My buddy grew up in SA and he said the other day, “I’ll never go back. ), 2) take the necessary precautions above, and 3) remain alert, but not scared, as you travel through the country. There are threats coming from extremists linked to Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL), as well as threats from individuals inspired by terrorist groups, including Daesh, who might try to carry out so-called ‘lone actor’ attacks targeting public places. I would also love to know about these instances of terrorism? Review the. The Garden Route is famous for golfing activities in South Africa. But is South Africa safe to live? The people are terrible. As amazingly fun and exciting South Africa might be, you should be aware of the many dangers that await the unsuspecting tourists. Travelers should avoid all travel to South Africa. Violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles, is common. The police is terrible and scared of the people, therefore no control over them. The good news is South Africa is safe if you are sensible, do your homework and go prepared. However, it still … Because of the current situation in South Africa even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants and should avoid all travel to South Africa. This is the question many ask. The media portrays Johannesburg and South Africa in a negative light but the truth is it’s just like any big city anywhere in the world. First in the world for rape and Joburg is basically a no go zone. It isn’t! visiting south Africa is like a gamble, it could go really … South Africa does have, however, a high level of both petty and violent crime. South Africa is 'safe' for tourists Due to a dangerous COVID varriant, South Africa has been blacklisted by many countries as unsafe to travel to. There is a higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark. According to a 2019 study, South Africa is the 15th safest country for LGBTQ+ travelers, with Cape Town among the top gay travel destinations in the world. NOOO! By the end of the day today, South Africa will have 300 new cases of aggravated robbery and 47 new cases of murder. It is a remarkably amazing place … Theres also a lot of bad history and a lot of racial tension in SA. Be aware of criminals waiting around at Johannesburg and Cape Town airports and then following tourists to their accommodation with a goal to rob them. 4.2 million international migrants moved to the country in 2019, more than anywhere else on the African continent. not really. Yes, I want to enjoy myself and explore cool places but I also want to make sure I make the flight home safe and well. Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). There are huge disparities between “rich” and “poor” neighbourhoods; very high crime levels and a risk of theft mean there are places you just shouldn’t wander. police will stop you in the streets and demand money no joke. South Africa: How to Stay Safe From Covid-19 When You Travel This Festive Season. There have also been reports of food and drink spiking, with victims ending up being assaulted and robbed after the incident. The AZA’s see the EZAs as snobby. There are safe areas to visit and areas where you must be extra cautious or avoid. I don’t know why you mention “as a white person,” since it sounds really unnecessary. Is South Africa safe for LGBTQ+ travelers? The beauty on the other hand will take your breath away, Totally agreed… Couldnt have said it better…. Though crime has fluctuated in South Africa throughout the years, the 2014 crime averages are still disconcerting. It shares its borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Lesotho. You haven’t heard of People like Malema also know as the Black Hitler of our times or Zuma singing kill white people? The rape is high. Travelers should avoid all travel to South Africa. South Africa has a reputation for very high crime levels which include rape and murder. South Africa has become a popular relocation place for expats in recent years. It’s a huge country with varying degrees of safety. 4. Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information. Just be sensible like you would anywhere else. 22 December 2020. It doesn’t matter in this country. I would not want to be there it is worst than Cape town . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for South Africa due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. It is safe and relatively cheaper compared to the other cities. South Africa is a major market for the barbiturate Mandrax (known locally as "buttons"), which is banned here and in many other countries because of its devastating effects. They are known to stop tourist buses, saying that they're checking identification and searching luggage. I can think of no other nations with 11 official languages!Out the total South African population of approximately 57 million, 44 million are black South Africans, 4.6 million are of mixed race, and 1.3 million are of Indian or Asian descent. Some parts of Cape Town’s city center, as well as the suburbs, are relatively safe; malls, business districts, and tourist areas have a high-security presence. Agree. As it stands, South Africa is open to guests of all nationalities, subject to visa requirements and Covid-19 protocols. This page is one big exaggeration, south Africa is generally very safe to visit but try and avoid walking in the night, do not show any indication of high wealth. If one day I should be tired of life…..I come visit Africa (for assisted suicide). Please, please, PLEASE DO NOT listen to the reviews that say this is even an OKAY country to visit!! I have been a victim of crime twice. Mugging and robberies are a much bigger issue in this country than petty theft. just even handling your money in public can make you a victim of mugging, pick pocketing, and robbery. ), 2) take the necessary precautions above, and 3) remain alert, but not scared, as you travel through the country. As a white person I wouldn’t go to SA as the reported genocide (or rather the lack of deserved coverage for it) is terrifying. This country has extremely high rates of crime. Johannesburg is the biggest city in South Africa, it is Africa’s economic hub. Jeffrey’s Bay. Well, um, Afrikaans ZAs and English ZAs don’t get on. "The rand has been trading very, very well, like a safe haven almost, within the high-yield part of the index," James Lord, global head of FXEM strategy at Morgan Stanley, said. So you will be treated very poorly. You know the saying: You can take a South African out of South Africa, but you cannot take South Africa out of a South … Like African killer bees they are dangerous. The murder rates are always high. