Sub Saharan Africa

Terrorism

 

There is an underlying threat from terrorism.  Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

 

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
 

Crime

 

South Africa has a very high level of crime, including rape and murder.  However, most cases occur in the townships and in areas away from the main tourist destinations.  The South African authorities give high priority to protecting tourists.  Tourism police are deployed in several of the large towns.  For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.

 

During 2007 and 2008 there were a number of incidents involving foreigners being followed from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to their destinations by car and then robbed, often at gunpoint. We recommend you exercise particular caution in and around the airport and extra vigilance when driving away.

 

The risk to visitors travelling to the main tourist destinations is low.  But if you are mugged or your car is hijacked you should remain calm, offer no resistance and hand over possessions without question.  Avoid eye contact.  Consult a reliable tour guide if you are visiting a township.

 

South Africa actively promotes an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign.  But given the high level of HIV/AIDS in the country, you should seek immediate medical advice if you are sexually assaulted or otherwise injured.

 

As elsewhere, thieves like to operate at international airports, bus and railway stations.  Keep your baggage with you at all times.  Due to pilfering of luggage at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, it is recommended that where possible, and where local regulations permit, hold luggage is vacuum wrapped.

 

Passport theft is common.  It is usually opportunist and non-violent (and increasingly occurs at airports on arrival or departure), although some passports are taken during muggings.  You should carry photocopies of your passport with you.

Keep large amounts of money, expensive jewellery, cameras and cell phones out of sight.  Do not change large sums of money in busy public areas.

 

Do not give personal or financial account information details to unknown parties.  There are international fraud rings operating in South Africa, as there are in other parts of the world, who may target visitors, foreign businessmen and charities. 

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

 

Political Situation

South Africa Country Profile

 

Local Travel

Zimbabwe

We advise against all travel to high density, low-income suburban areas at any time; and all but essential travel to rural Mashonaland, rural Manicaland and farming areas.  There have been a number of serious incidents in rural areas and it is dangerous for farmers or agricultural workers to visit former properties or other agricultural areas.

South Africa

In mid May 2008 there was a spate of violent attacks in townships within Gauteng Province. Foreign immigrants from Zimbabwe and other neighbouring states were targeted.  Though these attacks have ceased, you should avoid townships in Gauteng Province. You should check this advice regularly for updates.

Johannesburg, like other major international cities, has specific risk areas.  You should avoid Berea and Hillbrow.  There is a high level of muggings around the Rotunda bus terminus in the Central Business District.

In all areas of South Africa, you should be cautious when out after dark.  Streets, even in urban areas, are not brightly lit at night.  Be vigilant at all times in Durban's city centre and beach front area.  Keep to main roads and avoid driving at night when visiting Northern KwaZulu Natal and Zululand, as there have been incidents of hi-jacking and robbery, particularly on isolated secondary roads.

You should park in well-lit areas.  Do not pick up strangers.  Do not stop to assist (apparently) distressed motorists, as this is a technique sometimes used by hijackers.  It is better to report the incident to the police.

Be vigilant on the approach roads to and from Kruger Park where there have been cases of car hijacking.  The local authorities have increased police patrols in this area.

Avoid isolated beaches and picnic spots across South Africa and stay in company.  Walking alone anywhere, especially in remote areas, is not advised and hikers should stick to popular trails.  Call the police (on 10111 (112 from cell phones)) at the first sign of a threat.

There have been attacks on hikers and tourists on Table Mountain.  Some attacks have been violent.  You should be cautious when in the quieter areas of the Park, especially early in the morning or just before the park closes.  Park authorities, who are attempting to address the problem, recommend that visitors should walk in groups and take all appropriate precautions.

Road Travel

A valid UK driver’s licence is accepted in South Africa for up to 12 months after entry, provided it carries the photograph and signature of the holder.  Old style UK driving licences, without photographs of the holder, may be authenticated by the Consular Section of the British High Commission or the Consulate General in Cape Town.

The standard of driving in South Africa can vary greatly and there are many fatal accidents every year.

Some general advice: on highways it is well worth remembering that overtaking can occur in any lane including, occasionally, the hard shoulder.  On single-lane roads the hard shoulder is also sometimes used by trucks and slower moving vehicles to allow faster moving vehicles to overtake – it is regarded as a courtesy to acknowledge this, usually with a brief flash of hazard warning lights.  Four-way-stops are commonly found at the quieter intersections – the first vehicle to arrive has priority.  On roundabouts, give way to the right, although this is often overlooked and it is wise to proceed with caution.

Road standards are mostly very good, but some roads in the more remote areas are less well maintained and potholes may be encountered.  It is strongly recommended that you drive cautiously at all times and adhere to speed limits.  You should avoid unfamiliar rural areas at night.  Thieves have been known to employ various methods to make a vehicle stop, enabling them to rob the occupants.  One such method is the placing of large stones in the middle of the road.  In the circumstances it is prudent to carefully drive around the stones or obstacle, rather than stop the vehicle.

Flash flooding has damaged some roads in the Cape Provinces.  Seek local advice on which routes are best avoided.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

For more general information see Airline Security.