City in Gauteng, South Africa
Is Johannesburg safe?
Visitors mostly stay trouble-free by keeping to Sandton, Rosebank and other secure areas and using Uber.
Is Johannesburg safe?
Visitors mostly stay trouble-free by keeping to Sandton, Rosebank and other secure areas and using Uber. Violent crime and carjacking are among the world's higher levels; the CBD needs a guide.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 2/5, high risk.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-26.
- Homicide rate in South Africa: 43.7 per 100,000 people (2022, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in South Africa: 22.2 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 10111 · Ambulance 10177 · All emergencies 112.
Safety in Johannesburg at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 2/5 · High risk |
| Crime | Armed robbery, carjacking at gates and intersections, smash-and-grab, phone snatching and home invasions. Muggings occur in the CBD and on foot after dark. |
| At night | Do not walk at night, even in Sandton. Order Uber or Bolt to the door, share the trip and sit in the back seat. |
| Solo women | Sexual violence is high nationally. Solo women travel here, but use Uber at night, avoid walking alone, meet dates in public and watch drinks. |
| Other risks | Road crashes and fast minibus taxis; Afternoon thunderstorms and lightning, Nov–Mar; Altitude of 1,750 m makes sun strong and breathing harder |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- ATM 'helpers' who watch your PIN or swap cards
- Fake police or roadblocks with unmarked cars
- Fake parking attendants charging in the CBD
- Dating-app meetups used to set up robberies
Take care
- Johannesburg CBD, Hillbrow and Yeoville: only with a guide
- Walking anywhere after dark, even short distances
- Arriving at a gated driveway: carjackers wait there
- Maboneng and Braamfontein edges outside daytime events
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinking alcohol in public places, including most beaches, is illegal and fined.
- Cannabis is legal only for private use at home; buying, selling and public use are not.
- Drink-driving limit is 0.05%; roadblocks are frequent, especially on weekends and holidays.
How Johannesburg compares in South Africa
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Kruger National Park | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Stellenbosch | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Hermanus | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Knysna | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Plettenberg Bay | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Franschhoek | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Umhlanga | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Jeffreys Bay | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cape Town | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Durban | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Pretoria | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Port Elizabeth | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Johannesburg | 2/5 · High risk |
Quick answers
Is Johannesburg safe for solo female travelers?
Sexual violence is high nationally. Solo women travel here, but use Uber at night, avoid walking alone, meet dates in public and watch drinks.
Is Johannesburg safe at night?
Do not walk at night, even in Sandton. Order Uber or Bolt to the door, share the trip and sit in the back seat.
What is the crime rate in Johannesburg?
Armed robbery, carjacking at gates and intersections, smash-and-grab, phone snatching and home invasions. Muggings occur in the CBD and on foot after dark. Nationally, South Africa records 43.7 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2022).
What number do I call in an emergency in Johannesburg?
Police 10111 · Ambulance 10177 · All emergencies 112.
More about Johannesburg
Going to Johannesburg solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Johannesburg meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Gautrain
- Airports Company South Africa
- Joburg Tourism
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.