Avoid areas affected by demonstrations and protests. Monitor local media for updates. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Ongoing taxi strikes in Cape Town may impact multiple areas and turn violent quickly. Journeys to and from the airport may be affected. Avoid protests and be vigilant. Before you travel by road, check for any disruption on your route, use major routes where it’s safe to do so and verify that alternate routes recommended by your GPS are safe. Be vigilant in areas affected by strikes and sites near bus terminals and taxi ranks. Consider delaying your journey and seek advice from your hotel or travel provider. Up-to-date information is available from Cape Town Airport, the City of Cape Town, and Traffic SA’s Twitter feeds.
There’s been several arson attacks on cargo trucks. These have been used to block roads and cause delays on major routes across South Africa. Exercise caution when driving.
Crime and violence are serious issues across South Africa. Crimes include murder, rape, assault, food and drink spiking, robbery and carjacking. South Africa experiences a higher amount of crime during its rolling blackouts (loadshedding). 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.
Due to lengthy delays experienced at the Lebombo/Komatipoort border, opportunistic criminals have targeted travellers and their vehicles. Take the appropriate precautions.
Criminals target travellers and their bags at airports and on public transport. Vehicles parked or stopped at intersections are often targeted. Criminals have posed as fake tourist police to extort and rob tourists. When travelling by road, maintain situational awareness and stop only at designated areas such as petrol stations.
ATM and credit card fraud are common. Criminals wait near ATMs to rob people who have withdrawn cash. Be aware of your surrounds, and only withdraw small amounts. Keep your credit card with you at all times.
Due to increased crime, avoid using Numbi Gate at Kruger National Park and consider using an alternative gate. 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.
Scams occur often. If you’re a victim of a scam, don’t travel to South Africa. The risk of assault is high.
Health
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.
Private hospitals are generally better equipped than public facilities. Medical evacuation is your only option in remote areas.
Travel
Ongoing taxi strikes in the Cape Town area have the potential to turn violent, potentially impacting multiple areas, including journeys to and from the airport. Check for any disruption on your route before travelling, avoid protests and where safe, use major routes. Make sure you verify alternate routes recommended by your GPS are safe before undertaking. If safe to do so, consider delaying your journey and seek advice from your hotel or travel provider. Up to date information is available from Cape Town Airport’s twitter feed and the City of Cape Town feed.
You don’t need a visa if you’re visiting South Africa for tourism purposes for up to 90 days. In other cases, you’ll need a visa. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of South Africa for the latest details.
Rolling black outs can affect both land and air travel. Confirm with your airline or travel provider.
Damage to infrastructure and travel routes have been caused by heavy rains and flooding in the city of Durban, as well as other areas in KwaZulu-Natal Province. There are possible risks of road closures and delays and some disruption to services. Follow the advice of local authorities.
