Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
South Africa is a spectacular destination with warm people, but exercise sensible caution. Crime levels vary a lot by area, so keep valuables out of sight in cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
- Overall
- Rewarding but stay street-aware
- Main risks
- Theft, mugging and car break-ins
- Traffic
- Drives on the LEFT
- Safety differs sharply between neighbourhoods, so ask your accommodation which areas to avoid, especially after dark.
- Use ride-hailing or arranged transport at night rather than walking, and keep phones and bags out of sight.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Risk varies greatly by area. Central business districts of Johannesburg and some townships can be higher risk, especially at night, while tourist areas like the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town are busier and better patrolled.
- Higher risk
- Some inner-city and township areas at night
- Tourist zones
- Generally busier and better watched
- Advice
- Ask locals which areas to avoid
- Do not walk in quiet or unfamiliar areas after dark, and avoid displaying phones, jewellery or cash.
- Around Cape Town, Kruger gateway towns and the Garden Route, stick to well-travelled routes and check local advice.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
The sun is strong, so protect against sunburn and heat. On safari in areas like Kruger keep a safe distance from wildlife and follow ranger guidance. Seasons split into a dry and wet season depending on region.
- Sun
- Strong UV, use protection
- Wildlife
- Keep distance on safari
- Seasons
- Dry and wet vary by region
- On a safari keep to your vehicle and follow the ranger, as wild animals can be unpredictable.
- Some areas can flood in the wet season and coastal seas can be rough, so check local forecasts.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Tap water in major cities is generally considered safe, but choose bottled water if unsure. Malaria is present in some areas including parts of the Kruger region, so take precautions there. Private care in cities is good but costly.
- Water
- City tap usually fine, bottled if unsure
- Malaria
- In some areas such as parts of Kruger
- Care
- Good private care, can be expensive
- In malaria-risk areas like parts of the Kruger region, seek advice on prevention before you travel.
- A yellow fever certificate may be required if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, so check current rules.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Muggings, car break-ins and card fraud can happen, so manage valuables carefully. Be alert at ATMs, do not resist a robbery, and prefer ride-hailing at night. Carry small amounts of cash (ZAR) and keep a card back-up.
- ATMs
- Stay alert, use ones inside banks/malls
- At night
- Prefer ride-hailing over walking
- Cash
- Carry small amounts of ZAR
- Keep bags and phones out of sight in traffic, and do not leave items visible in a parked car.
- If confronted, hand over belongings calmly, as possessions can be replaced but your safety comes first.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
South Africa is a stable democracy, though occasional protests and service-delivery demonstrations can disrupt roads. These are usually localised, so monitor local news and avoid gatherings.
- Stability
- Stable democracy
- Protests
- Occasional and usually localised
- Advice
- Avoid demonstrations
- Demonstrations can turn disruptive and block roads, so plan alternative routes and stay informed.
- Follow the guidance of local authorities and your embassy during any period of unrest.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Traffic drives on the LEFT. Carry ID and respect national park rules on safari. Drug laws are strict and drink-driving limits are low, so it is best to confirm current rules before you travel.
- Driving
- On the LEFT; carry your licence
- Safari
- Follow Kruger and park ranger rules
- Drugs
- Strict penalties; check current rules
- On safari in Kruger and private reserves, stay in your vehicle where required and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
- Photographing government or security sites may be restricted, so ask first if you are unsure.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
In an emergency, call 10111 for police and 10177 for an ambulance. From a mobile phone you can also dial the single emergency number 112. Save these before you travel.
- Police
- 10111
- Ambulance
- 10177
- Mobile
- 112 (unified)
- From any mobile phone, 112 connects you to emergency services and works even without local network credit.
- Note your accommodation address and your embassy contact so you can share details quickly if needed.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance with strong medical cover is recommended, as private care is good but costly. Make sure it covers safari activities, diving and any car hire you plan.
- Medical
- Include full medical and evacuation cover
- Activities
- Cover safari, diving and adventure sports
- Documents
- Carry policy number and helpline
- Private hospitals in Cape Town and Johannesburg are high quality but expensive, so ensure your policy covers hospital treatment and evacuation.
- Prices are often quoted in ZAR (South African rand); keep your insurer's emergency line handy in case of a claim.