US Embassy Issues Travel Warning to Americans Visiting South Africa

South African Police Service (SAPS) vehicles are seen parked outside the United States (US) Embassy in Pretoria on June 3, 2020. Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP

The U.S. Embassy in South Africa is urging Americans to be “situationally aware” when traveling to the country’s famed Kruger National Park and to only make stops at designated areas.

“Due to an increase in crime, to include the recent murder of a foreign tourist, the U.S. Embassy in South Africa recommends that U.S. Citizens avoid Numbi Gate at Kruger National Park and instead use either Paul Kruger or Phabeni gates when entering and leaving the park,” the embassy said in an Oct. 11 statement.

A German tourist was shot and killed in a robbery in Kruger National Park, according to reports last week. Officials told Deutsche Welle that a tour group was stopped by armed assailants as they made their way to Numbi Gate.

When the suspects demanded that they open their doors, the driver locked the car, local police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala told the media outlet. One of the suspects then shot the German tourist, killing him, according to reports.

The U.S. Embassy called for U.S. citizens to be aware when traveling in the area and only make stops at designated areas, such as service stations and garages.

“Be mindful that protests and road closures are frequent in the area. It is recommended that everyone contact their lodge or hotel before travel to understand current road and travel conditions,” the statement reads. “If you encounter issues, contact the Police or your lodge.”

South Africa’s crime rate has soared in recent years amid exceptionally high unemployment rates.

Other Recent Alerts

About two weeks ago, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued an alert that Americans should try to depart Russia after the Kremlin announced that it would mobilize hundreds of thousands of soldiers to fight in Ukraine.

“Russia may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, deny their access to U.S. consular assistance, prevent their departure from Russia, and conscript dual nationals for military service,” that alert states. “U.S. citizens should not travel to Russia and those residing or traveling in Russia should depart Russia immediately while limited commercial travel options remain.”

Several weeks before that, the U.S. Department of State issued a kidnapping advisory to citizens in Mexico following cartel attacks on businesses.

“U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below,” the August notice reads. “U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands.”