US State Department Updates South Africa Level 2 Travel Advisory

The U.S. Department of State updated its South Africa travel advisory, keeping it at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. The update reflects information on driving at night and adds the terrorism risk indicator. Violent crime is common, including robbery, rape, carjacking, and mugging, as well as "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles; it is more common in downtown areas of big cities, especially after dark. Kidnapping is a threat, with kidnappers targeting U.S. citizens and other foreign travelers to steal money; captors often force victims to withdraw cash or give online account passwords before release, and in rare cases demand ransom…