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Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Safety Information on the Use of GPS Navigation
6 MINUTE READ
November 4, 2023

Location:  South Africa

Event:  GPS navigation can lead to unsafe routes. Shortcuts through townships may be the quickest preferred route but can lead to increased risks of crime.

If you decide to travel to South Africa:

Investigate your route in advance, stay on major highways, avoid shortcuts through townships, and avoid reliance on GPS navigation apps.  When driving on city roads, the shortest and fastest route may not be the safest.

For example:  The safest approach to return a rental car to Cape Town International Airport is to take the N2 highway and follow signs to Airport Approach Rd (exit 16).  Alternatively, request the rental car company to collect your vehicle and subsequently arrange an airport transfer from established taxi companies or established ridesharing services to reach the airport.

Assistance:

  • United States Embassy to the Republic of South Africa(Note: The Embassy does not provide consular services)
    877 Pretorius Street
    Arcadia, Pretoria
    Tel: 012-431-4000 (outside South Africa: +27-12-431-4000)
    https://za.usembassy.gov/
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/USEmbassySA/
  • United States Consulate General, Johannesburg (Covering Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, and Free State provinces)
    1 Sandton Drive (corner of Rivonia and Sandton Drive)
    Sandhurst, Johannesburg
    ACSJohannesburg@state.gov
    Tel: 011-290-3000 (outside South Africa: +27-11-290-3000)
    After-hours emergencies: 079-111-1684 (outside South Africa: +27-79-111-1684)
    https://za.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/johannesburg/
  • United States Consulate General, Durban (Covering KwaZulu-Natal Province)
    Delta Towers, 31st floor
    303 Dr. Pixley KaSeme Street
    ACSDurban@state.gov
    Tel: 012-431-4000 (outside South Africa +27-12-431-4000)

https://za.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/durban/

If you received this email, it means that you already enrolled in STEP. Please help us to spread this message and remind all U.S. citizens in South Africa to enroll in the program so that they too can receive the most up to date security and health information.

Benefits of Enrolling in STEP:

  • Receive important information from the U.S. State Department about conditions in South Africa, helping you make informed decisions.
  • Help the State Department contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
  • Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

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South Africa Country Information