New Zealand joins Canada, U.S. and UK in warning residents about journey to South Africa forward of Easter holidays

Canada, United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand have once more warned about violent crime and assaults on foreigners in South Africa, after issuing related advisories in December 2025, even because the nation welcomed 10.5 million guests, beating pre-pandemic ranges.

Canada’s advisory, described violent crime as widespread, noting that incidents similar to armed robberies, carjackings, assaults and kidnappings happen steadily throughout the nation.

It added that main metropolis centres, townships and remoted areas are notably affected, particularly after darkish.

The advisory additionally highlighted safety dangers round Cape Town International Airport, the place travellers have reportedly been adopted and robbed after arrival.

“Passengers have been followed upon arrival at airports and then robbed either on their way to or once they arrived at their final destination,” it mentioned.

Travellers had been suggested to make use of main routes such because the M3 and N2 highways and keep away from secondary roads, together with Borcherds Quarry Road close to Nyanga.

In addition to crime, Canada additionally flagged well being considerations, including diphtheria to its advisory and warning of an outbreak in a number of international locations, together with South Africa.

It mentioned the state of affairs has been worsened by low vaccination protection in affected communities and shortages of healthcare employees, medicines and different crucial sources.

The United Kingdom Foreign Office warned of violent crime in South Africa, alongside dangers linked to fraud, cybercrime and environmental circumstances in its updated travel advice.

It cautioned that “heavy rainfall often causes widespread flooding” and famous there’s a year-round threat of disruption, urging travellers to monitor weather conditions, notably in main cities similar to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

“Be alert to the risk of scams, including through business or job opportunities, visa services or offers of romance and friendships,” the UK advisory mentioned.

The United States described crime ranges as “very high” and maintains South Africa at Level 2 in its journey advisory system, urging residents to “exercise increased caution.”

The advisory, final up to date in May 2025, warns of widespread violent crimes together with theft, rape, carjackings, muggings and “smash-and-grab” assaults on autos.

It additionally referenced a planned demonstration close to the U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg, underscoring the danger of public gatherings.

New Zealand equally warned of “a very high level of violent crime,” alongside dangers linked to carjacking, civil unrest and terrorism threats.

It additionally cautioned travellers about frequent energy outages and suggested these visiting or residing in South Africa to keep up complete journey insurance coverage, together with protection for medical evacuation.

This will not be the primary time international locations have raised considerations about security in South Africa.

Late final yr, Business Insider Africa reported that Canada, Australia, the United States and China had all up to date their advisories within the months and weeks main into the Christmas and New Year holidays, cautioning travellers about crime and safety dangers.

Despite this, South Africa welcomed 10.5 million worldwide guests, surpassing pre-pandemic ranges, though it nonetheless trails main African locations similar to Morocco, which recorded about 19.8 million guests, and Egypt, which attracted roughly 19 million vacationers.