Emergency Help Abroad – South Africa

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting South Africa — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession or use of illegal drugs can result in arrest, fines and imprisonment.

• Drug trafficking carries severe penalties, including long prison sentences.

• Carrying weapons without proper licensing is illegal; certain knives are also restricted.

• Drinking alcohol in public is banned in many cities.

• Drink-driving laws are strict, with random checkpoints common.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Respect for local customs is important, especially in rural or traditional communities.

• Offensive gestures or behaviour can escalate quickly.

• Damaging wildlife reserves, national parks or natural habitats is a criminal offence.

• Public indecency or disorderly behaviour can lead to arrest.

• Littering is fined in many municipalities.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification; carry your passport or a copy.

• High-crime areas exist — particularly in major cities — remain alert and cautious.

• Scam attempts around ATMs, airports and transport hubs are common.

• Avoid protests or political gatherings — these can turn violent.

• Bribery is illegal and attempting it can worsen a situation dramatically.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Public transport varies in safety — avoid unregulated minibuses or unofficial taxis.

• Driving without the correct licence or insurance can lead to fines or vehicle impoundment.

• Speeding, using mobile phones while driving and seatbelt violations are enforced.

• Carjacking risks exist; keep doors locked and windows closed.

• Overstaying your visa can result in bans on re-entry.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drones require permission in many national parks and airports — unauthorised use can lead to fines.

• Photographing military bases, police stations or security facilities is restricted.

• Be cautious photographing people without permission, especially in rural communities.

• Some wildlife areas restrict flash photography for safety.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Feeding wildlife (including baboons and monkeys) is illegal and dangerous.

• Swimming in restricted beaches or shark-risk zones can result in fines.

• Lighting fires outside designated areas is prohibited.

• Removing plants, shells or natural materials from reserves is illegal.

• Entering closed-off hiking trails or unsafe coastal areas is prohibited.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging or removing artefacts, stones or natural materials from heritage locations is illegal.

• Trespassing on private rural land or protected reserves can lead to arrest.

• Approaching wildlife too closely endangers both you and the animals.

• Purchasing souvenirs made from endangered species is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels everyday or familiar in the UK may follow different norms and expectations in South Africa.

• Don’t walk around with phones or valuables visible, especially in city centres, transport hubs or quieter streets.

• Don’t ignore local advice about safe and unsafe areas, as cities can vary dramatically from street to street.

• Don’t leave bags or belongings unattended in cars, even briefly; keep items locked away and out of sight.

• Don’t rely on walking long distances at night, and arrange trusted transport instead.

• Don’t swim at beaches without checking local conditions, especially where strong currents, rip tides or shark warnings may apply.

• Don’t feed or approach wildlife, including baboons, which can become aggressive if accustomed to food.

• Don’t purchase wildlife products, ivory or suspicious souvenirs, as this contributes to illegal trade and strict penalties apply.

• Don’t ignore sun protection, as UV levels are high and burns happen quickly.

• Don’t drive with windows fully open in high-risk areas, and lock doors at all times when travelling.

• Don’t pick up hitchhikers, even if they appear stranded, for personal safety reasons.

• Don’t visit townships or remote areas without a knowledgeable guide, especially if unfamiliar with the surroundings.

• Don’t underestimate distances or travel times, as South Africa is large and rural roads vary in condition.

• Don’t use unofficial taxis, and choose reputable services or app-based options.

• Don’t carry large amounts of cash, and use ATMs inside secure locations like malls.

• Don’t wander off marked trails in national parks, where wildlife encounters can be dangerous.

• Don’t drink and drive, as enforcement is strict and roads can be unpredictable at night.

• Don’t ignore advice about water safety, as some areas may have quality issues or temporary restrictions.

• Don’t be careless with fire in rural regions, especially during dry seasons.

• Don’t film or photograph people without permission, particularly in rural communities where privacy is valued.

• Don’t underestimate local safety briefings, whether for safaris, beaches or city tours.