Physical Touch Etiquette in Eswatini

Physical touch is generally reserved for close friends and family, so keep greetings light and avoid casual hugging, backslapping, or public displays of affection unless the other person clearly initiates them. In more traditional settings, especially around elders or in formal community gatherings, a restrained handshake and respectful distance are the safest norms, with more warmth shown through polite conversation than touch.