Major country issues travel warning about South Africa
Australia has warned its citizens travelling to South Africa to exercise a high degree of caution because of the country’s elevated levels of violent crime, with the advisory remaining in effect as of 12 June 2026.
According to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, crime and violence are serious issues across South Africa.
The advisory urges travellers to remain particularly vigilant in major city centres, township areas, and when travelling after dark.
The notice also warned that criminals frequently target tourists. “Criminals target travellers and their bags at airports and on public transport,” the advisory said.
It added that vehicles stopped at intersections or parked in public areas are often targeted in smash-and-grab incidents, armed robberies, and hijackings.
Australian authorities further warned visitors about scams involving individuals posing as law enforcement officials. “Criminals have posed as fake tourist police to extort and rob tourists,” the advisory said.
The warning noted that ATM and credit card fraud are common in South Africa, with criminals often waiting near cash machines to identify and follow people who have withdrawn money.
Travellers are advised to remain aware of their surroundings and withdraw only small amounts of cash where possible. Popular tourist destinations are also referenced in the notice.
Australian authorities warned that opportunistic criminals have targeted visitors travelling to the Kruger National Park, particularly around the Numbi Gate entrance and the Lebombo/Komatipoort border area.
Similar incidents have been reported on routes leading to Pilanesberg National Park and Sun City Resort.
In addition to crime-related concerns, the advisory warns travellers to be aware of wildlife dangers and local regulations.
Visitors are urged to use professional guides, follow park rules and avoid swimming in lakes and rivers because of the risks posed by wildlife and disease.
Australia also highlighted the possibility of protests and public unrest occurring across South Africa.
“Protests and large gatherings can occur anywhere in South Africa at any time,” the advisory stated, urging travellers to avoid demonstrations and areas affected by public gatherings.
National shutdown concerns
The warning advised road users to verify travel routes carefully, noting that there have been instances where GPS navigation systems directed travellers through unsafe areas.
“Before you travel by road, check for any disruption on your route and use major roads where it’s safe to do so,” the advisory said.
Travellers are also advised not to attempt crossing protest-related roadblocks, to prepare for possible disruptions to communication services, and to follow instructions issued by local authorities.
The advisory added that there have been reports of protesters damaging property belonging to bystanders and cautioned against photographing demonstrations.
The travel warning comes as the anti-illegal immigration organisation March and March has confirmed plans to proceed with a nationwide shutdown on 30 June 2026.
The announcement followed an urgent meeting at the Union Buildings in Pretoria in May involving ministers from the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, who met to discuss escalating protests related to illegal immigration.
March and March have staged demonstrations since their formation in early 2025, but tensions have intensified in recent weeks amid clashes linked to the movement’s activities.
Speaking after the meeting, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said the constitutional right to protest must be exercised responsibly.
“As much as South Africans have the right to strike, and their anger and their frustration are highly understood, we support them in that it is a free and safe march,” she said.
Speaking to Newsroom Afrika, Gauteng Community Safety Portfolio Committee chairperson Dr Bandile Masuku said authorities understood public concerns around illegal immigration but warned against any repeat of the widespread disorder seen during the July 2021 unrest.
“We are not ignorant of what the concerns of our citizens are around the issues of illegal immigrants,” Masuku said.
However, he warned that authorities remain concerned about the possibility of looting, violence and economic disruption, and said that during the July unrest “properties were looted, shops were looted, and the economy was almost at a standstill”.
Masuku said his hope was that the upcoming demonstrations would remain peaceful and lawful. “We hope that this particular demonstration would be peaceful and would not be marked with violence or even criminal activity, as it was in the July unrest before,” he said.
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