The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advisory for British nationals in South Africa, urging heightened vigilance against fraud and crime. The revised guidance comes as the destination remains popular, with around 400,000 UK visitors in 2025.
The FCDO warns of widespread scams, including bogus business opportunities, visa services, and romance or friendship offers on dating apps. It advises against meeting or sending money to strangers and notes a rise in cybercrime, card skimming, and confidence tricks.
Terrorist risk is also highlighted, with potential lone attacks in public areas. Travellers are told to stay aware, follow local media, and heed local authorities. Additionally, female visitors, particularly those alone, face elevated risks of sexual harassment and assault, especially at night.
The advice specifically cautions against using dating apps due to robberies and sexual assaults, recommending meetings in well-lit public places and informing friends or family. It also warns about drink spiking, which has led to robbery and assault for both men and women, urging immediate medical help and police contact.
Motorists are warned of carjackings, window smashing, and forced stops via spikes or stones. For national parks like Table Mountain, travellers should stick to marked trails and avoid secluded areas.
