The United States has warned its citizens to exercise extreme caution when travelling to South Africa due to violent crime, kidnappings, and terrorist attacks.

The United States’ Department of State issued this warning in a South African travel advisory on 27 May 2025. Its purpose is to protect the lives and serve the interests of U.S. citizens abroad.

The level 2 travel alert informed Americans to exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.

“Violent crime is common and includes robbery, rape, carjacking and mugging. There are also “smash-and-grab” attacks on vehicles,” it said.

It explained that violent crime is more common in the downtown areas of big cities, especially after dark.

It added that kidnapping is a threat in South Africa. “Kidnappers target U.S. citizens and other foreign travellers to steal money,” it said.

“Captors often force victims to withdraw cash or give online account passwords before they are let go. Though rare, some kidnappings involve demanding ransom from families.”

The Department of State further warned that there is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity, in South Africa.

Another concern is demonstrations, protests, and strikes, which the travel advisory said occur frequently.

“These protests can start suddenly, interrupt traffic, transportation, and other services, and turn violent,” it said.

Due to these risks, U.S. government employees working in South Africa must obtain special authorisation to travel to many informal settlements in and around Cape Town.

“U.S. mission staff must use fully armoured vehicles when visiting and visiting hours are limited to 10:00 -15:00 weekdays only,” it said.

It added that Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban are critical-threat locations for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

It has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for South Africa, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and organized crime present in the country.

The U.S. Department of State added that South Africa’s law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.

The U.S. Department of State’s advice to its citizens

The U.S. Department of State said violent crime remains an ever-present threat in South Africa and impacts people where they live, work, shop, and while in transit.

Common crimes include murder, rape, armed robbery, carjacking, home invasion, property theft, smash and grab, and ATM robbery.

Armed robbery is the most prevalent major crime in South Africa, most often involving organised gangs armed with handguns and knives.

It added that smash and grabs, carjackings, financial and identity theft crimes, kidnappings, and terrorism also pose a threat to travellers.

The U.S. Department of State told its citizens who decide to travel to South Africa to exercise caution, which include:

Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.

Avoid demonstrations and crowds.

Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.

Drive with doors locked and windows closed.

Follow local authority instructions.

Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.

Avoid visiting informal settlements (townships) unless you are with someone familiar with the area.

Avoid driving outside of metropolitan areas at night, due to road hazards such as animals, broken down vehicles, and the potential to become a victim of crime.

Stay aware of your surroundings.

Stay alert in tourist spots.

Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.

Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to South Africa.

It further advised citizens to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrolment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy.

United States Department of State South Africa Travel Advisory. (Business Tech)