New Zealand has joined the chorus of travel warnings to its citizens travelling to South Africa.
The warning comes even as South Africa continues to attract strong international tourism numbers, particularly during busy travel periods such as Easter and Christmas.
According to the Department of Tourism’s latest statistics, the country recorded 827,886 international tourist arrivals in April 2025, up 17.9% from the same month in 2024.
All of South Africa’s top 10 overseas source markets recorded growth, with Australia posting the biggest increase at 18.4%, while the United Kingdom remained the country’s leading overseas source market.
But behind the tourism recovery, foreign governments are continuing to caution travellers about the realities on the ground.
New Zealand currently has South Africa listed under a Level 2 advisory, urging travellers to “exercise increased caution” because of violent crime.
The advisory warned that there are more significant safety or security concerns than you would usually find in New Zealand because of violent crime.
It added that there is a very high level of violent crime in South Africa, particularly in city centres and townships, and at night.
New Zealand’s authorities warn that violent crime in South Africa can include “mugging, murder, sexual assault, carjacking, armed robbery, and kidnapping.”
It also noted that while most visitors have a safe trip, crime remains “a serious risk, especially in city centres and townships.” The advisory also stressed that the danger is significantly greater after dark.
New Zealand warned its travellers that carjacking and vehicle theft are common in South Africa and cautioned them to keep doors locked, windows up, and valuables hidden.
It also warned against stopping for broken-down vehicles, picking up hitchhikers, or blindly following GPS routes into unfamiliar areas.
Travellers are also advised to avoid public transport, monitor local media for unrest, and be prepared for power outages.
New Zealand joins other countries
This warning from New Zealand follows similar warnings from other countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
These countries all maintained elevated travel advisories for South Africa in March 2026. They flagged serious concerns around violent crime, kidnapping, scams, unrest, and, in some cases, even the threat of terrorism.
The United States has kept South Africa on a Level 2 advisory, urging travellers to “exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping.”
Canada has taken a similarly cautious stance, advising its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to South Africa.
Its advisory warned that “violent crimes occur frequently throughout the country and have involved foreigners,” it said.
Canadian authorities also warned that foreigners may be specifically targeted and stressed that the security situation can vary depending on location and time of day.
The United Kingdom echoed many of the same concerns about violent crime but also stressed the increased risk of falling victim to fraud and scams.
Its advisory warned travellers to be alert to the risk of scams, including those linked to “business or job opportunities, visa services or offers of romance and friendships, including on dating apps.”
The UK also flagged card skimming, confidence scams, cybercrime, fake visa agents, and criminals posing as officials.“Visa scams come in many forms and can cause great financial loss,” it warned.
