The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is encouraging South Africans travelling or living abroad to take proactive steps to ensure their safety by making use of its Travel Smart services and consular support.
Whether travelling for business, leisure, education or official engagements, proper preparation can make a significant difference during an emergency. Through its Travel Smart Campaign, DIRCO provides practical advice, travel registration services and access to South African diplomatic missions around the world.
Why the DIRCO Travel Smart Campaign Matters
International travel can present unexpected challenges ranging from medical emergencies and natural disasters to political unrest, lost travel documents or other unforeseen incidents. By preparing before departure and registering travel details with DIRCO, South African citizens can receive timely assistance when required.
DIRCO’s network of embassies, high commissions and consulates plays an important role in providing consular assistance to South Africans abroad, particularly during emergencies.
Before You Travel: Important Steps to Take
DIRCO recommends that every traveller complete the following preparations before leaving South Africa:
Download the DIRCO Travel Smart App
Travellers are encouraged to download the DIRCO Travel Smart App and register their travel details before departure. Registering enables DIRCO to communicate important information and provide assistance more efficiently during emergencies affecting South African citizens overseas.
Stay Updated on Your Destination
Before travelling, monitor developments in your destination country, including:
- Security conditions
- Political developments
- Natural disasters
- Health advisories
- Travel alerts
Remaining informed helps travellers make safer decisions before and during their journey.
Understand Local Entry Requirements
Each country has its own immigration and customs regulations. Travellers should familiarise themselves with:
- Visa requirements
- Passport validity rules
- Customs and import regulations
- Health requirements and vaccinations
- Local laws and regulations
Obtaining accurate information before travelling can help avoid unnecessary delays or legal complications upon arrival.
Know Where to Find Help
South Africans should identify the nearest South African Embassy, High Commission or Consulate before travelling. These missions provide consular assistance when citizens encounter emergencies abroad.
DIRCO also advises travellers to keep important contact details readily available throughout their trip.
How DIRCO Assists South Africans Abroad
DIRCO’s Consular Services provide assistance in a range of emergency situations, including:
- Lost or stolen travel documents
- Serious illness or medical emergencies
- Arrests or detention
- Death of a South African citizen abroad
- Major crises such as natural disasters or political unrest
- Communication with family members during emergencies
While consular officials cannot replace travel insurance or intervene in foreign legal systems, they can provide valuable guidance and support during difficult circumstances.
A Shared Responsibility for Safe Travel
Preparing thoroughly before international travel not only protects individual travellers but also enables South African authorities to respond more effectively during emergencies.
DIRCO encourages citizens to remain informed, register their travel plans and make use of available government resources before embarking on any international journey.
Travelling smart begins long before boarding a flight, and taking a few precautionary steps today can make a significant difference should assistance ever be needed abroad.
Key Travel Checklist
✔ Download and register on the DIRCO Travel Smart App.
✔ Monitor current developments in your destination country.
✔ Confirm visa, passport and health requirements.
✔ Familiarise yourself with customs and import regulations.
✔ Save the contact details of the nearest South African Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
✔ Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance.
