A travel alert issued Wednesday warns of a "heightened risk that extremist groups will conduct terrorist acts within South Africa in the near future," but adds that "while a number of terrorist threats against the World Cup have appeared in recent weeks and months, the U.S. Government has no information on any specific threat.
But, as South Africa gears up for this month's launch of the FIFA World Cup, the U.S. State Dept. is strongly cautioning Americans to keep their eyes on more than the ball.
Crime fears have dogged the World Cup since South Africa won the right to host the matches, and the State Dept. advises visiting drivers to "keep doors locked and windows closed, avoid having purses, phones, bags and luggage in plain view, and when stopping at intersections at night or in isolated locations, leave enough space in front of your vehicle for a quick exit. Be wary of street vendors at traffic lights, planted obstacles and staged 'accidents' that may be traps for unsuspecting motorists."
The alert also mentions that "extreme shortages of hotel rooms are likely," particularly in smaller cities. But despite strong interest from U.S. fans, who've bought more tickets than soccer-crazed Germany and England combined, the number of foreign visitors is down dramatically from original estimates. FIFA announced today that another 90,000 tickets will have to be released May 28 for all 64 matches, including the opening, final and two semi-finals. Prices are coming down by 50% for both hotel rooms and airline tickets: According to a spokeswoman for South African Airways, flexible fans can find seats from the East Coast to Johannesburg during the World Cup for as little as $1,480 round-trip, down from $3,000 a few months ago.
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