Is South Africa safe to travel to?

South Africa can be visited safely with careful planning, but the practical traveler risk is high (69/100) and the government advisory is elevated (45/100, Level 2: Exercise increased caution). Most issues involve street crime and occasional violent incidents in certain areas, so travelers should stay alert, choose neighborhoods carefully, and use reputable transport—especially at night.

What are the main travel risks in South Africa?

The biggest travel risks in South Africa are petty crime (theft, bag snatching, phone robbery), violent incidents (including carjackings and armed robberies in higher-risk areas), and periods of civil unrest such as protests or service-delivery strikes. Risk levels are particularly high for petty crime and violent incidents, so situational awareness and smart routing matter.

What is the current travel advisory for South Africa?

South Africa is currently under a Level 2 travel advisory: Exercise increased caution, with an elevated advisory score of 45/100. This means travel is possible, but you should take extra precautions, avoid high-crime areas, and keep up with local security updates.

What safety tips should I know before visiting South Africa?

In South Africa, use app-based rides after dark, avoid walking alone at night, and keep phones, cameras, and jewelry out of sight in busy areas. Stick to well-reviewed accommodations, don’t leave belongings visible in cars, and monitor local news for protests or sudden disruptions—then avoid demonstrations and any rapidly changing areas.

South Africa

Africa

Higher risk than 93% of countries. Main concerns: petty crime and violent incidents.

Government Advisory

Elevated

Level 2: Exercise increased caution

Traveler Practical Risk

High

Confidence: high. Main drivers: petty crime, violent incidents, civil unrest.

Risk Profile

Score breakdown across 7 risk dimensions

🔓Petty Crime

Africa avg: 59100

⚠️Violent Incident

Africa avg: 50100

📢Civil Unrest

Africa avg: 7075

🎭Scams

Africa avg: 6058

🚌Transport

Africa avg: 5550

🌊Natural Disaster

Africa avg: 2424

🏥Health

Africa avg: 4518

Practical advice

✓Use app-based rides after dark and avoid displaying valuables in crowded areas.
✓Monitor local developments and avoid demonstrations or fast-changing border areas.

Data Sources & Updates · Synced 5/10/2026

Government Advisory: U.S. Department of State

Advisory published: 5/27/2025 (by U.S. Department of State)

Our last sync: 5/10/2026

Indicators: World Bank Governance & Stability Indicators (2024)

Recent update: Updated 2026-05-10 from refreshed advisory and traveler risk indicators.

Frequently Asked Questions — South Africa

Is South Africa safe to travel to?: South Africa can be visited safely with careful planning, but the practical traveler risk is high (69/100) and the government advisory is elevated (45/100, Level 2: Exercise increased caution). Most issues involve street crime and occasional violent incidents in certain areas, so travelers should stay alert, choose neighborhoods carefully, and use reputable transport—especially at night.
What are the main travel risks in South Africa?: The biggest travel risks in South Africa are petty crime (theft, bag snatching, phone robbery), violent incidents (including carjackings and armed robberies in higher-risk areas), and periods of civil unrest such as protests or service-delivery strikes. Risk levels are particularly high for petty crime and violent incidents, so situational awareness and smart routing matter.
What is the current travel advisory for South Africa?: South Africa is currently under a Level 2 travel advisory: Exercise increased caution, with an elevated advisory score of 45/100. This means travel is possible, but you should take extra precautions, avoid high-crime areas, and keep up with local security updates.
What safety tips should I know before visiting South Africa?: In South Africa, use app-based rides after dark, avoid walking alone at night, and keep phones, cameras, and jewelry out of sight in busy areas. Stick to well-reviewed accommodations, don’t leave belongings visible in cars, and monitor local news for protests or sudden disruptions—then avoid demonstrations and any rapidly changing areas.

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