US State Department Keeps South Africa at Level 2 Travel Advisory
The U.S. Department of State keeps South Africa at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping. 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 from families. There is a risk of terrorist violence. Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently and can start suddenl…
Impact and considerations
South Africa remains at Level 2, with continued crime and kidnapping risks that affect employee safety and property security on business travel. U.S. government restrictions on travel to informal settlements around Cape Town—special authorization, armored vehicles, and limited visiting hours—reflect operational constr…
Key points
- The U.S. Department of State keeps South Africa at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping.
- Violent crime is common, including robbery, rape, carjacking, and mugging, as well as "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles.
- Violent crime is more common in downtown areas of big cities, especially after dark.
- Kidnapping is a threat; kidnappers target U.S. citizens and other foreign travelers to steal money, often forcing victims to withdraw cash or give online account passwords before release, and in rare cases demanding ransom from families.
- There is a risk of terrorist violence in South Africa.
- Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently and can start suddenly, interrupt traffic and other services, or turn violent.
- U.S. government employees in South Africa must obtain special authorization to travel to many informal settlements (townships) in and around Cape Town, must use fully armored vehicles, and visiting hours are limited to 10:00-15:00 on weekdays.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- U.S. Department of State
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 27 May 2025, 08:00
- Page published
- 11 Sept 2026, 00:32
- Last updated
- 27 May 2025, 08:00
- Original links
- US Travel Advisories：South Africa - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 27 May 2025, 08:00