Embassy of South Africa in Brussels, Belgium; address 17-19 Rue Montoyer, 1000, Bruxelles; phone +3222854400.
South Africa offers a compelling travel experience with its rich diversity and vibrant culture, making it an appealing option for some Belgian tourists. With 8.6 million Belgians traveling abroad annually, a portion may find South Africa an interesting destination despite recent fluctuations in visitor numbers.
South Africa presents certain safety challenges for tourists, especially when compared to Belgium. According to the Global Peace Index, South Africa is ranked 125th out of 160 countries, while Belgium ranks significantly higher at 16th. In terms of crime statistics, South Africa has a much higher murder rate, with 41.9 per 100,000 people compared to Belgium's 1.1. Female murder rates also reflect this disparity, with South Africa at 9.5 and Belgium at 0.2. The Global Organized Crime Index further highlights the differences, showing Belgium with lower scores across various crime categories, such as mafia groups (3.0 in Belgium vs. 7.0 in South Africa) and state crime (2.0 in Belgium vs. 7.5 in South Africa). While tourists can enjoy South Africa's rich culture and natural beauty, it is advisable to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety.