Prospective American tourists to Cape Town have been warned not to rely on GPS to get around.

The US Department of State has now pasted a permanent warning on its travel advisory page about GPS navigation in South Africa.

A number of US tourists have recently been victims of crime after Google maps took them through townships from the airport.

This includes Walter Fischel who got his teeth blasted out after being shot in the face by attackers in Nyanga in November last year.

His phone’s navigation app took him on a detour through the area after he landed in Cape Town.

READ: ‘I got shot in the face’ – American tourist’s horror ordeal in Nyanga

A US couple is also suing Google after being attacked in Nyanga in October last year while following directions on Google Maps.

Jason and Katharine Zoladtz were hijacked and robbed at gunpoint while being guided by Google Maps.

A brick was thrown through the window of their rental vehicle shattering Jason’s jaw.

In November last year, Google Maps said it would no longer direct users through Nyanga.

RELATED: City in talks with Google to caution visitors on certain areas

The advisory from the US Department of State now urges travelers to stay on major highways and to avoid reliance on navigation apps.

The advisory reads:

Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime and civil unrest:

Country Summary:  Violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and “smash-and-grab” attacks on vehicles, is common. There is a higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark.

Using GPS navigation can lead to unsafe routes. GPS navigation may suggest shortcuts through townships as the quickest preferred route but can lead to increased risks of crime.

There have been incidents in which tourists traveling in Cape Town while using GPS navigation apps have been routed through residential areas with high rates of violent crime.

The safest approach to return a rental car to Cape Town International Airport is to take the N2 highway and follow signs to Airport Approach Rd (exit 16).

Alternatively, request the rental car company to collect your vehicle and subsequently arrange an airport transfer from established taxi companies or established ridesharing services to reach the airport.

Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently. These can develop quickly without prior notification, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services; such events have the potential to turn violent.

The State Department also has the following tips for travelers to South Africa:

• Research your route in advance, stay on major highways, avoid shortcuts through townships, and avoid reliance on GPS navigation apps.
• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
• Avoid visiting informal settlement areas unless you are with someone familiar with the area.
• Do not display cash or valuables.
• Drive with doors locked and windows closed.
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for South Africa.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.