Is Johannesburg Safe? Everything you need to know about the security of the CityJohannesburg is a major cosmopolitan city located in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. It is the largest city in the country, having a population of over 4 million people. Johannesburg is a bustling hub of activity and serves as a financial, business and cultural hub for South Africa. Therefore, it is understandable for visitors to ask questions about the safety and security of the city. This article will discuss to what degree Johannesburg is safe and answer common questions about personal safety and travel security in the city.Overall safety in the cityThe short answer is yes – Johannesburg is generally safe. However, this is relative and depends on where in the city you go and what your experience level with large cities is. The crime rate in Johannesburg is higher than that of other cities in South Africa and visitors are urged to be aware of their surroundings at all times. That being said, violent crime such as murder and armed robbery is rare.Crime in Johannesburg mostly consists of pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, break-ins and vehicle theft. Statistically speaking, there aren’t any parts of the city that are more dangerous than the others, but like any large metropolitan area, there are certain areas that are best avoided. Tourists should not venture outside the main city centre after dark or explore sketchy areas alone. In general, it is advised to stay in well-lit public areas populated by locals. Some neighbourhoods to avoid include Yeoville, Hillbrow and parts of Soweto.Is Johannesburg safe for tourists?Johannesburg can be a great destination for tourists when the proper precautions are taken. It is important to take into account any specific security risks for South Africa’s major cities and to plan accordingly. Visitors should use common sense at all times and stick to main roads and well-lit areas known to locals, especially after sunset.It is relatively safe to take public transportation during the day, but it is advised to do so only when necessary as some areas can be a bit dangerous. If possible, car services such as Uber are a better option. If using public transportation, avoid using minibuses as these can be dangerous. Drivers may swerve to pick up more passengers or drive dangerously and they often don’t stop at designated stops. Certain areas of the city should be avoided, especially at night. Visitors should also be aware of their surroundings in order to not be taken by surprise. Are Johannesburg hotels safe?Most hotels in Johannesburg are safe and secure, though visitors should always exercise precaution when staying in any city with a high crime rate like Johannesburg has. Many hotels in Johannesburg have 24-hour security personnel at the front desk, but if a hotel doesn’t, don’t stay there – it is better to be safe than sorry. Visitors should also make sure that any hotel they are staying at has an emergency evacuation plan in case of any kind of event or natural disaster, whether it be fire or acts of terrorism or any other kind of security incident. When staying at a hotel or guest house, visitors should always make sure the entrance doors are locked whenever entering or leaving the building and keep their valuables out of sight from prying eyes. Cooking appliances should also not be left on overnight or when not in use, as fires can be a common occurrence in large cities. When travelling with children, ensure that they are supervised at all times so they do not wander off or leave the hotel with strangers. Are South African airports safe?Yes, South African airports are safe and secure and most airports follow international security protocols and procedures, including the use of metal detectors, baggage scanners and x-rays. Security personnel are typically in place at all times to monitor passers-by and be on the lookout for suspicious activities. These measures are all enforced to ensure passenger safety while they navigate an airport environment, which often includes international travelers entering or exiting the country. Although serious crimes can still occur at airports, they remain relatively rare due to the strict regulations in place. Are US citizens allowed entry into South Africa?Yes, US citizens are allowed entry into South Africa as long as they possess a valid passport and visa. It is important that US citizens complete their visa application process ahead of time to ensure their safe and secure entry into South Africa. Those who do not have a valid visa before entering South Africa may face difficulties upon entry and exit from the country, so it is best to plan ahead for a smooth entry process into South Africa.ConclusionOverall, Johannesburg is mostly safe for tourists compared to other cities with similar crime rates, as long as some basic safety precautions are taken into consideration when travelling in the city. Avoiding certain parts of the city at night, using caution when using public transportation or taking car services such as Uber, staying in well-lit public places known well by locals and keeping valuables out of sight are some simple measures that can help ensure maximum safety while visiting the city. Additionally, obtaining a valid tourist visa before travelling to South Africa can greatly improve security measures and help make for a smooth transition when entering or leaving the country. For more information on safety in Johannesburg, Safetravelguideandsolutions has an extensive list of tips on staying safe while visiting South Africa’s largest city.