Sub Saharan Africa
South Africa
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Still current at: 17 May 2008
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Updated: 22 April 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Local Travel section (Zimbabwe travel advice). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
See entire profile
Travel Summary
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There is a high level of crime, but most occurs in townships and isolated areas away from the normal tourist destinations.
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The standard of driving is variable and there are many fatal accidents.
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More than 460,000 Britons visit South Africa every year (Source: Statistics South Africa). Most visits are trouble- free. The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in South Africa in 2007 were for: replacing lost or stolen passports (over 750 cases); deaths, mainly from natural causes (over 50 cases); and dealing with arrests or detentions, for a variety of offences (17 cases). You should keep photocopies of your passport with you in a separate place to your passport.
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There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
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.
During 2007 and 2008 there have been a number of incidents involving foreigners being followed from OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg totheir 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.
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.
LOCAL TRAVEL
You should be aware that (as of 17 April 2008) we advise against all but essential travel to Zimbabwe. This is due to the continuing tension surrounding the election in Zimbabwe and the deployment of uniformed forces (police and military) and war veterans across Zimbabwe. There continues to be a high level of political tension and uncertainty in Zimbabwe and the current situation is unpredictable, volatile and could deteriorate quickly, without warning.
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 beachfront 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.
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: http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/flywell_en.htm.
Local laws and customs
Drug taking and smuggling is an offence. The punishments can be severe.
Homosexuality is permitted. South Africa has introduced legislation which bans any discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Entry requirements
Visas
British nationals visiting South Africa on holiday for less than 90 days do not require visas. After entry, extensions of stay may be sought from the Department of Home Affairs. If you have overstayed without authority you may be required to pay a fine, either on exit or at the nearest South African mission on your return to the UK (or elsewhere). Re-entry to South Africa will not be permitted until the fine has been paid in full. However, serious overstayers may be arrested on departure and detained before appearing in court. In such cases you may face a very substantial fine and then be deported at your own expense.
Passport validity
Your passports must also be valid for no less than 30 days after the end of your intended visit.
South Africa authorities state that officially only one blank passport page is required for entry. But there have been reports that some South Africa officials insist on two blank pages. We recommend you have two blank pages.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.
Health
Hospital treatment in large cities is good but can be expensive. Medical facilities in rural areas can be basic. In remote areas, air evacuation is sometimes the only option for medical emergencies.
South Africa and the sub-Saharan region of Africa have a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. South Africa actively promotes an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign, but given the high levels of HIV/AIDS, you should seek immediate medical advice if you are sexually assaulted or otherwise injured.
Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis is present in all parts of South Africa.
Malaria is prevalent in parts of Mpumalanga, Limpopo province and KwaZulu Natal (particularly the Wetlands area around St Lucia). Before travelling to these areas, including Kruger Park, you should seek medical advice on suitable anti-malarial medication and take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
There are periodic outbreaks of cholera in the poor communities of rural South Africa, especially in Northern KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo provinces. Cholera is a highly contagious disease. You are advised to maintain a high level of personal hygiene and drink only bottled water if travelling in these areas.
Measles outbreaks occur from time to time in Kwa Zulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces.
Rabies is endemic in most African countries. All travellers who have possibly been exposed to the rabies virus, whether by bites, scratches or other exposure, should seek medical advice without delay (even if pre-exposure vaccine was received).
You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you with advice on the vaccination requirements for South Africa.
For further information on endemic diseases, like malaria, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements for South Africa you should check the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel.
General
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling, including cover for medical evacuation. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake, especially extreme adventure sports or wildlife activities. Remember that failure to declare a medical condition could render a policy invalid.
Money
There is a high incidence of credit card fraud and fraud involving ATMs. Users of ATMs should be vigilant to ensure their PIN number is not observed by others when withdrawing money. Offers of assistance from bystanders should be refused. Do not change large sums of money in busy public areas.
Closely protect any documents containing details of credit card, PIN numbers and bank accounts.
CONTACT DETAILS
British High Commission, Pretoria
Consular Section,
Liberty Life Place,
Block B,
256 Glyn Street,
Hatfield,
Pretoria 0083
Postal Address:
PO Box 13611 or 13612,
Hatfield, 0028
Telephone enquiries:
(Local time):
Mon-Thur: 07:45-15:45;
Fri: 07:45-13:00;
(GMT):
Mon-Thur: 05:45-13:45;
Fri: 05:45-11:00.
