It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check your cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

The US Government has issued a security alert on 26 October saying ‘The U.S. government has received information that terrorists may be planning to conduct an attack targeting large gatherings of people at an unspecified location in the greater Sandton area of Johannesburg, South Africa, on 29 October 2022. There is no further information regarding the timing, method, or target of the potential attack. The U.S. Embassy has advised staff to avoid crowds of people and other large public gatherings in the greater Sandton area of Johannesburg during the weekend of 29-30 October 2022’.

You should stay away from crowds of people and other large public gatherings in the greater Sandton area of Johannesburg during the weekend of 29-30 October 2022.

There are regular protest marches, demonstrations, and periodic incidents of public disorder across South Africa, which can become violent. See Protests and demonstrations

Over 430,000 British tourists visited South Africa in 2019. Most visits are trouble-free, but a small number of British people encounter problems. You should take sensible precautions to protect your safety.

South Africa has a high rate of crime including carjacking, house robberies, rape and murder. The risk of violent crime to visitors travelling to the main tourist destinations is generally low, but all visitors should remain vigilant. Most violent crimes tend to occur in townships and isolated areas. However, armed robberies and violent crime have taken place in other places, including popular tourist spots such as Table Mountain and the surrounding area of Numbi gate, outside Kruger National Park. Crime can also take place in and around transport hubs, including airports. See Crime and Airports sections.

There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children under the age of 18. See Travelling with children

Beach conditions and local safety provisions vary considerably throughout the South African coastline and every year several people drown due to the strong sea currents. See Water safety

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in South Africa. See Terrorism

British nationals are increasingly being targeted by scam artists. See Fraud and scams

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.