South Africa and More: Tourists Urged to Stay Cautious Amid Rising Crime Rates

① South Africa’s Security Situation

The security situation in the Republic of South Africa has resurfaced with the Foreign Ministry’s decision to label the country as highly cautious. On November 24, 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a special travel advisory for 11 countries, including South Africa. They emphasized caution with a “Safety Notice for the Year-End Holiday Season.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “We anticipate an increase in crimes such as home invasion robberies, car theft, street robberies, smash-and-grab crimes, and mugging ahead of the holiday season.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also clarified that tourists can be misled into thinking Cape Town is safe and peaceful, but it is not. Crimes frequently occur even in Cape Town, a popular tourist destination in South Africa. They especially advised people to limit their activities to places with security guards when visiting shopping malls.

The rate of robbery and murder in South Africa is significantly higher compared to Korea.

Last year, from January to September, there were 196,569 cases of crimes that resulted in casualties in South Africa. Among these, robberies accounted for 51,318 cases, indicating an average of more than 5,700 cases per month. Murders totaled 6,945 cases, an increase of about 20% compared to three years ago. Over time, the security situation in South Africa is getting worse.

South Africa is notoriously known for its poor security. With the highest murder rate among African countries, serious crimes do not stop. Even in broad daylight, gun murders happen, questioning the security in major cities. The situation is even worse in rural areas.

② Daily Crime Incidents Continue Unabated

Crime against tourists is not uncommon. Many tourists have fallen victim to crime in parts of Cape Town, and Korea is no exception.

On December 24 last year, a Korean tourist traveling in Cape Town, South Africa, was attacked by an armed robber. The Korean tourist encountered a pickpocket on his way back to the hotel. The robber tore the tourist’s clothes with a knife and stole the cell phone from his pocket.

When the Korean tourist tried to resist, he was stabbed multiple times in the head and arm. He fell, bleeding, and was taken to the emergency room with the help of bystanders.

The Korean tourist said, “It happened so quickly that I didn’t even realize I was hurt, but thinking about it now, it’s traumatizing.” He added, “I’ve heard about many robbers targeting tourists, but I never thought I would become a victim.”

In South Africa, not only tourists but also locals become victims of robbery. In November last year, the Minister of Transport in South Africa was attacked by a robber in the middle of a highway. While driving on a main road in southern Johannesburg, he had to pull over due to a flat tire.

When the bodyguards tried to switch the flat tire, three armed thugs appeared with guns. They stole two guns from the bodyguards and robbed the Minister of Transport of about $13 in cash, a cell phone, and a laptop before running away. The fact that a crime happened even under the protection of bodyguards caused shock worldwide.

In South Africa, crime has increased with the rise in foreign tourists after COVID-19. In South Africa, it is important to stay alert. Avoid using cell phones while walking and going to sparsely populated places. Crime can occur even in crowded tourist spots, so it’s best to avoid traveling there.

③ Countries Under Special Travel Advisory

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a Special Travel Advisory for 11 countries. The only Asian country is China, specifically the regions of Tibet and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. In Latin America, the advisory covers the entire Michoacán and Tamaulipas areas in Mexico and El Salvador. All regions of Peru, excluding yellow and red designated areas, are included. In Bangladesh, all areas, excluding red alert designated areas, are applicable.

Among African countries, all areas of South Africa, Lesotho, and Botswana are included, as well as all areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo, excluding red alert designated areas. In Russia, areas excluding travel advisory and travel ban areas are included, and in Turkey, Kahramanmaraş, Malatya, Adıyaman, Osmaniye, and Adana are applicable.

The behavior guidelines for countries under Special Travel Advisory are between Level 2 Travel Caution and Level 3 Travel Advisory. It is valid for up to 90 days from the issuance date and is issued monthly. Even if a Special Travel Advisory has not been issued, it does not mean the place is safe. Before planning an overseas trip, it is necessary to check the country’s situation through step-by-step travel advisories.