Embassy of South Africa in Bern, Switzerland; address 29 Alpenstrasse, 3006, Bern; phone +41313501313. Plus 2 other missions.
Also accredited to: Liechtenstein
Head of mission: Vacant, Consul (as of 2023)
Head of mission: Mr. Gianni Patrizio Luca Rezzonico, Honorary Consul (confirmed in the diplomatic list of Switzerland, 25 Oct 2024)
South Africa offers a compelling experience for Swiss travelers, showcasing its rich diversity and vibrant culture. Although visitor numbers have varied, the country remains a promising destination. With 6.1 million Swiss citizens traveling abroad annually, a segment of this population is likely to find South Africa appealing.
South Africa presents different safety challenges for tourists compared to Switzerland. While Switzerland ranks 7th in safety among European countries for walking alone at night, South Africa is ranked 125th out of 160 countries in the Global Peace Index, indicating a higher level of risk. The murder rate in South Africa is significantly higher, with 41.9 murders per 100,000 people, compared to just 0.5 in Switzerland. Female murder rates also reflect this disparity, with South Africa at 9.5 per 100,000 versus 0.6 in Switzerland. Additionally, the Global Organized Crime Index shows that South Africa has higher scores in various crime categories, indicating more significant organized crime challenges. For example, mafia groups and crime networks in South Africa are rated worse than those in Switzerland. In summary, while tourists from Switzerland can enjoy a relatively safe environment at home, they should exercise caution and be aware of the higher crime rates and safety concerns when traveling to South Africa.