Germany Issues High Travel Alert for South Africa & Several African Countries

South Africa joins Zimbabwe, Namibia, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, and more African countries as Germany issues an urgent travel warning due to escalating political unrest, security threats, and ongoing natural disasters. These nations are grappling with a combination of violent crime, terrorism, and civil unrest, creating dangerous conditions for international travelers. From widespread protests and political instability to rising terrorist activity and natural disasters, these issues have prompted the German government to advise extreme caution for those planning to visit. As tensions rise, understanding the severity of the risks and taking necessary precautions is crucial for anyone traveling to these regions. Germany’s travel advisory highlights the urgent need for vigilance in several African nations, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Tunisia, and Egypt. These countries are facing a range of threats, from escalating political tensions and violent protests to terrorism and criminal activity targeting tourists. The safety of travelers is increasingly at risk, with heightened crime rates in major urban centers, increased terrorism risks in border regions, and unstable political environments that fuel unrest. In particular, South Africa’s ongoing floods, Zimbabwe’s political clashes, Uganda’s election-related violence, and Kenya’s growing threat of terrorism have made travel in these regions particularly dangerous. Travelers are urged to stay informed, follow official advice, and prioritize safety when navigating these turbulent environments. In an unprecedented move, Germany has issued a critical travel advisory for South Africa, joining Zimbabwe, Namibia, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, and other African countries, urging caution amid political instability, escalating security risks, and ongoing unrest. This warning comes at a time when multiple regions within these countries are grappling with not only domestic political strife but also increasing threats related to terrorism, violent crime, and natural disasters. For international travelers, understanding the severity of these risks is crucial as tensions rise and border conflicts intensify. South Africa’s Struggles: A Nation in Crisis South Africa has become one of the key nations on Germany’s radar due to rising political tensions and a significant uptick in violent crimes. On January 18, 2026, the country declared a national state of emergency following persistent rainfall and flooding, which has devastated several provinces, including Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The floods have particularly affected the famous Kruger National Park, a hotspot for international tourists. Despite the South African National Parks (SANParks) efforts to ensure visitor safety, the flood-related damages, combined with ongoing safety concerns in urban areas like Johannesburg and Pretoria, make travel risky for foreign visitors. Moreover, South Africa’s crime rate remains alarmingly high. Tourists are often victims of violent crimes such as robbery, carjackings, and short-term kidnappings. Reports of attacks on tourists using ride-hailing services, often involving drugging and sexual assault, have raised grave concerns, especially for solo female travelers. In addition, recent robbery sprees, especially in urban centers and on popular hiking trails like Signal Hill, have made tourists vulnerable. Given the high risks, German authorities strongly advise travelers to avoid South Africa’s city centers during the day and to exercise extreme caution when traveling in and around Kruger National Park. Zimbabwe: Political Instability and Increasing Crime Zimbabwe, already burdened by political and economic challenges, is now facing another crisis as violent clashes erupt in various urban areas. The increase in protests and demonstrations has been sparked by widespread discontent over the country’s economic situation and the administration’s failure to address pressing issues. Recently, clashes in cities like Harare and Bulawayo have escalated into violent altercations, leading to fatalities and injuries. The political turmoil has exacerbated the nation’s security situation, with crime rates spiraling out of control. Tourists are frequently targeted in the country’s capital, Harare, and in smaller towns, particularly for pickpocketing and armed robberies. The safety of tourists is further compromised by the difficulty in obtaining assistance from local authorities, and foreigners are often left to fend for themselves in emergencies. Zimbabwe’s fragile political landscape, compounded by rampant crime and ongoing civil unrest, has prompted Germany to caution its citizens against non-essential travel to the region. Namibia: Fuel Shortages and Rising Crime While Namibia remains relatively stable politically, the country is grappling with severe logistical challenges. Reports from Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) indicate widespread fuel shortages at several major tourist lodges, including Halali Resort and Okaukuejo Resort. For travelers planning to explore Namibia’s Etosha National Park or other remote areas, this poses a significant risk. In addition, travelers are advised to monitor their fuel levels closely to avoid being stranded in isolated regions. The country is also facing an increase in property crimes, especially in Windhoek, where tourists are often targeted in robberies. Armed criminals have been reported to follow tourists from airports to their accommodations, then rob them at gunpoint. Windhoek’s outskirts and less-populated areas are particularly dangerous, with robberies and vehicle break-ins becoming more frequent. Travelers are advised to stay in guarded accommodations and avoid walking alone, especially after dark. Ghana: Violent Clashes and Rising Terrorism