Travel advice for South Africa

Hungary advises avoiding non-essential travel for South Africa.

Slovenia advises increased caution and says nonessential travel to unsafe areas should be avoided. Violent crime and car theft are common. Avoid city centres at night and weekends, townships except with organised groups, isolated areas, and night driving in northern KwaZulu-Natal and Zululand due to hijacking and robbery. Protests may become violent, terrorist attacks are possible, Hazyview has kidnapping and murder risks, while Kruger National Park roads have hijackings.

Avoid non-essential travel to the central business districts and surrounding areas of Johannesburg, Tshwane, formerly Pretoria, and Durban because security has deteriorated and armed robberies are frequent. Japanese travellers have also suffered strangulation robberies in these cities, so avoid entering where possible and, if unavoidable, do not walk there day or night. Elsewhere in South Africa, take care and expect electricity, water and other services may be disrupted.

Australia advises a high degree of caution for South Africa.

Exercise heightened caution in South Africa because violent crime is high in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Pretoria, especially in townships and city centres. Highway robberies and fake police stops affect airport roads around Johannesburg, Pretoria and Mbombela, while armed attacks occur toward Sun City, Pilanesberg and Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga. Avoid the Numbi Gate, lock doors, avoid night driving, and guard against drink spiking and card fraud.

Exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa because serious violent crime occurs frequently and has affected foreigners. Avoid city centres after dark, townships and isolated areas, and secure belongings in crowded places, hotels and airports. Carjackings and armed robberies are common, illegal roadblocks may be used to rob drivers, and political rallies and demonstrations may occur after election results are announced.

Be extra careful because armed robbery, assault, carjacking and theft are risks, greatest in city centres, townships and remote areas, especially after dark. Avoid displaying valuables, use authorised taxis rather than minibuses, and beware of ATM fraud and network hacking. Terror attacks can occur without warning, while demonstrations may become violent. Avoid driving outside cities after dark, and watch for rip currents along KwaZulu-Natal, the Garden Route and Cape Town.

Exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to South Africa because violent crime is very high, although the most violent incidents tend to occur away from normal tourist destinations. Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, which can escalate into violence, particularly in city centres and townships. Stay alert at crowded events. The terrorism threat is generally low, but use usual caution around suspicious packages and follow local authorities.

Exercise caution in South Africa because violent crime, kidnapping and carjacking occur, and do not visit townships unaccompanied. Table Mountain and Lion’s Head trails have robberies and assaults, so avoid travel after dark and use main roads. Do not use public transport, minibuses or taxis, except guarded Gautrain links between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Wildfires, floods and landslides can disrupt travel, and LGBTQ+ travellers may face discrimination and aggression outside cities.

Exercise increased caution in South Africa because of crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping. Violent crime is common, especially in big-city downtown areas after dark, and kidnappers target U.S. citizens and foreign travelers. Demonstrations, protests, and strikes may disrupt services or turn violent. U.S. government employees need special authorization for many informal settlements in and around Cape Town and must use armored vehicles with restricted visiting hours.

Travel can generally proceed, but tensions and protests may escalate violently; avoid gatherings, follow local authorities, stay alert, avoid townships and listed no-go areas, and avoid travel outside urban areas after sunset. El Niño may bring heat, drought, heavy rain and sudden flooding; avoid non-essential travel during severe storms and never cross flooded roads, bridges or crossings. Electricity and water interruptions can occasionally last for days.

Exercise normal precautions when travelling to South Africa. Because Estonia has no representation there, use other countries' travel advice and check entry requirements and consular support. Children may need extra documents, and a valid Estonian driving licence is required. Strict customs rules apply, arrivals and departures require a traveller declaration, and stays of up to 90 days are permitted without a visa, although entry conditions can change without notice.

Germany advises normal precautions for South Africa.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for South Africa.

Take precautions in South Africa; Singaporeans may stay up to 90 days without a visa, subject to entry conditions. Check safety reports before trekking or safaris, and note dangerous animals and malaria-prone areas. Keep valuables out of sight in cars; drive on major roads, avoid highway stops, and guard against fog, flash floods and remote-locking theft. Medical help may be limited remotely; illegal wildlife trading carries severe penalties.

Take normal precautions when travelling to South Africa; no warning applies. British citizens need a passport valid for at least 30 days after departure with two blank pages, and can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. Meet yellow fever certificate rules when arriving from transmission risk countries, declare restricted goods and cash above stated limits, and check document rules for children and dual nationals.