South Africa Travel Safety

Precautions

Crime significantly increases after dark in major city centres and townships. After dark, avoid the areas of Berea, Hillbrow and Yeoville in Johannesburg, Sunnyside in Pretoria, and the beachfront and Victoria wharf in Durban. In Cape Town, avoid walking from downtown hotels to the waterfront. Be especially vigilant at vulnerable points such as traffic lights, stop signs, yield signs and highway off-ramps. Smash and grab incidents are frequent, where car windows are broken and valuables such as handbags are taken while cars are waiting at junctions. Park in well-lit areas, do not pick up strangers and ensure that vehicle doors are locked and windows are closed at all times. Theft, including from hotel rooms and guest houses, is common. Never leave your windows or doors open or unlocked, even when you are present. Don't leave luggage and valuables unattended. Place them in safekeeping facilities. Do not attempt to use ATMs that appear damaged or defective, or that are located in isolated or poorly lit areas. Do not accept any offer of assistance with your transaction. If suspicious at any time, cancel your transaction and use another ATM.

Road safety

There are many road accidents causing death in South Africa. Alcohol and poor driving standards, such as ignoring traffic signs, speeding and indiscriminate overtaking, are often contributing factors, particularly at night. Accidents can happen if you drive in wet conditions, as roads get very slippery. Observe the recommended following distances. When renting a vehicle, choose one with a robust central locking system, lockable fuel tank cap and vehicle alarm. Use a reliable company offering 24-hour emergency service, and ensure that you have the contact details for the service. Road conditions are generally good, but some roads in the more remote areas are less well maintained and potholes may be encountered. Drive cautiously at all times and adhere to speed limits. Traffic lights are frequently out of order. Treat all intersections with malfunctioning traffic lights as a four-way stop. Avoid undertaking overland travel after dark. Insufficient lighting on rural roads makes it difficult to see pedestrians, wild animals and stray livestock. Pedestrians are known to cross major highways.

Beaches

Coastal waters have unpredictable wave and currents patterns, which can be dangerous. Follow the advice and warnings of local authorities. Shark attacks have been reported in several areas, including in KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape. Be cautious when swimming in lakes and rivers because of the risk posed by wildlife.

Public transportation

Avoid the central bus station in Johannesburg. Train travel is not recommended, especially second or third class. Services are slow and several serious accidents in recent years have raised concerns over safety standards. Violent attacks have also taken place on local commuter and metro trains between Johannesburg and Pretoria, as well as on commuter trains in Cape Town. However, the Gautrain between O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Pretoria, as well as the Blue Train and Rovos Rail, are safe for tourists. Public transport is not recommended. Tourists have been mugged and assaulted in and around bus stations. Taxis cannot be hailed in the street. Ask your hotel to arrange a taxi and ensure that you prearrange transport for your return journey. Sit in the rear of the vehicle and keep windows up and doors locked at all times. Keep valuables out of sight and place bags by your feet. It is advisable to negotiate the fare with the driver in advance. Avoid using minibuses and unlicensed taxis.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the South Africa, incidents of attacks and sexual assault against foreign women, including rape and murder might occur. Be extremely vigilant at isolated places and while dealing with strangers. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Female visitors and residents should take care when walking or travelling alone even during daylight hours. Exercise a very high degree of caution during travel.

Fraud

Cases of attempted fraud are frequently reported in South Africa. Do not give personal or financial account information to anyone. Secure all ATMs and credit card payment slips and keep your credit card in sight at all times when using it. Mobile phones and card skimmers have been used to copy credit card details. Request a mobile card machine at restaurants and make sure your card is visible at all times during the transaction. If you wish to report an attempted fraud, call the South African Police Service at 08600 10111.

Crime

Violent crimes, including rape and murder, routinely occur and have involved foreigners. Muggings, armed assaults and theft are also frequent, often occurring in areas that are popular among tourists. South Africa has a very high level of crime. Crime is the primary security threat to travellers. Carjackings and cases of robbery and assault have been reported as well. Armed robberies at shopping malls have increased. If confronted by an armed individual, you are advised to immediately comply, avoid making sudden movements, avoid resisting or antagonizing the assailants and avoid eye contact with your assailant.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Individuals who may be inspired by terrorist groups may carry out "lone actor" attacks targeting public places, including where foreigners gather. Targets could include:government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

LGBT

Homosexuality is legal, and the South African authorities have introduced legislation which bans any discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. However, public display of affection may attract unwanted attention specially in rural areas.

Illegal or restricted activities

It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade any of its parts without a permit.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. Foreigners driving a rental car across any border into neighbouring countries must obtain a permit from the Cross-border Road Transport Agency prior to arriving at the border crossing. Failure to do so may lead to arrest and/or a fine. It is illegal to carry gasoline in portable containers. You may use your valid Local provincial driver's licence in South Africa, however, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended. It is extremely difficult to obtain car insurance for car rentals or to purchase a car without an IDP. Note that insurance companies and rental car agencies often require proof of a South African driver's licence or an IDP in order to honour an insurance claim, even when such proof was not requested at the time the policy was secured.