Just in:-Major countries issue travel warnings about South Africa ahead of

Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States are warning citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to South Africa ahead of the busy Easter holiday travel period.

These countries all maintained elevated travel advisories for South Africa in March 2026. They flagged serious concerns around violent crime, kidnapping, scams, unrest, and, in some cases, even the threat of terrorism.

The United States has kept South Africa on a Level 2 advisory, urging travellers to “exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping.”

Its advisory warned that violent crime is common and includes robbery, rape, carjacking and mugging.

It also highlighted the prevalence of “smash-and-grab” attacks on vehicles, particularly in major city centres and downtown areas after dark.

The US also singled out kidnapping as a major concern, noting that “kidnappers target US citizens and other foreign travellers to steal money.”

In some cases, victims are reportedly forced to hand over bank cards, passwords, or withdraw cash before being released.

The warning further pointed to the possibility of terrorist violence. It also cautioned travellers about protests and strikes, which can “start suddenly, interrupt traffic, transportation, and other services, and turn violent.”

The advisory is severe enough that US government employees in South Africa face their own restrictions.

According to the notice, they must receive special authorisation to visit many informal settlements in and around Cape Town, and when they do, they must use “fully armoured vehicles” and can travel only during limited weekday hours.

Canada has taken a similarly cautious stance, advising its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to South Africa.

Its advisory warned that “violent crimes occur frequently throughout the country and have involved foreigners,” it said.

It added that these crimes included armed robberies, burglaries, home invasions, carjackings, assaults, and murders.

It also said that these crimes are more likely to occur in major city centres, townships, and isolated areas, especially after dark.

Warnings come from some of South Africa’s top tourism partners

Canadian authorities also warned that foreigners may be specifically targeted and stressed that the security situation can vary depending on location and time of day.

One of the most specific warnings from Canada relates to Cape Town International Airport and the roads surrounding it.

The advisory noted that “passengers have been followed upon arrival at airports and then robbed either on their way to or once they arrived at their final destination.”

Travellers were advised to use major highways, avoid shortcuts and secondary roads, and travel during daylight hours where possible.

In particular, Canada said those travelling to and from Cape Town International Airport should use the M3 and N2 highways rather than the R300, and avoid Borcherds Quarry Road near Nyanga.

The United Kingdom echoed many of the same concerns about violent crime but also stressed the increased risk of falling victim to fraud and scams.

Its advisory warned travellers to be alert to the risk of scams, including those linked to “business or job opportunities, visa services or offers of romance and friendships, including on dating apps.”

The UK also flagged card skimming, confidence scams, cybercrime, fake visa agents, and criminals posing as officials.“Visa scams come in many forms and can cause great financial loss,” it warned.

These travel warnings come at a time when South Africa continues to attract growing numbers of overseas visitors, especially around major holiday periods like Easter.

According to the Department of Tourism’s latest statistics, South Africa recorded 827,886 international tourist arrivals in April 2025, up 17.9% from the same month in 2024.

The country’s top 10 source markets all recorded growth, with Australia posting the largest increase at 18.4%. The UK remained South Africa’s leading overseas source market, although its growth was a more modest 7.4%.

Canada also climbed to seventh place among South Africa’s top overseas markets, overtaking India, while Brazil replaced Belgium in the top 10.