Canada issues travel warning guidance for South Africa that tells travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution” because serious crime remains a major risk. The Government of Canada last updated its advisory on December 4, 2025.
What Canada is Warning About
The advisory says violent crime occurs frequently across the country and it has involved foreigners. It lists armed robberies, burglaries, home invasions, carjackings, assaults including sexual assaults and murders. It also warns that crime increases after dark in major city centres and townships, so travellers should avoid city centres at night.
Canada’s guidance is direct about what to do during an attack. It advises travellers to comply immediately, avoid sudden movements, avoid resisting and avoid eye contact with the attacker.
Kidnapping and “Express” Kidnappings
Canada issues travel warning notes that kidnappings for ransom occur frequently and foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the past. It says criminals have lured victims through online dating apps and it warns that criminals have especially targeted LGBTQI+ persons.
The advisory also flags “express kidnappings”. Attackers kidnap victims from the street or a taxi, force ATM withdrawals and sometimes hold victims overnight to enable a second withdrawal. It adds that some cases involve taxi or ride-share app drivers.
Roads, Airports and Common Tactics
Canada issues travel warning highlights road risks, especially after dark. It says carjackings and armed robberies often happen at traffic lights, stop signs, yield signs and highway off-ramps. Criminals also use schemes like scattering nails, throwing stones at windows or pretending to need help to make drivers stop.
It also warns about crime in and around airports. Passengers have been followed on arrival and robbed on the way to, or after reaching, their destination. Canada adds that some areas around Cape Town International Airport are dangerous and it advises using the M3 and N2 highways rather than the R300.
