Canada has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting South Africa, citing persistent violent crime and personal safety risks.
- The advisory highlights threats including violent and petty crime, road crime, and airport-related theft.
- Canada has issued a travel advisory urging caution when visiting South Africa due to violent crime risks.
- Other nations, like the U.S. and China, have also issued similar advisories concerning security in South Africa.
- This mounting concern underscores the challenges South Africa faces in addressing security to attract tourism and investment.
Canada’s travel advisory, published earlier this month, warned that violent crime is widespread in South Africa and continues to affect foreign visitors.
The notice cited incidents ranging from armed robberies and home invasions to carjackings and assaults, with particular attention to major urban centres.
The warning singled out Cape Town International Airport and surrounding areas as high-risk, urging travelers to use the M3 and N2 highways while avoiding the R300.
Officials recommended staying on the N2’s Airport Approach Road instead of taking Borcherds Quarry Road, which passes through Nyanga, a township known for higher crime rates.
Hotel and Guesthouse Theft
Hotel and guesthouse theft remains a persistent concern. Visitors were advised to verify security measures before booking and to avoid leaving valuables unattended in rooms.
Canada emphasized that travelers confronted by criminals should comply immediately and avoid resistance, cautioning that attempts to fight back can escalate violence. Limiting movement after dark and avoiding isolated areas and townships were also recommended.
Travellers were urged to stay in accommodation with adequate security, keep doors and windows locked, and conceal valuables. The advisory advised against displaying jewellery or electronic devices that could attract attention.
Petty Crime in Public Spaces
High levels of petty crime were noted in crowded markets, transport hubs, and tourist areas. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are frequent, and visitors were advised to keep passports and important documents secure and remain vigilant when using ATMs or moving between banks.
Airport-Related Risks
Airport-related crime featured prominently in the Canadian advisory. Some passengers have reportedly been followed from airports and robbed en route or shortly after arrival. Officials encouraged vigilance during airport transfers and avoidance of predictable travel patterns.
While acknowledging that South African authorities have disrupted planned attacks, Canada stressed the importance of remaining alert in public spaces and monitoring local security developments.
U.S. and China Issue Similar Warnings
Canada’s warning aligns with advisories from the United States and China earlier this year. In June, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory, highlighting risks from violent crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Downtown areas of major cities remain particularly dangerous after dark, the advisory said.
Kidnapping risks were emphasized, with foreign nationals targeted for cash or online banking information. While ransom kidnappings are less frequent, authorities noted an upward trend.
China raised similar concerns in May after reporting a spike in violent crimes against its nationals, including multiple kidnappings and a fatal home invasion over a single weekend. Chinese officials urged citizens to heighten security awareness and prioritize safe residential and work locations with strong security infrastructure.
Growing International Concern
The surge in warnings from major economies underscores international concern over South Africa’s security challenges, even as the country works to revive tourism and attract foreign investment.
