Risk level(s) Risk level(s) COVID-19 – Global travel advisory Effective date: March 13, 2020 Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice. This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel. More about the Global travel advisory SOUTH AFRICA - Exercise a high degree of caution Exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa due to the significant level of serious crime.

Safety and security Safety and security COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions Preventative measures and restrictions are in place, including a nationwide curfew from midnight to 4 a.m. You must wear a face covering in public. Follow the instructions of local authorities related to physical distancing

Avoid crowded areas COVID-19 - South African government Crime Violent crime South Africa has a very high level of crime. Crime is the primary security threat to travellers. Violent crimes, including rape and murder, occur frequently and have involved foreigners. Muggings, armed assaults and theft are also frequent, often occurring in areas that are popular among tourists. Carjackings, robbery and assault also occur. Armed robberies at shopping malls occur. To minimize the risk of personal assault if confronted by an armed individual: immediately comply

avoid making sudden movements

avoid resisting or antagonizing the assailants

avoid eye contact with your assailant Crime significantly increases after dark in major city centres and townships. After dark, avoid the areas of: Berea

Hillbrow and Yeoville in Johannesburg

Sunnyside in Pretoria

the beachfront and Victoria wharf in Durban In Cape Town, avoid walking from downtown hotels to the waterfront. Crimes of opportunity There is a high risk of pickpocketing. You should not carry your wallet in your back pocket. Do not show signs of affluence, display money or carry valuables such as laptop computers or cameras. When at restaurants or bars, do not leave your bag under your chair or table or hung over the back of a chair; keep it on your lap. Ensure that all your bags’ zippers, straps and fasteners are closed and secure, and be aware of people behind and around you. Criminals are known to target people who appear distracted and are not paying attention to their immediate surroundings. If you believe that you are being followed, go directly to a police station. On the road Be vigilant at vulnerable points such as: traffic lights

stop signs

yield signs

highway off-ramps Smash and grab incidents are frequent. This is when car windows are broken and valuables such as handbags are taken while cars are waiting at junctions. Park in well-lit areas

Do not pick up strangers

Ensure that vehicle doors are locked and windows are closed at all times Hotel theft Theft from hotel rooms and guest houses is common. Never leave your windows or doors open or unlocked, even when you are present. Check the level of security at guest houses, hotels, lodges, backpacker lodges or any accommodation before making bookings

Don’t leave luggage and valuables unattended; place them in safekeeping facilities

Don’t open the door to anyone without taking necessary precautions. If someone claims to be a member of staff, verify with the reception prior to opening the door Fraud Cases of attempted fraud are frequently reported in South Africa. Do not give personal or financial account information to anyone. Don’t attempt to use ATMs that appear damaged or defective, or are in isolated or poorly lit areas. Don’t accept any offer of assistance with your transaction. If suspicious at any time, cancel your transaction and use another ATM. Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others

Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business

Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature

Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN

Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements More about overseas fraud Spiked food and drink There have been incidents of food or drink being drugged and tourists robbed when unconscious. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Demonstrations Demonstrations can occur anywhere in South Africa and sometimes at short notice. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place

Follow the instructions of local authorities

Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations More about mass gatherings (large-scale events) Terrorism There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Individuals who may be inspired by terrorist groups may carry out “lone actor” attacks targeting public places, including where foreigners gather. Targets could include: government buildings, including schools

places of worship

airports and other transportation hubs and networks

public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners South African authorities have successfully disrupted planned attacks and made arrests related to terrorism offences. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Regional unrest Xenophobic attacks, primarily targeting refugees or immigrants from other African nations, related demonstrations, looting and outbreaks of violence occur. This type of unrest could occur in any region of the country and with little warning. Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times. Road safety Road conditions are generally good, but some roads in the more remote areas are less well maintained and potholes may be encountered. Drive cautiously and adhere to speed limits. Traffic lights are frequently out of order. Treat all intersections with malfunctioning traffic lights as a four-way stop. Avoid undertaking overland travel after dark. Insufficient lighting on rural roads makes it difficult to see pedestrians, wild animals and stray livestock. Pedestrians sometimes cross major highways. There are many road accidents causing death in South Africa. Alcohol and poor driving habits, such as ignoring traffic signs, speeding and indiscriminate overtaking, are often contributing factors, particularly at night. Accidents tend to happen in wet conditions, as roads get very slippery. Observe the recommended following distances. When renting a vehicle, choose one with a robust central locking system, lockable fuel tank cap and vehicle alarm. Use a reliable company offering 24-hour emergency service and ensure that you have the contact details for the service. As a pedestrian, take extreme care when crossing streets. Drivers are often aggressive toward pedestrians and fail to yield the right of way even on marked crosswalks. Travel on foot is inadvisable in most areas. If walking is unavoidable, use only brightly lit, busy streets in popular tourist areas and maintain awareness of your surroundings. Avoid walking after dark. Public transportation Avoid using public transportation. Bus Tourists have been mugged and assaulted in and around bus stations. Avoid the central bus station in Johannesburg. Train Train services are slow and several serious accidents in recent years have raised concerns over safety standards. Violent attacks have occurred on commuter and metro trains between Johannesburg and Pretoria, as well as on commuter trains in Cape Town. Don’t travel by train, especially second or third class. The Gautrain between O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Pretoria, as well as the Blue Train and Rovos Rail, are, however, safe for tourists. Taxis Taxis cannot be hailed in the street. Ask your hotel to arrange a taxi and ensure that you prearrange transport for your return journey. Sit in the rear of the vehicle and keep windows up and doors locked at all times. Keep valuables out of sight and place bags by your feet. Negotiate the fare with the driver in advance. Avoid using minibuses and unlicensed taxis. Air travel We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards. General information about foreign domestic airlines Wildlife viewing Wildlife viewing poses risks, particularly on foot or at close range. Be aware of the threat of monkeys and baboons overwhelming sightseers in their search for food. They are known to get very aggressive. Always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife

