Canada warns its citizens about travelling to South Africa — Here’s why
From airports to hotels: Canada flags widespread crime risks across South Africa.
Image: Freepik
The Government of Canada has issued an extensive travel advisory urging its citizens to exercise heightened caution when travelling to South Africa, warning of widespread violent crime, kidnapping risks and threats to travellers in urban centres, on roads and near airports.
In its advisory, Canada cautioned that violent crime is prevalent across the country and has affected foreign nationals. It warned travellers that armed robberies, carjackings, home invasions and assaults occur frequently, particularly after dark.
"Exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa due to the significant level of serious crime. Violent crimes occur frequently throughout the country and have involved foreigners," it said.
The advisory highlights that crime levels rise sharply at night in major cities and townships, advising travellers to avoid city centres after dark and to take extensive personal security precautions during their stay.
"Crime significantly increases after dark in major city centres and townships. Avoid city centres after dark."
Canada also warned that kidnapping for ransom and so-called 'express kidnappings' are an ongoing threat, with criminals targeting both locals and foreign nationals, sometimes through online dating platforms.
"Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently and foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the past.”
Road travel was identified as a particular risk, with the advisory noting that hijackings and armed robberies are common, especially at traffic lights, stop signs and highway off-ramps.
Criminals are known to use tactics such as scattering nails, throwing stones at vehicles or impersonating police officers to force motorists to stop. "Carjackings and armed robberies are common, especially after dark."
Airports and routes leading to them were also flagged as high-risk areas, with reports of passengers being followed from arrival terminals and robbed en route to their destinations.
Specific warnings were issued about secondary roads near Cape Town International Airport.
"Passengers have been followed upon arrival at airports and then robbed either on their way to or once they arrived at their final destination," said the Canadian government.
The advisory further warned of theft from hotels and guest houses, urging travellers to verify security arrangements before booking accommodation and to remain cautious even when inside their rooms.
"Theft from hotel rooms and guest houses is common."
Canada's guidance includes detailed behavioural advice for travellers, such as avoiding unnecessary travel after dark, not resisting attackers, keeping valuables out of sight, using reputable transport providers and remaining alert to possible police impersonation at illegal roadblocks.
The advisory also raised concerns about the safety of women travelling alone and noted that violent crimes targeting women, including rape and murder, occur across South Africa, particularly in urban areas.
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