ContinuedRecent heavy rain is forecast for parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gautengwidespread overflooding thehas comingaffected days.seven Doprovinces. Check not take unnecessary risks and check your route for disruption before making your journey.journey Partsand ofif Krugeryou Nationalare Parkin arean affected andarea expectingdo heavynot rainfalltake fromunnecessary 13th-17th February 2023. This has led to some closures of roads and camp sites. See South African National Parks website here for updates.risks.

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

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

Over 430,000280,000 British tourists visited South Africa in 2019.2022. 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 petty theft, 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, central business districts (particularly after dark) 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 shopping malls and transport hubs, including airports. See Crime and Airports sections.

South Africa experiences regular planned power outages known as “load-shedding.” See Critical Infrastructure for details of sensible precautious you should be taking.

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 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.

Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest other things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.