South Africa · Safety report last updated
As of September 2026, Johannesburg scores 28/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: caution advised. No — Johannesburg remains high-risk for visitors due to frequent violent crime and pickpocketing, though stays in secure zones like Sandton or Rosebank with precautions can reduce exposure. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (high risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
South Africa · Assessed 24 September 2026
28
/ 100
Safer than ~13% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Exercise Increased Caution
“Updated to reflect information on driving at night and addition of the terrorism risk indicator.  Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Advisory summary: Violent crime is common and includes robbery, rape, carjacking and mugging.”
Updated Tue, 27 May 2025
Full advisory →No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-07-21T14:07:51Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for South Africa: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:35.335077-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
HighArmed robbery and muggings pose significant risk to visitors, particularly in isolated areas after dark and in Hillbrow or inner city zones.
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag-snatching are frequent in crowded malls, markets, and transport hubs like Sandton and Gautrain stations.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly negative
35/100
Visitors report feeling unsafe walking alone, with only 9% feeling safe at night and 30% in daylight according to city surveys; recent traveller forums describe Johannesburg as far worse than other African or global cities for crime, advising extreme caution.
No — Johannesburg remains high-risk for visitors due to frequent violent crime and pickpocketing, though stays in secure zones like Sandton or Rosebank with precautions can reduce exposure.
Johannesburg's safety profile shows extreme crime risks, with homicide rates far above global averages and visitors reporting low feelings of safety, especially at night. While terrorism and natural hazards pose minimal threats, armed robbery, muggings, and bag-snatching are common concerns for tourists, particularly in inner-city areas and on public transport. Secure suburbs and guided tours offer safer options, but constant vigilance is essential.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Johannesburg presents significant safety challenges for travelers, with violent crime rates among the highest globally and a safety index score reflecting extreme risk. While the city offers rich cultural and historical experiences — from the Apartheid Museum to Soweto — visitors must prioritize security above all else. Armed robbery, muggings, and carjackings are common, particularly after dark and in isolated or inner-city areas such as Hillbrow, the CBD, and Alexandra. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching thrive in crowded environments like Sandton City Mall, Rosebank markets, and Gautrain stations, where distraction tactics are frequently used. Terrorism and natural hazards remain low concerns, but crime permeates daily life, necessitating constant vigilance.
Recent events underscore the severity of the situation: in September 2026 alone, multiple international outlets reported protests following the discovery of nine women’s bodies near Johannesburg, with police investigating potential links to a serial killer or love triangle; earlier alerts noted the seventh body found in an ongoing spree, and June 2026 reports highlighted mass shootings tied to organized crime exploiting police shortcomings. These incidents, while not exclusively targeting tourists, reflect a broader environment of violence that heightens risk for anyone moving through unfamiliar or poorly secured areas. Travelers should note that even in relatively safer suburbs like Sandton or Rosebank, complacency can lead to opportunistic crime.
To stay safe, avoid public transport such as minibus taxis and city buses, which are frequently unroadworthy and linked to crime; instead, rely on Uber or pre-arranged private transfers. Never walk alone, especially at night, and avoid displaying valuables — use a hidden money belt, leave jewelry and excess cash at your hotel, and carry only essential cash and one low-limit card. Keep car windows up and doors locked at all times, particularly at traffic lights, where smash-and-grab thefts are common. When visiting townships like Soweto, go only with a reputable guided tour and never explore independently. Ultimately, Johannesburg can be visited safely only through extreme caution, strict adherence to local advice, and limiting exposure to high-risk zones and situations.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 9 Johannesburg districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution and 3 best avoided. See them plotted on the Johannesburg safety map.
Inner City / CBDavoidHigh incidence of muggings, carjackings, and armed robbery; not recommended for tourists without guided tours.
HillbrowavoidDensely populated with chronic violent crime, drug activity, and frequent assaults; avoid entirely.
Alexandra TownshipavoidHigh poverty and crime rates; armed robbery and assault common; only visit with reputable guided tours.
BraamfonteincautionUniversity area with vibrant culture but elevated petty crime; avoid walking alone after dark.
NewtowncautionCultural hub with museums and markets; safe by day but higher theft risk at night.
SowetocautionHistoric township safe for tourists only on organized guided tours; independent travel not advised due to crime risk.
SandtonsaferAffluent business district with strong private security; low violent crime risk for visitors using standard precautions.
RosebanksaferUpscale area with malls, hotels, and active patrols; safe by day and night with situational awareness.
Melrose ArchsaferModern mixed-use precinct with controlled access and security; suitable for dining and lodging.
07 · After Dark
37% of people in South Africa say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2022).
Armed robbery and muggings pose significant risk to visitors, particularly in isolated areas after dark and in Hillbrow or inner city zones.
After dark, be most careful around Inner City / CBD, Hillbrow, Alexandra Township, Braamfontein. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
No — Johannesburg remains high-risk for visitors due to frequent violent crime and pickpocketing, though stays in secure zones like Sandton or Rosebank with precautions can reduce exposure. Johannesburg's safety profile shows extreme crime risks, with homicide rates far above global averages and visitors reporting low feelings of safety, especially at night. While terrorism and natural hazards pose minimal threats, armed robbery, muggings, and bag-snatching are common concerns for tourists, particularly in inner-city areas and on public transport. Secure suburbs and guided tours offer safer options, but constant vigilance is essential. (Assessed 24 September 2026.)
Field research flags Inner City / CBD, Hillbrow, Alexandra Township as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Johannesburg ranks #9 of 9 South Africa destinations we've assessed, scoring 28/100. See the South Africa safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 14+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the South Africa safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: johannesburg.json (CC BY 4.0).
