The U.S. government has updated its travel advice for South Africa, adding new warnings about terrorism and tightening restrictions on official travel.
The country remains under a Level 2 travel advisory, but the additional warnings published on May 27 come at a time of increased tensions between the two countries.
What Is Level 2?
A Level 2 travel advisory means that Americans are encouraged to “exercise increased caution” when traveling to that location. It is the second lowest of four levels.
Several countries in Africa, including Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are under the highest Level 4 travel advisory, meaning “do not travel.”
However, most countries in southern Africa, including South Africa, are under a Level 2 travel advisory.
Why It Matters
The updated travel advice comes a week after President Donald Trump held a contentious Oval Office meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, during which the American president confronted his counterpart with allegations about a white “genocide” taking place in the country.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Trump cited incidents of white farmers being attacked and presented video clips he claimed supported the existence of a targeted campaign against them, some of which have been debunked as false.
Ramaphosa responded by firmly rejecting the claim, stating that South Africa’s land reform efforts are aimed at redressing historical injustices, that they are not racially motivated, and that violence in the country affects both black and white people.
What To Know
The new travel advice update includes a warning about the “risk of terrorist violence” in South Africa. It does not elaborate on what types of terrorist groups or violence it is referring to.
It also expands upon previous warnings about the risk of violent crime, while adding that these risks are especially pertinent in the downtown areas of big cities after dark.
It also warns travelers to avoid driving outside of metropolitan areas at night due to the risks of road hazards and the potential to become a victim of crime.
The advice also states that U.S. government employees working in South Africa must obtain special authorization to travel to many townships in and around Cape Town, and must use fully armored vehicles when visiting. Visits to these areas are only permitted to take place within certain hours.
U.S.-South Africa relations have grown increasingly strained in recent months, following the cancellation of American aid to the country, Washington’s decision to offer asylum to members of the white Afrikaner minority, and the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador after he criticized Trump, and the Oval Office meeting with Ramaphosa.
What People Are Saying
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said in the Oval Office meeting with Trump: “There is criminality in our country. People who do get killed, unfortunately through criminal activity, are not only white people. The majority of them are black people.”
What Happens Next
The travel advisory level for South Africa has not changed, but the added advice suggests the U.S. is taking a more cautious and politically charged stance toward the country. It remains to be seen how the relationship will develop, as tensions could either escalate or begin to ease.