South Africa

HC Deb 18 February 1997 vol 290 c475W

Sir Cranley Onslow

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what travel advice his Department provides for travellers visiting South Africa. [15898]

Dr Liam Fox

The current travel advice for South Africa, issued on 7 February 1997, statesIncidents of armed attack, mugging and car hijacking are common, both during daylight hours and at night. The level of violent crime is high, particularly in the Johannesburg area. The murder rate is high and victims in recent months have included a number of foreigners. Care is required in all major cities. Isolated areas should be avoided. Drivers should park in well-lit areas and never pick up strangers. It is inadvisable to wear expensive jewellery or carry cameras when walking in urban areas. The minimum of cash should be carried. Townships and surrounding areas should be avoided. If staying in an hotel, seek the advice of the management about which areas should be avoided. Visitors should contact the British High Commission/Consulate for further guidance. British High Commission Pretoria; [phone]; British Consulate General Johannesburg; [phone]; British Consulate Cape Town; [phone]; British Consulate Durban; [phone]; British Consulate East London; (0431) 54 430; British Consulate Port Elizabeth; (041) 55 2423.