FIFA World Cup

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in South Africa due to safety and security issues related to the FIFA World Cup taking place in nine cities across the country from June 11 to July 11, 2010. This travel alert expires July 31, 2010. Complete information about the World Cup for American visitors is available on the U.S. Mission to South Africa’s dedicated World Cup website. It is well known that large-scale public events like the World Cup may present a wide range of attractive targets for terrorists. There is a heightened risk that extremist groups will conduct terrorist acts within South Africa in the near future. The Department of State will provide information to its public once it receives information of any specific and credible threat through an updated Travel Alert or Travel Warning. All US citizens in or traveling to South Africa are urged to register with the U.S. Mission to South Africa in order to receive these alerts as quickly as possible. It further says to ensure visitors at all places by taking ample precautions like avoid carrying or displaying expensive items or wearing eye-catching jewelry, stay in a group, and avoid walking at night, be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times, looking out for your own personal security, keep doors locked and windows closed while driving, avoid having purses, phones, bags and luggage in plain view, be wary of street vendors at traffic lights, planted obstacles and staged “accidents” that may be traps for unsuspecting motorists. Do not stop for cars with flashing lights unless they are clearly marked as police or emergency service vehicles. Park your car in secure, gated parking lots or garages wherever possible, and do not leave bags or valuables in plain view. Keep a copy of your passports all time while ensuring to keep originals at safe location. Need to report matters pertaining to lost or stolen passports or to US Consulate.