is malaria a risk in Eswatini for German travelers?

Malaria risk is present in the eastern lowveld and Lubombo Mountains, particularly during the rainy season (November–May). If you are visiting these regions, antimalarial medication is recommended. Highland cities like Mbabane and Manzini have minimal risk. Confirm the altitude and season of your safari destination with your operator to assess risk accurately.

How long is a yellow fever vaccine certificate valid?

Since 2016, a yellow fever vaccine certificate is valid for the lifetime of the vaccinated person. No booster is required. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination, so schedule your shot at least 4–6 weeks before travel.

What health documents do I need to enter Eswatini?

You must carry a valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay, with 2 blank pages). If arriving from a yellow fever–endemic country, bring your original yellow fever certificate (ICVP). Complete the Eswatini health declaration form before arrival. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended but not required.

Can I take my prescription medications into Eswatini?

Yes, medications for personal use are allowed if in original labeled containers. Bring a letter from your doctor and a copy of your prescription. Avoid carrying large quantities; customs may question supplies exceeding your stated stay. Some controlled medications are restricted; consult your doctor if unsure.

Do I need malaria prophylaxis for all of Eswatini?

No. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended only for the eastern lowveld and Lubombo Mountains, especially during November–May. Highland areas like Mbabane and Manzini have minimal malaria risk. Confirm your destination's altitude and season with your safari operator to determine if prophylaxis is necessary.

What is the quality of medical care in Eswatini?

Medical facilities are limited outside Mbabane and Manzini. Serious conditions often require evacuation to South Africa. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential. Pharmacies are available in main cities but may have limited stock; bring essential medications from home.

How far in advance should I get vaccinated before traveling to Eswatini?

Schedule a travel medicine consultation 4–6 weeks before departure. Yellow fever vaccination becomes valid 10 days after administration, so allow time for any side effects. Other vaccines (Hepatitis A, Typhoid) can be given at the same visit. Malaria prophylaxis should start 1–2 days before arrival.

Is travel insurance required for entry to Eswatini?

No, travel insurance is not an entry requirement. However, it is strongly recommended, especially coverage for medical evacuation. Eswatini has limited medical facilities; serious illness or injury may require expensive evacuation to South Africa or overseas.

What should I include in my personal medical kit for Eswatini?

Pack antimalarial medication (if prescribed), antihistamine, pain relief (ibuprofen/paracetamol), antidiarrheal medication, antibiotic ointment, sunscreen (SPF 30+), insect repellent (DEET 20–30%), oral rehydration salts, and any personal prescriptions. Include tweezers and basic first-aid supplies.

Do I need to carry the original yellow fever certificate or can I use a photocopy?

You must carry the original physical yellow card (ICVP). Photocopies, digital photos, or smartphone screenshots are not accepted at border checkpoints. Keep it with your passport throughout your journey.