Johannesburg can be visited if you plan around its crime risk, and no government advises against going there. The warnings that touch the city are about violent crime downtown after dark and robberies of travelers followed from OR Tambo International Airport to their destinations. At Safe to Go, we read the US, UK and Canadian advisories every day and translate them into decisions for the city you are visiting.
All three governments write their advice for South Africa as a whole, and Johannesburg sits under that national advice. The US and UK both warn of violent crime, protests and terrorism, and both also warn of kidnapping. They differ in tone. The UK has no areas it advises against, while the US and Canada both tell travelers to take extra care across the whole country.
What the US, UK and Canada Say about Johannesburg
None of the three governments names any part of Johannesburg as an area to avoid. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) lists no areas it advises against anywhere in South Africa. The panel above shows today’s level from each government.
It warns that criminals have followed people from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to their destinations and then robbed them, often at gunpoint. It also names the Gautrain between Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo among its transport options.
The US State Department advises increased caution across South Africa because of crime, terrorism, unrest and kidnapping. It says violent crime is more common in the downtown areas of big cities, especially after dark.
The Government of Canada tells travelers to exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa. Its most recent change added El Niño information to its natural disasters and climate section. Canada’s summary does not single out Johannesburg.
The advisory text does not name Gauteng province or Sandton. There is no separate government advice for either, so the national warnings apply there in full.
How Johannesburg Compares with the Rest of South Africa
What we see travelers misread most often is a national level, when the place-specific detail sits elsewhere. Our South Africa country guide covers the national picture.
The one place-specific rule in the US advisory concerns Cape Town. US government employees must get special authorization to visit many informal settlements (townships) in and around Cape Town, must use fully armored vehicles, and may visit only from 10:00 to 15:00 on weekdays. That rule applies to US mission staff and does not mention Johannesburg; our Cape Town guide covers it.
The UK FCDO says most violent crime happens in townships, informal settlements and other high-density areas, plus some city centres and isolated areas. It advises going to a township only with a responsible and reliable tour guide. That advice applies in Johannesburg as much as anywhere else in the country.
The UK FCDO notes direct flights to Kruger from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, and says many people take a private tour or drive overland. If you drive, the carjacking and smash-and-grab warnings below apply for the whole route.
Violent Crime and Kidnapping Risks for Johannesburg Visitors
Both the US and UK advisories warn of violent crime in South Africa. The UK FCDO lists violent muggings, jewellery snatching, carjacking, smash-and-grab attacks on vehicles, house robbery, rape and sexual assault, and murder. Each risk below comes with the precaution the advisories give for it.
- Muggings and snatch theft: the UK FCDO advises against displaying valuables and suggests removing expensive-looking jewellery.
- Carjacking and smash-and-grab: both the US and UK warn of attacks on vehicles. The UK FCDO says not to leave valuables in your car.
- Kidnapping: the UK FCDO also warns of this risk, and the US State Department says kidnappers target US citizens and other foreign travelers to steal money, often forcing victims to withdraw cash or give up online account passwords. Be wary of people who approach you, and make sure someone knows your plans.
- Armed robbery: the UK FCDO warns that resisting a robbery can lead to a violent response, including the use of weapons. Do not resist.
- Rape and sexual assault: both governments list it. The UK FCDO advises traveling with friends where possible.
Protests, Xenophobic Marches and Terrorism Warnings
Protests in South Africa can turn violent at short notice. The US State Department says demonstrations, protests and strikes occur frequently, can start suddenly, and can interrupt traffic, transport and other services. The UK FCDO says violence can affect bystanders anywhere in the country.
The UK FCDO also reports an increase in xenophobic and anti-immigration marches and violence, mainly targeting African immigrants and people perceived to be African immigrants.
The UK advice on protests is specific. Avoid areas with protests, especially in city centres and townships, and never cross a protester roadblock, because that can provoke a violent reaction. If you meet a protest by surprise, leave as soon as it is safe and follow local authorities.
Both governments warn of terrorism. The UK FCDO says terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in South Africa, mainly lone actors inspired by groups such as Daesh. Possible targets include tourist sites, shopping centres, high profile events and crowded places. The UK adds that the Israel and Palestine conflict has raised tensions, and attacks could target Jewish or Muslim communities. Stay aware of your surroundings and follow local media.
Getting from OR Tambo and around Johannesburg Safely
Your arrival at OR Tambo International Airport is the subject of the Johannesburg-specific warning in the UK advice. The UK FCDO describes criminals following travelers from the airport to their destination and robbing them there. Its airport precautions are worth following on every arrival.
- Arrange for your hotel or tour operator to meet you if possible.
- Use main roads to and from the airport, and move through public areas quickly.
- Avoid isolated areas, and go straight to your connecting flight if in transit.
- Keep valuables in your carry-on and consider vacuum-wrapping checked luggage.
- Avoid dropping off a rental car at night.
| Option named by the UK FCDO | What the advice says |
|---|---|
| Gautrain | Runs between Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo |
| Hotel airport shuttle | Airport shuttle buses through internationally recognised hotels |
| Hotel or tour operator pickup | Arrange to be met at OR Tambo if possible |
Who Should Rethink a Johannesburg Trip
This verdict does not fit travelers who plan to explore downtown Johannesburg on foot after dark, or who want to visit a township without a guide. The UK FCDO advises against walking around after dark and says to visit townships only with a responsible and reliable tour guide. If your plan depends on either, change the plan before you book.
The UK FCDO advises arranging for your hotel or tour operator to meet you if possible and avoiding dropping off your rental car at night.
The answer would change if a government named an area of Johannesburg or Gauteng to avoid. It would also change if the UK FCDO, which lists no areas to avoid today, added any. When the three governments disagree, we lean on the strictest for the area you are visiting; our methodology page explains how.
How to Check Whether Johannesburg Is Safe Today
The panel above shows each government’s current level for South Africa, refreshed daily. See our latest advisory changes page.
The UK FCDO’s most recent change added information about an online traveller declaration before travelling and about taking money into South Africa, on its entry requirements guidance. Read it before you fly. US citizens can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Before you book, download our free travel safety checklist, arrange your OR Tambo pickup, and recheck the panel above in the week you fly to confirm Johannesburg is safe for your dates.