South Africa's international tourism sector saw a full recovery in 2025, with total arrivals reaching 10.5 million. This figure is more than 17 per cent higher than the previous year and almost three per cent above 2019 levels.
Despite this tourism growth, South Africa has one of the highest crime rates globally. The annual report from April 2024 to March 2025 recorded 24,692 murders and 655,416 crimes against the person, which include murder, assault, robbery, and sexual offences.
Tour operators, such as JD van Zyl of The Travel Cafe, suggest that these national crime statistics do not mirror what tourists typically encounter. David Vorster, Africa's regional security manager at International SOS, agrees, stating that the vast majority of nearly nine million annual travellers visit without incident. He advises that travel can be conducted safely with proper information and support.
Tourists are advised to be aware of their surroundings, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar urban areas, use reputable transport, and ask locals or accommodation staff for area-specific advice.