Gauteng is South Africa's smallest and most populous province, home to Johannesburg, Pretoria and Soweto.
Gauteng has high rates of violent and property crime. Most visitors travelling by ride-hailing and staying in Sandton, Rosebank or Pretoria's east have trouble-free trips; risk concentrates in CBDs after dark and at traffic lights.
Current safety advisory
High
Last updated: September 2026
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Use Uber/Bolt door to door, especially after dark
Keep car doors locked and windows up at intersections (smash-and-grab and hijacking risk)
Do not walk in the Johannesburg CBD after dark or carry visible valuables
Use ATMs inside malls
Avoid demonstrations and roadblocks; check local news
Book accommodation with 24-hour security
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
ATM helpers
People offer to help at ATMs and swap cards
How to avoid: Use ATMs inside malls and decline help
Fake parking guards
Informal guards demand excessive fees
How to avoid: Pay R10-R20 (~$1-$1) after your stay if reasonable; use paid car parks
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Routine vaccines; no yellow-fever certificate needed unless arriving from an affected country
- Water
- Tap water in cities is drinkable; bottled water is common
- Food
- Generally safe; choose busy stalls
- Facilities
- Private hospitals: Netcare Milpark (9 Guild Rd, Parktown, +27 11 480 5600), Netcare 911 ambulance 082 911; Public hospitals are stretched
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Book tours in the CBD and Soweto, Share itinerary with someone, Keep phone charged
Female travellers
Use Uber/Bolt and share your trip, Avoid isolated streets after dark, Choose women-run hostels in Soweto or Maboneng
Families
Use child seats in rental cars, Car doors locked in traffic
LGBTQ+ travellers
South Africa recognises same-sex marriage; Johannesburg and Pretoria have active scenes, Public affection may draw attention in townships
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 10111 (police); 112 from a mobile
- Medical
- 10177 (public ambulance); Netcare 082 911; ER24 084 124
- Fire
- 10177 or 112
- General Emergency
- 112 from a mobile phone
- Main Hospital
- Netcare Milpark Hospital, 9 Guild Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg, +27 11 480 5600
- Embassy Us
- US Embassy Pretoria, 877 Pretorius St, Arcadia: +27 12 431 4000
- Embassy Uk
- British High Commission, 255 Hill St, Arcadia, Pretoria: +27 12 421 7500