Visa Section:
Tel: 012 421 7082;
Fax: 012 421 7888;
E-mail: Visa Enquiries
Opening hours:
(Local):
Mon-Thur: 07:45-12:00;
Fri: 07:45-11:00;
(GMT):
Mon-Thur: 05:45-10:00;
Fri: 05:45-09:00
Passport Section:
Enquiries:
Tel: 012 421 7801;
Fax: 012 421 7877;
E-mail: Passport Enquiries
Website: http://www.britain.org.za/
Opening hours (Local): Submission only:
There is a high incidence of credit card fraud and fraud involving ATMs. Users of ATMs should be vigilant to ensure their PIN number is not observed by others when withdrawing money. Offers of assistance from bystanders should be refused. Do not change large sums of money in busy public areas.
Closely protect any documents containing details of credit card, PIN numbers and bank accounts.
CONTACT DETAILS
British High Commission, Pretoria
Consular Section,
Liberty Life Place,
Block B,
256 Glyn Street,
Hatfield,
Pretoria 0083
Postal Address:
PO Box 13611 or 13612,
Hatfield, 0028
Telephone enquiries:
(Local time):
Mon-Thur: 07:45-15:45;
Fri: 07:45-13:00;
(GMT):
Mon-Thur: 05:45-13:45;
Fri: 05:45-11:00.
Visa Section:
Tel: 012 421 7082;
Fax: 012 421 7888;
E-mail: Visa Enquiries
Opening hours:
(Local):
Mon-Thur: 07:45-12:00;
Fri: 07:45-11:00;
(GMT):
Mon-Thur: 05:45-10:00;
Fri: 05:45-09:00
Passport Section:
Enquiries:
Tel: 012 421 7801;
Fax: 012 421 7877;
E-mail: Passport Enquiries
Website: http://www.britain.org.za/
Opening hours (Local): Submission only:
Mon-Thurs: 08:00-12:00
Fri: 08:00-10:30
Collection only:
Mon-Thurs: 13:00-15:00
Fri: 11:00-13:00
We reserve the right to close the waiting room earlier during busy periods for safety reasons and to enable us to process applications on the day.
British Consulate-General, Capetown
15th Floor,
Southern Life Centre,
Riebeck Street,
Cape Town 8001
Postal Address:
British Consulate-General,
PO Box 500,
Cape Town 8000
Office Hours:
(Local):
Mon-Thur: 08:00-12:30 and 13:15-16:30;
Fri: 08:00-13:30;
(GMT):
Mon-Thur: 06:00-10:30 and 11:15-14:30;
Fri: 06:00-11:30.
Consular/Passport Enquiries:
Tel (Switchboard): 021 405 2400;
Fax (Consular): 021 405 2449;
E-mail: Consular/Passport Enquiries
Visa/Passport Section:
Opening hours:
(Local):
Mon-Thur: 09:00-15:00;
Fri: 09:00-12:30;
(GMT):
Mon-Thur: 07:00-13:00;
Fri: 07:00-10:30.
Please note that only emergency passports can be issued in Cape Town. All other passport enquiries should be directed to Consular Section of the British High Commission in Pretoria.
We reserve the right to close the waiting room earlier during busy periods for safety reasons and to enable us to process applications on the day.
British Consulate-General, Capetown
15th Floor,
Southern Life Centre,
Riebeck Street,
Cape Town 8001
Postal Address:
British Consulate-General,
PO Box 500,
Cape Town 8000
Office Hours:
(Local):
Mon-Thur: 08:00-12:30 and 13:15-16:30;
Fri: 08:00-13:30;
(GMT):
Mon-Thur: 06:00-10:30 and 11:15-14:30;
Fri: 06:00-11:30.
Consular/Passport Enquiries:
Tel (Switchboard): 021 405 2400;
Fax (Consular): 021 405 2449;
E-mail: Consular/Passport Enquiries
Visa/Passport Section:
Opening hours:
(Local):
Mon-Thur: 09:00-15:00;
Fri: 09:00-12:30;
(GMT):
Mon-Thur: 07:00-13:00;
Fri: 07:00-10:30.
Please note that only emergency passports can be issued in Cape Town. All other passport enquiries should be directed to Consular Section of the British High Commission in Pretoria.
Travel advice for this country
See entire profile