Only exit a vehicle when a professional guide or warden says it’s safe to do so

Only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators

Closely follow park regulations and wardens’ advice Hiking and visiting popular tourist areas There have been attacks on hikers and tourists at reserves, hiking trails, including Table Mountain, and other tourist attractions and their parking lots. Hike in groups and take all appropriate precautions

Avoid isolated picnic areas and beaches

Don’t stop at deserted roadside resting places on national roads Beaches Coastal waters have unpredictable wave and currents patterns, which can be dangerous. Shark attacks have been reported in several areas, including in KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape. Follow the advice and warnings of local authorities.

Be cautious when swimming in lakes and rivers because of the risk posed by wildlife Townships and rural areas Avoid townships and informal settlements if you are unfamiliar with them, except when travelling with organized tours provided by a reputable company or in association with an experienced local organization. General safety information Interruptions of basic utilities Rolling blackouts, referred to as load shedding programs, occur. Blackouts could take place on short notice during periods of power shortage. Interruptions to the supply of water occur occasionally and can be lengthy in some areas, resulting in considerable inconvenience. List of planned blackouts - Eskom, South African electricity public utility

Get Prepared - basic emergency kit Always carry a cellular phone in the event of an emergency. If using your own phone, ensure that it has international/roaming capability for use while in South Africa. Rental mobile phones are available at all major airports. Cellular phone reception is generally good in major towns and cities but can be intermittent in rural areas.

Entry/exit requirements Entry/exit requirements COVID-19 - Entry, exit and transit restrictions and requirements In an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions and requirements for their territory. While some countries have started to ease some of these measures, most remain in place. Before travelling, verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any specific restrictions or requirements related to this situation. Consider even your transit points, as many destinations have implemented strict transit rules which could disrupt your travel. These could include: entry bans, particularly for non-residents

exit bans

quarantines of 14 days or more upon arrival, some in designated facilities, at your own cost

health screenings and certificates as well as proof of adequate travel health insurance

travel authorization documents to be obtained before you travel

border closures

airport closures

flight suspensions to/from certain destinations, and in some cases, all destinations

suspensions or reductions of other international transportation options Additional restrictions can be imposed suddenly. Airlines can also suspend or reduce flights without notice. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, making it difficult for you to return home. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans. Monitor the media for the latest information

Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans

Contact the nearest foreign diplomatic office for information on destination-specific restrictions Foreign diplomatic offices in Canada – Global Affairs Canada COVID-19 - Flight Suspension and border closure South African authorities have announced the suspension of all commercial flights in and out of the country and the closure of land and sea borders until further notice. Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements. We have obtained the information on this page from South African authorities. It can, however, change at any time. Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada. Passport Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel. Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules. Regular Canadian passport Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the date you expect to leave South Africa. Your passport must contain at least 2 empty visa pages for the necessary South African Temporary Residence Permit. Without it, you will be denied entry into the country. You may also be denied boarding at the point of departure if you don’t have enough blank pages for the visa. If you plan to visit neighbouring countries and return to South Africa, ensure that there are sufficient visa pages in your passport for those countries’ visas and those of South Africa. Passport for official travel Different entry rules may apply. Official travel Other travel documents Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination. Useful links Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Canadian passports Visas Canadians do not need a tourist visa to enter South Africa. However, upon arrival, immigration officials will issue a temporary residents visa (TRV) for up to 90 days. Check the expiry date of your TRV to ensure you don’t overstay. If you overstay without authority, you may be forced to pay a fine upon departure and/or can be refused entry for up to 5 years. Serious offenders may be arrested before departure and detained until their court appearance. In such cases, visitors may face a very substantial fine and be deported at their own expense. Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days

Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days

Student permit: Required

Employment permit: Required More about South African visas - South African Department of Home Affairs Changing or extending your visa Some foreigners travelling to South Africa have not gone through the correct channels to obtain, change or extend their relevant visas. This has resulted in arrest and detention due to fraudulently issued visas. While in South Africa, you must go through regional or district offices of the South African Department of Home Affairs for information on visa requirements and issuance. Regional travel If you leave and re-enter South Africa, even for a short time, you will not automatically be given an additional 90-day visitor’s visa. An immigration official can deny you re-entry into South Africa. The immigration officer can also allow you to enter for a limited time only. If you wish to extend your stay, contact the South African Department of Home Affairs 60 days before your visitor’s visa expires. Contact the South African Department of Home Affairs Work or study If you intend to work or study in South Africa, you must apply for the relevant visas prior to your arrival; otherwise, you risk being refused entry and may be returned to your point of origin. You cannot change the type of visa once in South Africa. Other entry requirements You must be in possession of a return or an onward ticket. Without one, you may be required to deposit the equivalent of a fare home with customs. The money will be refunded after departure from South Africa. Residence permit If you reside in South Africa, you must have valid residence permit in your passport each time you enter and leave the country. Dual citizenship Dual citizens must enter or depart South Africa using their South African passport only. For further information on dual citizenship, contact the High Commission for the Republic of South Africa in Ottawa. Laws affecting dual citizens Health screening Due to the ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease in neighboring countries you may be subject to a quick thermal scanner screening and/or a health questionnaire at the airports upon boarding or disembarking a plane. Children and travel Upon entry or exit, parents travelling with children under the age of 18 must produce the child’s unabridged (long form) birth certificate, in English or translated to English. All documents must be originals or copies certified as a true copy of the original by a commissioner of oaths. If only one parent is travelling with the child, he or she must also produce a sworn affidavit (issued no earlier than 3 months prior to travel dates) from the other parent registered on the birth certificate. The affidavit must authorize him or her to enter into or depart from the Republic of South Africa with the child. Other requirements apply to unaccompanied children. These regulations will be strictly enforced by the South African Department of Home Affairs. Contact the nearest High Commission of South Africa before travelling to verify the latest requirements. More about entry regulations when travelling with children - South African Department of Home Affairs More about travelling with children Yellow fever Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Laws and culture Laws & culture You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad. Illegal or restricted activities Penalties for using, importing or exporting drugs are severe and may include lengthy imprisonment. You may not import or take in-transit any firearm or ammunition without a temporary export and import or in-transit permit issued by the South African Police Service. Alcohol, drugs and travel

Cannabis and international travel Dual citizenship Dual citizenship is legally recognized in South Africa. If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of South Africa, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements. General information for travellers with dual citizenship Driving Traffic drives on the left. You may use your valid Canadian provincial driver’s licence in South Africa, however, an international driving permit (IDP) is strongly recommended. It is extremely difficult to obtain car insurance for car rentals or to purchase a car without an IDP. Insurance companies and rental car agencies often require proof of a South African driver’s licence or an IDP to honour an insurance claim, even when such proof was not requested at the time the policy was secured. An IDP must be obtained in Canada before travelling to South Africa, as it cannot be obtained locally. If your licence is in French, it is advisable to obtain a translation into English and carry it with you. Foreigners driving a rental car across any border into neighbouring countries must obtain a permit from the Cross-border Road Transport Agency prior to arriving at the border crossing. Failure to do so may lead to arrest and/or a fine. It is illegal to carry gasoline in portable containers. More about the International Driving Permit Money The currency is the South African rand (ZAR). Canadian currency can be easily exchanged at major banks and foreign exchange counters. A passport and additional identification is required when undertaking foreign exchange transactions. Foreigners are permitted to enter South Africa carrying a maximum of ZAR100,000, or US$10,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies. Customs forms are not required to be completed, but random customs checks are conducted.

Natural disasters and climate Natural disasters & climate Rain Storms The climate varies from region to region. Storms and flooding can occur throughout the country and at various times of the year. Flash storms can occur in Gauteng and North West provinces from November to April. There are heavy rains along the south coast from June to September and the Western Cape receives heavy rainfall between May and September. Dirt roads can become hazardous during these periods. After heavy rains, do not attempt to cross low-lying river bridges by car or on foot, as there have been fatalities linked to people being washed down river. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. Wildfires Veld (bush) fires are common during dry seasons. They are very unpredictable and extremely dangerous. They can spread very quickly and travel at speeds of 60 km/h or more, due to high winds. Stay clear of active fires and always verify local conditions with relevant authorities before going on bush walks, particularly during the dry seasons. Drought The Western Cape Province, including Cape Town, can experience periods of prolonged drought. Local authorities may impose water use restrictions. You could be fined if you do not comply with these restrictions. Useful links: Information on water restrictions – City of Cape Town

Projections on the water supply – City of Cape Town