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Most crime is committed in big cities, such as Johannesburg and Durban but issues can usually be avoided by following basic safety precautions. The scams are high. For visitors, this can be alarming. But loads of EZAs are nice and willing to try to learn Afrikaans. Their only goal is to rob you blind so keep your valuables well hidden. Though many female travelers went to South Africa and had no problems at all, this country might not be the safest choice for female solo travelers. However, though it looks very modern and safe, it is not. One of the bigger floods in South Africa occurred in 2011 killing 91 people. But let’s not sugar coat it! The food is great. No thanks, I prefer Europe and Asia. I have never experienced that in SA. Latest travel advice for South Africa, including how to stay safe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and information on returning to the UK. When we first booked, everyone asked ‘but is Cape Town safe?’. South Africa is an exciting, vibrant and dynamic country but it also has socio-economic problems, which have left the country with a … your seen as a walking ATM machine. Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in South Africa. It is commonly known for studying activities, hence referred to as the students’ town. However there's no such thing as "tourist police" in South Africa, so be on the lookout.Then there are so-called "strollers", and they can be anyone from children to junkies. South Africa sure has its perks but I decided to visit it with my father and it proved to be a very wise decision, he’s way more cautious than me. If you are hassled then you’ve probably done something wrong. Below are tips on staying safe in South Africa. South Africa is ready to welcome you. It is one of the most unequal countries in the world, where you can see opulence and poverty standing side by side. It is the country that boasts the strongest economy on the continent: South Africa is known for its wines and is one of the world’s largest producers of gold. ER24 (Johannesburg) We're fortunate to live in … Johannesburg is a great city, you just have to watch your bags, I’ve seen a lot of suspicious faces around me a lot of times. And though usually, the motive of these crimes is theft, rape also occurs from time to time, which is especially relevant for female visitors. Please see our Alerts for up-to-date information. Now in south Africa, there’s extreme racial tension, plus the history of apartheid. Genocide is definitely an overstatement but there is a mass murder streak of white farmers in the country, so avoid staying on farms too. Be very careful at night and avoid risky situations such as winding-up in deserted and poorly lit streets or finding yourself in an unknown area with strange people. Though some may think of typical stereotypes when hearing the words “South Africa”, it is actually completely different than people imagine. Using South Africa as a case study, it – like the world – has become a fundamentally better place as time progresses. We visited South Africa for my colleague’s wedding and now we plan on returning there just the two of us. South Africa has a high level of crime, including rape and murder. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. Rails and metro trains are also the locations where assaults and robberies have occurred. Public transport in South Africa is the scene of many criminal activities. just even handling your money in public can make you a victim of mugging, pick pocketing, and robbery. © 2021 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. I can think of no other nations with 11 official languages!Out the total South African population of approximately 57 million, 44 million are black South Africans, 4.6 million are of mixed race, and 1.3 million are of Indian or Asian descent. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. You should be vigilant and take all possible precautions measures in order to minimize the risk of something going wrong. This is a flower- filled metropolis that is located north of Gauteng province in South Africa. This makes more sense because America has more terrorists, murder and crime because of the color of skin not because they did wrong. Whenever I’m travelling alone I do my best to pick safe destinations. Including the person who wrote the review. South Africa is often the victim of many natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, storms, and wildfires. Most areas that tourists venture to are safe and the likelihood of a tourist becoming a victim of violent crime in South Africa is low. Cape Town has experienced a rise in crime in certain districts recently. Someone can easily walk into a store and hold you up while others just casually stare at you as if it’s a daily occurrence, without helping you in any way. South Africa: How to Stay Safe From Covid-19 When You Travel This Festive Season. South Africa - safety as a country Durban is one of the cities in South Africa that may trick you into thinking you’re in Europe or America. As a AZA I know a few EZAs and some (not all) DO think they are to good to learn the language and DO think they are better then the AZAs. We have high walls and electric fences around our homes, home security systems and neighborhood boom entrances manned by security guards. Since there are staggeringly poor areas in this country, it is not at all uncommon to hear about muggings and armed robberies in this country. Is South Africa safe for LGBTQ+ travelers? Thanks for the train tip! As with travelling to anywhere in the world right now, there are specific regulations and procedures in place that you need to follow to ensure safe arrival, visit and departure. Also, I am white, but that’s because my great great someone moved to South Africa from the Netherlands. Traveling by a rented car is also not very safe: there have been tragic instances of foreigners being carjacked and murdered. Avoid the areas of Greenpoint, Salt River, Seapoint, Mowbray, Observatory, and the Cape Flats as there’s higher criminal activity there. The risk to international tourists is low because most violent crime happens in areas that are “no go” zones for tourists. I stay in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and just like any other country there are areas to avoid. Due to a dangerous COVID varriant, South Africa has been blacklisted by many countries as … Like African killer bees they are dangerous. South Africa is 'safe' for tourists. We want you and your tyres as safe as they can be on South African roads. Zuma was the President of the country while doing such things. Do not travel to South Africa due to COVID-19. Even if white western women are use to feeling entitled to