Britain Ups its Warning to World Cup Travelers

January 4 - With the FIFA World Cup officially taking place in South Africa this year, international travellers are expected to descend on the country in the hundreds of thousands.

The British Foreign Office has been providing warnings to its travellers regarding crime and violence in South Africa, and recently the office offered more details on how British soccer fans can protect themselves during the World Cup.

One of the most important tips offered to visitors is to take out proper travel insurance.

"Not having insurance could cost over £25,000 (R295,000) in medical bill and air evacuation, so ensure you're covered and with the high levels of crime, it is important to insure any possessions," said the Foreign Office on its website.

According to the website, vigilance begins from the moment travellers land at the airport, as there has been a rising number of robberies and hijackings of tourists who leave the airport on the way to their hotels.

Areas to avoid, according to the website, are Berea and Hillbrow, and extra vigilance should be exercised on the road to the Kruger National Park, on Durban's beachfront and around Table Mountain.

"In all areas of South Africa, you should be cautious when out after dark," said the Foreign Office. "Streets, even in urban areas, are not brightly lit at night."

Tourists are also told not to resist at all if they are victims of carjackings. They are advised to "remain calm, offer no resistance and hand over possessions without question." They are also advised to avoid eye contact.

The Foreign Officer did stress, however, that authorities take the protection of tourists seriously and that most crime only occurs in townships or away from main tourist areas.