Is It Safe For Americans To Travel To South Africa?

South Africa has a high level of crime, ranging from petty pickpocketing to more violent crimes and home invasions. The country’s primary security threat to travelers is crime, which includes rape and murder. The crime rate is high, with incidents including petty theft, armed robberies, and carjacking being common. Protests and political demonstrations can also become a significant security threat.

Passport validity is required 30 days beyond the intended date of exit from South Africa. U.S. citizens visiting the Republic of South Africa for tourism purposes do not need a visa for stays shorter than 90 days. The South African Government has recently informed several airlines that they will no longer accept the negative PCR test result.

To stay healthy and safe during your trip, it is important to learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in South Africa, so your behaviors are important. Eat and drink safely while traveling.

US citizens, regardless of vaccination status, can enter South Africa without showing proof of vaccination. The US CDC travel advisory rates South Africa at Level 2: Moderate level of Covid-19 in South.

BIPOC travelers are safer when traveling in groups and in populated, tourist-friendly areas versus remote or crime-laden neighborhoods. Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime and civil unrest. The short answer is that South Africa is generally safe for tourists, but it is also unsafe by American standards and considerably more dangerous than several Latin American countries.

Is Johannesburg safe for white tourists?

Johannesburg is generally safe for whites, but if they travel in groups and keep their valuables hidden, they may be fine if they keep them out of sight.

How safe is South Africa for American tourists?

South Africa is generally considered safe for tourists, with areas like Cape Town’s city centre, inner suburbs, Cape Winelands, Garden Route, and safari destinations being among the safest in the country. However, the Foreign Office warns of a high crime rate, with most violent crime occurring in townships on the outskirts of major cities or isolated areas. The threat is higher in central business districts of major cities and increases after dark.

Tourists should avoid walking at night, take Uber instead, and avoid flashing valuables. When driving, avoid leaving anything in your car, as break-ins are common, especially in parking areas for Cape Town’s hiking trails. Lock your car securely, keep windows rolled up and doors locked, and stow bags and phones out of sight to avoid a “smash and grab”. Be aware of other drivers, especially on highways, as road safety is poor and people often drink and drive.

Is Cape Town safe for Americans?

Walking around Downtown Cape Town during the day is generally safe, especially in touristy areas like Bo-Kaap, V and A Waterfront, Kloof Street, and Long Street. Neighborhoods like Camps Bay and Clifton are also safe. However, walking around at night is advised, even in a group, unless with a trusted local, as most crime occurs after dark. Even in touristy areas, it is advisable to avoid walking around at night to avoid potential danger.

Should US citizens travel to South Africa?

South Africa is known for its high level of crime, with violent crimes such as rape and murder frequently involving foreigners. Other common threats include muggings, armed assaults, theft, carjackings, robbery, and assault. Armed robberies at shopping malls are also common. To minimize personal assault risks, tourists should comply immediately, avoid sudden movements, resist or antagonize assailants, and avoid eye contact with the assailant.

What is the safest city in South Africa?

Cape Town, George, Paarl, Kimberley, Upington, Gqeberha, and Bloemfontein are the seven most dangerous cities in South Africa. These cities are located in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and Free State. The most dangerous cities are Cape Town, George, Paarl, Kimberley, Upington, Gqeberha, and Bloemfontein. South Africa is known for its natural beauty, friendly people, and great exchange rate.

Which is safer Cape Town or Johannesburg?

Cape Town offers a safer holiday destination than Johannesburg due to increased crime, while Sandton is a safer suburb to stay in during a visit to Johannesburg.

Do US citizens need yellow fever vaccine for South Africa?

South Africa mandates travelers aged ≥1 year to have a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) confirming vaccination at least 10 days before arrival. This is for travelers traveling from or transiting through a country with risk for yellow fever virus transmission. A one-time dose of the vaccine is considered valid for life in South Africa. Travelers not meeting this requirement may be refused entry or quarantined for ≤6 days.

Unvaccinated travelers with a medical waiver are generally allowed entry. For the latest information, travelers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website, US embassy and consulate websites, and South Africa’s embassy in Washington, DC.

Is South Africa friendly with the US?

South Africa is a key strategic partner of the United States, fostering robust collaborations in health, education, environment, and digital economy.

Is it safe to walk around Cape Town?

Cape Town’s city suburbs and business districts offer a higher security presence, making them safe for tourists. However, locals may target tourists for muggings and theft, especially in public areas and popular sightseeing destinations. To maintain safety, tourists should maintain awareness and follow regular personal security protocols. Walking at night is only advisable in resorts or tourist-filled areas, and grouping is recommended for outdoor activities.

The city is generally safe during the day, but Uber is recommended at night. Travelers should be aware, avoid carrying large sums of cash, and trust their instincts. As Natalie C., Remote Year City Manager, Cape Town, advises, “It’s safe to walk around the city during the day, but when the sun goes down, be sure to catch an Uber”.

Is South Africa friendly to the US?

Since the abolition of apartheid and the first democratic elections in April 1994, the United States has maintained a bilateral relationship with South Africa. Despite differences in positions, cooperation on key issues such as counter-terrorism, HIV/AIDS, and military relations has been positive. The U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provides assistance to South Africa to help them achieve their developmental goals. Peace Corps volunteers began working in South Africa in 1997.

Harry Schwarz, who served as South African Ambassador to the United States during the transition to representative democracy (1991-1994), has been credited with leading the renewal of relations between the two nations. During his tenure, he negotiated the lifting of US sanctions against South Africa, secured a $600 million aid package from President Bill Clinton, signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1991, and hosted President Mandela’s state visit to the US in October 1994.

During Thabo Mbeki’s presidency (1999-2008), relations were strained due to the ANC’s paranoia around alleged CIA activities and perceived criticism of Mbeki’s AIDS denialism. The Bush administration’s wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and its PEPFAR initiative alienated the South African presidency until Mbeki left government in 2008.

In 2008, the United States officially considered Nelson Mandela a terrorist, but Mandela and other ANC members were removed from a US terrorist watch list.

Is it safe to walk around Cape Town at night?

Cape Town is safe at night, but it is best to walk in resorts or tourist-filled areas. If you need to go out after dark, go in groups. It is generally safe to walk around the city during the day, but Uber is recommended at night. Always be aware, don’t carry large sums of cash, and trust your instincts. The city’s sights and sounds are found in City Bowl and the Atlantic Seaboard, which are located on either side of Table Mountain and are subdivided into areas and neighborhoods. Trust your instincts and be aware of potential dangers.