go where they like and feel invulnerable because they can afford to stay in the wealthy places and travel on expensive trains etc it is irresponsible to put up posts telling women it is safe to travel alone in SA . On the one hand, it is, without exaggeration, a first world state, especially the major cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, and on the other hand it has a staggering rate of poverty, only imaginable in Africa. According to a 2019 study, South Africa is the 15th safest country for LGBTQ+ travelers, with Cape Town among the top gay travel destinations in the world. You’ll probably never come back, but, if you do, you’ll be scarred or realize just how awful a country and its people can be. The risk of violent crime to visitors travelling to the main tourist destinations is generally low. Think Rio or Mexico city. Click here to get an offer for travel insurance. The high risk is way over rated. I have lived in Johannesburg for 49 years. Using taxis in Cape Town. Petty crime is high. visiting south Africa is like a gamble, it could go really well or really bad. Oranges , Apples, ,Lemons and Bananas have miraculously turned poisonous in the African soil. So yes, I agree that South Africa isn’t safe for EZAs or white people (unless you are a white AZA like I am) because of Apartheid. Monitor water levels at the City of Cape Town’s, U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. ER24 (Johannesburg) We're fortunate to live in … Do not travel to South Africa due to COVID-19 . Watching my back constantly? Is South Africa safe in 2021? There are over 10 million tourists each year so it’s really not that bad. These can develop quickly without prior notification, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services; such events have the potential to turn violent. It is also very influential when it comes to African politics, and in 2010, South Africa hosted the first Football World Cup to be held on the African continent. I have been snubbed, but when I speak Afrikaans they see I’m an AZA and all tension is lost. Cape town is another high-risk area, especially after the evening hours. However, it’s more important than knowing what kind of crimes tend to occur in South Africa, is knowing the areas and hotspots where they’re more likely to occur. so lay low and be cautious. You’re a target no matter what race you are. South Africa has a crime rate about 8 times higher than the USA, which is itself about 10 times higher than most EU countries. You should generally avoid townships as they experience a higher crime rate than other areas, and though you shouldn’t steer clear of them at all costs if you have to visit them, do it within an organized tour group. we are more likely to get scammed. Our people are friendly, and you are no more at risk than in any other big city. It’s supposed to be one of the safest cities in South Africa, but … Some are to be honest. But if anything, it should make you feel safer. being white in this country is a issue too. There are a couple of popular scams, one of them involving criminals posing as "tourist police" with a goal to rob visitors. This country is crappy and it’ll tear itself apart within a few decades if nothing improves. Both times were caused by my stupidity and lack of awareness. Imagine judging the USA based on LA. Many parts of South Africa are not safe, at all, to live in. The hygiene and sanitation is terrible. Anyone who says it’s safe is lying.” This is from a white, English South African whose parents still live there, and who has traveled all over the world. So it really depends on where you’re going. NOOO! U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, +(27)(11) 290-3000 (from South Africa 011-290-3000), +(27) 702-7300 / 021-702-7411(from within South Africa), +(27)(21) 702-7493 / 021-702-7493 (from within South Africa). Mainly, it can be said that it is a country consisting of two countries. Absolutely untrue. Sounds like a real dream destination to me. As a traveller, the best thing that you can do to prepare yourself for safe travels in South Africa is to 1) do your research (lucky you landed on this post - and also read this South Africa backpacking guide! Communicating with anyone is terrible. Reading all these reviews is quite sad because most of them are just made-up nonsense. Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently. The whole of the general Western Cape region of South Africa is well trodden and received over 3 million visitors in 2019. Because of the current situation in South Africa even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants and should avoid all travel to South Africa. And though usually, the motive of these incidents is theft, rape is sadly not uncommon at all, so female tourists should be particularly cautious. Avoid walking alone, especially after dark. Inside South Africa: Safety and Security - Before you visit South Africa, visit Tripadvisor for the latest info and advice, written for travelers by travelers. https://blog.rhinoafrica.com/2021/02/11/is-south-africa-safe-for-travel-right-now South Africa is a great country, with great people. Still, the riskiest locations where you may encounter petty theft are crowded places such as markets, public transport and bus, and train stations. Avoid visiting informal settlement areas unless you are with someone familiar with the area. By the end of the day today, South Africa will have 300 new cases of aggravated robbery and 47 new … The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for South Africa due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. Caution should also be taken in Johannesburg, both in the city center and in its suburbs, especially at night. Despite the progressive and liberal laws, homosexuality remains culturally unacceptable in some parts of South Africa. its not that safe of a place for women, sexual assault and rape is on the rise. Perhaps this is due in part to the medias portrayal of Cape Town (and South Africa in general) in previous years as a violent and dangerous place – something which has stuck in people’s minds and still makes them question how safe is Cape Town in 2019?. Pickpocketing was once a serious problem in this country, but it has been on a decline during the past couple of years. The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) offers pertinent information on why and how you should prepare for winter driving How to ensure you and your car are safe on … When I traveled to this country 2 years ago, well, it was horrid. Some cities you’ll feel watched, others you’ll feel like a local. South Africa’s population is a unique mix of Africa, Europe, and Asia. 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