South Africa Travel Advice & Safety

Updated:28 November 2025
Still Valid:Yes
Latest update:Protests and large gatherings can occur anywhere. Avoid areas affected by protests, demonstrations or large public gatherings. Monitor media for updates and follow advice from local authorities. Use major roads where it’s safe to do so and verify that alternate routes recommended by your GPS are safe prior to travel. Express kidnappings happen in South Africa. Always be alert to your personal security and surroundings.
 

We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa due to the threat of violent crime.

Advice Levels

Level 2

Exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa due to the threat of violent crime.

Full Advice

  • Protests and large gatherings can occur anywhere in South Africa at any time. Avoid protests and demonstrations. Use major roads where it’s safe to do so and verify that alternate routes recommended by your GPS are safe before travel. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
  • Crime and violence are serious issues across South Africa, including murder, rape, assault, food and drink spiking, robbery and carjacking. South Africa experiences more crime during its power cuts (load shedding), but crime can occur anytime, anywhere. Be particularly alert in major city centres and township areas and when travelling after dark. Crimes in South Africa often involve the use of weapons.
  • Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. See our advice on partying safely while overseas.
  • There’s a threat of kidnapping across South Africa. Pay attention to your personal security.
  • Terrorism is a threat worldwide and can occur anywhere at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places and follow the advice of local authorities.
  • Opportunistic criminals also target travellers at the approaches to Kruger National Park, including Numbi Gate, and at the Lebombo/Komatipoort border. Criminals have also been targeting tourist vehicles at the approaches to Pilanesberg National Park and Sun City Resort.
  • Criminals target travellers and their bags at airports and on public transport. Vehicles parked or stopped at intersections are also targeted for ‘smash and grab’ thefts, armed robbery and hijacking. Criminals have posed as fake tourist police to extort and rob tourists.
  • ATM and credit card fraud are common. Criminals wait near ATMs to rob or identify and follow people who have withdrawn cash to rob elsewhere. Be aware of your surroundings and only withdraw small amounts of cash.
  • Respect local wildlife laws. Only use professional guides or tour operators. Follow park regulations and advice from wardens. Don’t swim in lakes and rivers due to the risk of wildlife attacks and disease.
  • HIV/AIDS infection rates are high in South Africa. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure.
  • Malaria and other insect-borne diseases, such as filariasis, are common. Make sure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
  • You must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re over one year old and travelling from a country where yellow fever is widespread, including transiting through an infected area or country with transmission risk.
  • Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are widespread. Only drink boiled or bottled water. Some drug-resistant tuberculosis cases have recently occurred in South Africa. Take extra precautions with food and drinks.
  • Private hospitals are generally much better equipped than public facilities. Medical evacuation is your only option in remote areas.
  • Drug offences carry severe penalties, including long jail terms.
  • Dual nationals may not be allowed to enter and exit South Africa on their South African passport. Penalties for travelling on another passport include fines, denial of entry or exit, and jail (see ‘Local laws’ in the full advice).
  • We recommend all possible dual nationals consult the South African Department of Home Affairs website to verify your citizenship status. If in doubt, contact your nearest South African embassy or consulate  prior to travel. 
  • If travelling from other Southern African countries to South Africa, you’ll need at least two blank pages in your passport.
  • Before you travel by road, check for any disruption on your route. Use major roads where it’s safe to do so and verify that alternate routes recommended by your GPS are safe. There have been instances of travellers being rerouted by their GPS through unsafe areas.
  • Power cuts can affect both land and air travel. Confirm with your airline or travel provider.

Depending on what you need, contact your:

  • friends and family
  • travel agent
  • employer
  • airline
  • insurance provider

National emergencies                                                                      

Call 10111.

Fire and rescue services

Call 10177.

Medical emergencies

Call 10112

Police

Call 10111, or go to the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.