New Zealand Joins Growing List Of Nations Issuing Level 2 Travel Advisories For South Africa Amid Persistent Crime Concerns

New Zealand joins the US and UK in warning travelers about South Africa. Learn about the safety risks, travel tips, and the latest tourism growth statistics.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 4, 2026, 6:26 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from BusinessTech

Rising Tourism Numbers Meet Heightened Security Concerns

Despite a significant post pandemic recovery in its tourism sector, South Africa is facing a renewed wave of travel warnings from key international partners. New Zealand is the latest country to update its advisory, joining a list of nations that caution their citizens about the safety realities on the ground. This comes at a paradoxical time for the Department of Tourism, which recently reported 827,886 international arrivals in a single month—a nearly 18% increase year on year. While the United Kingdom remains the leading source of overseas visitors, and Australian tourism has surged by over 18%, foreign governments are becoming increasingly vocal about the risks of violent crime.

New Zealand’s Level 2 Advisory Details

The New Zealand government currently classifies South Africa under a Level 2 advisory, which explicitly recommends that travelers exercise increased caution. Authorities noted that the level of risk regarding safety and security is significantly higher than what citizens would encounter in New Zealand. The advisory highlights city centers and townships as high risk areas, particularly after dark. Specific threats cited by New Zealand officials include armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and sexual assault. While acknowledging that most visits are completed without incident, the government maintains that the statistical risk of encountering violence remains a serious concern for foreign nationals.

Specific Recommendations For Safe Transit

To mitigate the risk of carjacking and vehicle theft—which the advisory describes as common—New Zealand suggests that travelers keep doors locked, windows closed, and all valuables hidden from sight. Motorists are cautioned against stopping for seemingly broken down vehicles or picking up hitchhikers. Furthermore, the advisory warns against "blindly following GPS routes," which can sometimes lead unsuspecting tourists into high crime neighborhoods or unfamiliar territory. Travelers are also encouraged to avoid public transport where possible, monitor local media for signs of civil unrest, and remain prepared for intermittent power outages that can affect security systems.