Another important country issues a warning to its citizens travelling to South Africa
Canada has issued a warning to its citizens travelling to South Africa, adding to growing concern among foreign governments about violent crime and personal safety in the country.
In an advisory published on 4 December, the Canadian government urged travellers to exercise a high degree of caution, warning of serious risks including violent crime, kidnapping, hijackings, assault, and even terrorism.
The notice stressed that violent crime occurs frequently across South Africa and has affected foreign visitors directly, with incidents ranging from armed robberies and home invasions to carjackings, sexual assaults, and murders.
Canadian authorities advised that anyone confronted by criminals should comply immediately, avoid making sudden movements, and not resist or antagonise attackers.
Visitors are also warned not to make eye contact with assailants, and to be especially cautious after dark, when crime spikes in major city centres and townships.
Travellers are encouraged to stay only in accommodation with adequate security, keep doors and windows locked, and ensure valuables are hidden at all times.
The guidance also suggested avoiding isolated areas and townships altogether and emphasised repeatedly that resisting an attack can escalate the danger.
The advisory also highlighted the prevalence of petty crime, particularly in crowded public spaces such as markets and popular tourist areas.
It warned that pickpocketing and purse snatching are frequent, and travellers are urged to keep passports and important documents securely stored.
It added that Canadians should avoid displaying jewellery or electronic devices, and stay vigilant when withdrawing money from ATMs or moving between banks.
The notice warned against leaving bags unattended in public places and points out that theft is common even inside restaurants and bars.
A significant portion of the warning also focused on crime linked to South Africa’s airports. According to Canada, passengers have been followed from airports and robbed en route or shortly after arriving at their destination.
Not the only country to issue warnings
There are also ongoing reports of theft from checked luggage. Travellers are urged to plan airport trips during daylight hours, stick to highways and main roads, and pre-plan their route with trusted local guidance.
The warning is especially specific regarding Cape Town International Airport, noting that areas around the airport can be dangerous.
It advised travellers to use the M3 and N2 highways, avoid the R300, and stay on the N2’s Airport Approach Road rather than taking Borcherds Quarry Road, which passes through Nyanga.
Hotel and guesthouse theft is also highlighted as a persistent problem. Visitors are encouraged to check the security measures of any accommodation before booking and to avoid leaving valuables unattended in rooms.
Keeping doors and windows locked is essential, and guests are urged not to open doors without verifying the identity of anyone claiming to be staff.
Canada also raised a formal warning about the threat of terrorism in South Africa, stating that attacks could occur without warning and may target public places frequented by foreigners.
Possible targets range from government buildings and places of worship to transport hubs, restaurants, shopping centres, cultural venues, and tourist attractions.
While South African authorities have successfully disrupted planned attacks in the past, Canadian officials stressed the importance of remaining alert in public spaces.
This latest alert follows similar warnings issued earlier in the year by the United States and China.
In June, the US issued a Level 2 travel advisory telling Americans to exercise increased caution due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
The US government highlighted that violent crime—including robbery, rape, carjacking, and mugging—remains common, particularly in the downtown areas of major cities after dark.
The advisory also underlined kidnapping risks, noting that foreign travellers have been targeted, sometimes forced to withdraw cash or surrender online banking passwords.
While ransom kidnappings remain less frequent, they have become a growing concern.
China also raised an alarm in May after noticing a spike in violent crimes against its nationals living in South Africa.
The Chinese Embassy reported multiple kidnappings and a fatal home invasion over a single weekend, and urged Chinese citizens to heighten security awareness immediately.
It advised its community to avoid high-risk areas, choose safe residential and work locations carefully, and prioritise areas with strong security infrastructure.
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