South Africa travel advice

There have been incidents involving foreigners being followed from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to their destinations by car and then robbed, often at gunpoint. Be vigilant in and around the airport and when driving away.

There is a very high level of crime, but the most violent crimes occur in townships and isolated areas away from the normal tourist destinations.

There have been incidents of looting and violence aimed at shops in the outskirts of Johannesburg and Pretoria. Monitor local media and take extra care in these areas.

With effect from 1 June 2015, parents travelling with children into or out of South Africa may be asked to show the child’s full birth certificate, and where only one parent is accompanying, proof of parental or legal authority to travel with the child.