Threats Ghana, traditionally one of West Africa’s more stable countries, is now grappling with escalating violence in its northern regions, particularly in the Upper East and North East regions. In late August 2025, violent clashes between local groups resulted in deaths and injuries. The situation in these areas remains volatile, with ongoing tensions between local tribes and increased activity from criminal gangs. These security challenges are compounded by the growing threat of terrorism in the region. Ghana shares borders with Burkina Faso, which has seen an uptick in terrorist activity. There are rising concerns that militant groups may cross into Ghana, further destabilizing the region. Armed robberies, particularly along major highways, have become increasingly common, with attackers using weapons to force vehicles to stop and then rob the occupants. Germany’s travel advisory urges tourists to avoid the northern border regions of Ghana and to exercise extreme caution when traveling on highways. The government also recommends travelers remain vigilant in larger cities, such as Accra, where pickpocketing and violent crimes are rising. Uganda: Election Violence and Security Risks Uganda has seen its own share of turmoil, particularly after the 2025 presidential and parliamentary elections. While the political situation remains tense, the situation escalated in January 2026, as protests erupted in Kampala. The Uganda Communications Commission imposed a nationwide internet shutdown in response to the unrest, further complicating the already volatile security landscape. The violence has been particularly concentrated in urban areas, and travelers are urged to stay away from demonstrations and large gatherings. Ugandan authorities have also raised concerns about the threat of terrorism, especially along the border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan. In addition, crime rates have spiked in Kampala, with tourists being frequent targets of motorcycle taxi thefts and street robberies. Germany’s advisory warns against traveling to Uganda’s national parks near the border regions and recommends extreme caution in and around Kampala. Kenya: Terrorism and Violent Crime Threaten Tourists Kenya, a popular tourist destination known for its stunning safaris and coastal resorts, is also facing significant security challenges. The ongoing threat of terrorism, particularly from the militant group Al-Shabaab, has led to heightened caution in several parts of the country. The group continues to target both foreign and local entities, particularly in high-traffic areas such as airports, malls, and hotels. Travel to the border region with Somalia, including areas like Lamu Province, is strongly discouraged. While some areas in Kenya, such as Nairobi and Mombasa, remain relatively safe, tourists are advised to avoid these regions at night, especially in less-populated areas. The North Rift region, including parts of Turkana and Samburu counties, has also seen rising tensions due to local conflict and armed robberies. Travelers are urged to be particularly cautious in these areas and avoid traveling after dark. Tunisia: Political Unrest and Terrorism Risks Tunisia, while maintaining a degree of political stability, has recently seen an uptick in violence, particularly following ongoing political protests. These demonstrations often turn violent, especially in the capital, Tunis, where security forces have clashed with protesters. In addition to this, Tunisia remains at high risk for terrorist attacks, particularly in the southern regions and along the Algerian and Libyan borders. Travel to the southern desert regions and border areas is strongly discouraged, as terrorist groups continue to operate in these zones. The country’s security forces have stepped up their presence, but tourists should exercise caution and avoid any independent travel in these high-risk areas. Egypt: Terrorism, Crime, and Regional Instability While Egypt has managed to stabilize much of its tourism industry, certain areas remain fraught with security risks. The Sinai Peninsula, in particular, has been the site of repeated terrorist attacks, often targeting Egyptian security forces and occasionally foreign nationals. German tourists are advised to avoid the northern Sinai region and to exercise caution when visiting popular tourist sites along the Red Sea. In addition to terrorism risks, Egypt’s political situation remains tenuous, with frequent protests and demonstrations in urban centers. Travelers should avoid large crowds and political gatherings, as these have the potential to turn violent. As political tensions, terrorism, and violent crime continue to rise across many African nations, Germany’s travel advisories reflect the need for heightened vigilance. Travelers must stay informed, heed government warnings, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The countries affected by these advisories—South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Tunisia, and Egypt—represent a diverse range of travel destinations, but each shares a common challenge: ensuring the safety of their citizens and international visitors amid a complex and evolving security landscape. South Africa joins Zimbabwe, Namibia, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, and more African countries as Germany issues an urgent travel warning due to rising political instability, violent protests, and increasing security threats such as terrorism and crime. These nations are facing heightened risks, making it crucial for travelers to exercise extreme caution. It is vital for tourists to stay connected with local authorities, keep emergency contacts on hand, and make informed decisions regarding travel in these regions. By adhering to these precautions, travelers can help mitigate the risks posed by political and security threats while continuing to enjoy the rich cultural and natural beauty that Africa has to offer.