State Dept. Warns Americans Traveling to South Africa for World Cup

As the World Cup fast approaches and American soccer fans gear up for a month of football in South Africa, the U.S. State Department has issued travel alerts to Americans attending the games.

According to the State Dept. website, there have been no specific threats made against Americans and Americans have rarely been the subject of violence within South Africa. But, "the Department of State remains concerned about the continued worldwide threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas," according to the website.

The list of categories under which the State Dept. recommends Americans be watchful include crime, with the subcategories of "armed robbery, carjacking, mugging, [and] 'smash-and-grab attacks on vehicles." For example, when driving, Americans are advised to leave plenty of room between their car and the next in case passengers have to make a "quick exit."

Americans are also cautioned against financial scams, airport thefts of luggage and using ATMs after business hours. The website also suggests that Americans never let a credit card out of sight, even after giving it to a merchant at a legitimate business.

These warnings follow the news that two workers at a South African hotel stole money from the Colombia soccer team, which is staying in northern Johannesburg. The Associated press reports that about $2,800 was stolen from suitcases in the players' hotel rooms.

Earlier this month, Global Post released a story stating that approximately 40,000 sex workers would make their way to South Africa for the month-long World Cup. Some taxi drivers are organizing what's called a "Bright Red Tour," in which a driver shuttles customers from strip club to strip club all night for about $500.

Read the State Department's South Africa travel alert here, and its World Cup 2010 announcement here.