By Karyn Maughan | IOL

Terror-reeling India and South Africa have something in common: both are rated as one of the world’s 20 most dangerous countries.

Backed by travel advice issued by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), London’s The Telegraph newspaper has placed South Africa alongside Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Colombia, Haiti, Eritrea, Pakistan, Burundi, Nigeria and the DRC in terms of danger to travellers.

According to the FCO, South Africa has “an underlying threat from terrorism”.

“Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.”

The FCO’s travel advisory on SA also states: “South Africa has a very high level of crime, including rape and murder. However, most cases occur in the townships and in areas away from the main tourist destinations.

“In 2007 and 2008 there were a number of incidents involving foreigners being followed from OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg, to their destinations by car and then robbed, often at gunpoint. We recommend you exercise particular caution in and around the airport and extra vigilance when driving away.

“The standard of driving is variable and there are many fatal accidents.”