South Africa: Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution.
Want more than this one check? Get the complete Health & Safety Bundle for South Africa — every health & safety check combined into one PDF, free.
Level 2 of 4 — Exercise Increased Caution. Major tourist areas and safaris are visited safely by millions each year, but South Africa has a notably high crime rate outside those areas — stick to recommended zones, especially after dark.
South Africa: Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution. Major tourist areas and safaris are visited safely by millions each year, but South Africa has a notably high crime rate outside those areas — stick to recommended zones, especially after dark.
Level 2 means there are specific, known risk factors worth extra awareness — most travelers visit safely by following local guidance and common-sense precautions.
This is general orientation based on standing/structural risk factors, not real-time data — conditions (conflict, unrest, natural disasters) can change quickly. Always check your own government's official current travel advisory (e.g. travel.state.gov for US citizens) before you book and again shortly before you fly.
Check your own government's official current travel advisory (e.g. travel.state.gov for US citizens), enroll in a traveler registration program if one exists, and save your embassy or consulate's emergency contact details before you go.
Hospital bills abroad are the single most expensive travel surprise — and exactly the kind of risk pages like this one can't protect you from. For trips to South Africa, a travel medical plan like SafetyWing Nomad Insurance covers new illnesses and injuries, hospital stays, emergency evacuation and lost luggage across 180+ countries, works on a flexible 4-week subscription, and can even be bought after you've already left home.
Check SafetyWing prices →Disclosure: if you buy through this link, TravelSmarter may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It keeps our tools free.