Contrary to suggestions in numerous media reports that South Africa has been added to a new US travel alert list, the advisory for the country remains at Level 2 – the same as it was prior to the latest update and the same as a long list of countries that includes the UK, France, Germany and Sweden.
In the wake of the recent presidential meeting between Donald Trump and Cyril Ramaphosa, various local and international media houses have reported on the updated advisory issued on May 27.
Rhino Africa CEO David Ryan described the sensationalised nature of the coverage as frustrating, saying it has created a wealth of unnecessary confusion and concern.
“Some media outlets have jumped onto a sensationalist bandwagon, making it sound as if something significant or alarming has changed. It hasn’t. The US Department of State travel advisory level for South Africa has not changed. We remain at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution – the same advisory level we’ve held for several years,” he said.
The US Department of State explained that the advisory has been updated to “reflect information on driving at night and the addition of the terrorism risk indicator”.
Ryan said the US Department of State regularly refreshes its global travel guidance in light of broader security assessments – not as a result of any specific new threat in South Africa.
“These updates happen regularly and are part of the State Department’s standard practice to remind travellers to stay informed and vigilant worldwide. No travel bans, no elevated warnings – just business as usual.”
In a June 4 statement, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille noted the recent update and acknowledged the media coverage that followed the presidential meeting.
“While challenges such as crime exist, as they do in many countries globally, the overwhelming majority of international visitors travel safely and leave with positive, enriching experiences. We understand that travellers may have concerns, and we encourage all visitors to exercise the same level of vigilance and awareness they would when visiting any international destination.”
She called on media outlets and government agencies to “report on South Africa with accuracy and balance, recognising the distinction between isolated incidents and the broader reality experienced by millions of safe and satisfied travellers”.
SATSA and the broader tourism sector have embarked on intensified efforts to combat a resurgence in “sensationalist” media coverage surrounding tourist safety.
Several operators have told Tourism Update that Trump’s ongoing claims of a “white genocide” in South Africa have weighed on demand for the country. The latest arrivals figures from Statistics South Africa show a 6.3% drop in US arrivals when comparing April 2025 with the same month last year. This as the remainder of South Africa’s top 10 overseas source markets experienced year-on-year growth.
“In a world where news cycles are driven by clicks and outrage, unintended consequences – like a misinterpreted travel advisory – can have real-world impacts if left unchecked,” Ryan cautioned.
