No government advises against travel to Cape Town, but the US State Department says to exercise increased caution in South Africa because of crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warns of an increase in violent crime and targeted attacks to and from Cape Town airport. At Safe to Go, we re-check these government advisories every day.
Canada says to exercise a high degree of caution, and the live panel above shows each government’s current level.
What Official Advisories Say About Cape Town and the Western Cape
The US State Department and the UK FCDO both name Cape Town in their South Africa advice. The US names it for limits on staff visits to townships, and the UK names it for airport road attacks, wildfires, and safe transport options.
The United States government places restrictions on its own personnel visiting informal settlements in and around Cape Town. According to the US Department of State, official staff must obtain special authorization to enter these townships, may visit only between 10:00 and 15:00 on weekdays, and must use fully armored vehicles.
The UK government also singles out Cape Town regarding transportation and environmental threats. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office warns of violent crime and targeted attacks to and from Cape Town airport, including incidents involving visitors driving hired cars. The UK FCDO also says wildfires can happen in Cape Town and Table Mountain National Park during hot and dry weather, and to follow evacuation orders if requested.
- Canadian authorities urge visitors to maintain a high degree of caution throughout the country, as outlined on the Government of Canada advisory page.
How Cape Town Compares With South Africa as a Whole
To understand how the broader destination compares, consult our overview on is South Africa safe? for a comprehensive national baseline. The UK FCDO says most violent crime happens in townships, informal settlements, and other high-density areas, and in some city centres and isolated areas, with a higher threat after dark. The US State Department says violent crime is more common in the downtown areas of big cities, especially after dark.
Major transport hubs present risks across the country, but the tactics can vary by location. The UK FCDO notes that at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, criminals have followed arriving passengers to their final destinations to rob them at gunpoint. Travelers heading overland or connecting to Kruger National Park can review our broader city safety guides to evaluate transit options across regions.
The UK advisory notes that travelers can fly directly from Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Durban to Kruger National Park, or arrange private tours and self-drives.
Violent Crime, Scams, and Precautions in Cape Town
The US State Department says violent crime is common in South Africa, including robbery, rape, carjacking, and mugging, and it also warns of smash-and-grab attacks on vehicles. Kidnappers target US citizens and other foreign travelers to steal money, and captors often force victims to withdraw cash or give online account passwords before letting them go.
General security advice from the UK FCDO urges visitors to avoid isolated beaches, remote picnic spots, and local transit stations, particularly when deserted or after dark. There are usually security personnel in the main tourist areas who can help, but the UK FCDO says policing and security are limited. The US State Department says demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently and can start suddenly, interrupt traffic, and turn violent.
- Do not display valuables or leave them in your car, and consider removing expensive-looking jewellery.
- Never walk alone after dark or through remote areas and deserted beaches.
- Only visit informal settlements or townships accompanied by a responsible, reliable tour guide.
- Do not resist a robbery, because the UK FCDO says resisting can lead to a violent response, including the use of weapons.
- Avoid areas where protests, demonstrations, or marches are taking place, and do not cross protester roadblocks.
- Stay aware of your surroundings, because the UK FCDO says terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in South Africa, including at tourist sites, shopping centres, and crowded places.
Getting to and from Cape Town Airport Safely
The UK FCDO advises using main roads to and from airports and arranging for your hotel or tour operator to meet you if possible. GPS navigation may direct you through less secure areas, so stay on main roads where you can.
The UK advisory outlines specific public transit and transfer options recommended for getting around Cape Town safely. Visitors can use the MyCiTi bus in the central business district and on the Atlantic Seaboard. For airport arrivals and departures, travelers should pre-arrange dedicated airport shuttle buses through internationally recognized hotels, or hire rides using internationally recognized e-hailing applications where bookings are confirmed through the app.
When arriving by air, pass through public airport areas quickly, avoid isolated areas, keep valuables in your carry-on luggage, and avoid dropping off your rental car at night.
How to Track Current Safety Alerts for Cape Town
Conditions in metropolitan areas can shift quickly due to labor strikes, road disruptions, or environmental hazards like wildfires during hot and dry weather. Check latest advisory changes to see which governments have changed their advice. You can also evaluate how Cape Town measures against alternative global travel hubs using our tool to compare destinations side by side.
US citizens can enroll their trip in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). British travelers can sign up to get email notifications when FCDO travel advice is updated.
Get appropriate travel insurance that covers your itinerary, planned activities, and expenses in an emergency. You can also download our free travel safety checklist before you go.
When Cape Town Is a Poor Fit
Our verdict would change if any of the three governments advised against all or all but essential travel to Cape Town. If you planned to pick up a hire car at Cape Town airport, the UK FCDO warning about attacks on visitors driving hired cars is a reason to book a hotel shuttle or an e-hailing ride confirmed through the app instead. Read how we rate safety to see how we turn these advisories into a verdict. Before confirming your plans, check the live advisory panel above to review today’s government ratings.