Africa · Updated
As of September 2026, South Africa scores 34/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index — verdict: caution advised. The U.S. State Department rates South Africa Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Of the 14 South Africa destinations assessed, Knysna scores highest (56/100), while Cape Town scores lowest (31/100).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
South Africa · Assessed 1 August 2026
34
/ 100
Safer than ~19% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Exercise Increased Caution
“Updated to reflect information on driving at night and addition of the terrorism risk indicator.  Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Advisory summary: Violent crime is common and includes robbery, rape, carjacking and mugging.”
Updated Tue, 27 May 2025
Full advisory →No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-07-21T14:07:51Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for South Africa: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging and armed robbery occur mainly in townships and poorly lit city centres; tourist districts have low rates when visitors stay in secure areas.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag‑snatching are common in crowded markets, transport hubs, and popular attractions; vigilance in these spots is essential.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
64/100
Recent traveller reports indicate visitors generally feel safe in curated tourist zones but express concern about street crime and occasional scams.
Yes — South Africa can be safe for visitors who stay alert and avoid high‑risk areas.
Crime remains the dominant safety concern, with violent offenses concentrated in specific townships and city districts; most tourist‑focused neighborhoods in Cape Town and Johannesburg are well‑policed and have low incident rates for visitors who follow local precautions.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
South Africa remains a destination where safety hinges on where you stay and how you move. The composite safety index of 30 reflects a high homicide rate and elevated crime perception, yet violent incidents targeting tourists are relatively rare when you keep to well‑policed tourist zones such as Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay and the City Bowl, or Johannesburg’s Sandton and Rosebank. Recent news from June and July 2026 shows isolated robberies in city centres and a protest‑related disturbance in Soweto that did not affect visitors, underscoring the importance of staying within monitored areas.
The dossier highlights that pickpocketing and bag‑snatching are moderate risks in crowded places like markets and transport hubs, while muggings and armed robbery are more likely in poorly lit townships or deserted streets after dark. Scams such as fake police extortion and overcharged metered taxis have been reported in the past month, particularly near the V&A Waterfront; using reputable ride‑hailing apps and keeping identification copies handy can mitigate these threats.
To travel safely, stick to tourist‑friendly neighborhoods, avoid walking alone at night, and use trusted transportation services. Carry only a photocopy of your passport, keep valuables out of sight, and remain vigilant in busy areas. By following these practical steps and respecting local advisories, you can enjoy South Africa’s natural beauty and vibrant culture while minimizing personal safety risks.
06 · Destinations
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07 · Questions
The U.S. State Department currently rates South Africa Level 2 of 4 — Exercise Increased Caution. On our composite index South Africa scores 34/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 5 September 2026.)
Of the destinations we've assessed, Knysna currently scores highest at 56/100 (Moderate). Cape Town scores lowest at 31/100.
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.
