South Sudan

The Land of the White
Nile and Cultural Diversity

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South Sudan, a landlocked country in East Africa, is known for its vast wetlands, including the Sudd, and its rich wildlife in Badingilo National Park. Home to iconic sites like Juba, the White Nile, and the Imatong Mountains, South Sudan offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The country’s geography features swamps, grasslands, and savannas. South Sudanese culture combines Dinka, Nuer, and British influences, reflected in its music, dance, and cuisine like kisra (sorghum flatbread) and stews. Known for its natural wonders and warm hospitality, South Sudan is an emerging destination for nature enthusiasts and cultural adventurers.

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Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into South Sudan.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from South Sudan.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: No countries are fully visa-exempt for South Sudan; all travelers require a visa to enter the country.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from all nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering South Sudan, either through an embassy, high commission, or the e-Visa system (if available), though visas on arrival may be issued with pre-arrangement.

Special Entry Provisions

  • No specific provisions exist for holders of Schengen, US, or UK visas or residence permits to enter South Sudan without a visa; a South Sudan-specific visa is required.
  • Travelers must have confirmed onward or return tickets, proof of sufficient funds for their stay, a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and often a letter of invitation or security clearance due to the unstable security situation.

ID Card Entry

  • No countries are permitted to enter South Sudan using only a national ID card. A passport is mandatory for all travelers.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for 90 days within 180 days. Can be single or multiple entry, with validity up to 1 year (subject to security approval).
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days. Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit (rarely issued due to instability).

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa durations vary; tourist stays are typically capped at 90 days, often requiring pre-arranged security arrangements.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; contact the nearest South Sudanese embassy or consulate, though services may be limited due to ongoing conflict.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements (e.g., vaccination certificates or testing) via the Ministry of Health, though information may be inconsistent due to instability.
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Driving in South Sudan

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, South Sudan has no official toll roads. Major routes like the Juba-Nimule road are publicly managed where control exists, but tolls are not in place due to lack of infrastructure and ongoing conflict.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates: Not applicable yet; monitor updates from the South Sudan Ministry of Transport (if functional).
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: South Sudanese Pound (SSP) would be accepted if tolls are introduced.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Unlikely to be accepted; cash is king.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: No system exists due to limited infrastructure.

Driving in South Sudan

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants in theory, though enforcement is virtually nonexistent due to instability.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40 km/h
    • Rural roads: 80 km/h
    • Highways: 110 km/h (though highways are rare and poorly defined).
  • Road conditions: Extremely poor outside controlled urban areas like Juba; unpaved, muddy, and unlit roads predominate, with risks from conflict, banditry, and poor maintenance. Exercise extreme caution everywhere.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license for stays up to 3 months; longer stays require a South Sudanese driver’s license, though obtaining one is impractical due to lack of functional administration in many areas.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: South Sudan has no vignette system; informal checkpoints by militias or local authorities may demand payments—check locally with security escorts.
  • Road Safety: Driving is highly dangerous due to poor road conditions, aggressive drivers, armed groups, and frequent ambushes or roadblocks. Avoid all travel outside secure zones without armed escorts; night driving is strongly discouraged everywhere.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is unreliable due to lack of infrastructure and conflict zones; keep an updated physical map and a satellite phone as a backup, as roads may be controlled by hostile factions.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (service is unreliable and often unavailable outside Juba).

Useful Links

Currency Menu

South Sudan Currency

The official currency of South Sudan is the South Sudanese Pound (SSP).
(Note: U.S. Dollars (USD) are widely accepted, especially in urban areas and for larger transactions.)

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000 SSP
  • Coins: 10, 20, 50 piastres; 1, 2 SSP
  • Symbol: SSP

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services available at banks, Juba International Airport, and informal money changers in Juba.
  • ATMs are virtually nonexistent; cash (SSP or USD) is essential, and major UK, US, and Euro cards are rarely accepted.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred and often the only option, especially outside Juba.
  • Credit/debit cards are not accepted outside a few high-end hotels in Juba catering to expatriates or aid workers.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans, though card use is impractical.
  • Carry sufficient cash in USD for all transactions, as SSP is less stable and harder to exchange outside South Sudan.
  • Check for currency conversion fees with informal changers; official banking is limited and risky.
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Bank of South Sudan website: https://www.boss.gov.ss/ (if accessible).
Laws Menu

Legal Essentials for Traveling in South Sudan

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in South Sudan, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences or execution in extreme cases. Even small quantities can lead to criminal charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Public intoxication is frowned upon and may result in fines or detention; alcohol is restricted in some areas due to local customs.
    • Smoking is restricted in public spaces in controlled areas like Juba, but enforcement is inconsistent.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing sensitive political or ethnic issues, especially related to the civil war, tribal conflicts, or government authority—such actions can lead to detention or violence.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal, with penalties up to 14 years in prison. 2SLGBTQI+ travelers should avoid travel to South Sudan due to significant risks.
  • Photography: Strictly restricted near government buildings, military sites, checkpoints, or conflict zones. Photographing locals without permission can lead to arrest or violence, especially in sensitive areas.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits | Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over $10,000 USD (or equivalent); enforcement is inconsistent due to lack of central authority.

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, pornography, and certain cultural artifacts.
  • Counterfeit goods (may face fines or confiscation where authority exists).

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 7 days at the airport via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), though facilities are rudimentary.

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the South Sudan Tourism Office or local police stations (if safe and accessible, primarily in Juba).

Beach Access

  • No specific legal mandate for public beach access applies, as South Sudan is landlocked; riverfront areas like those along the White Nile are generally open where controlled and safe.

Key Resources

Safety Menu

South Sudan Travel Safety

South Sudan is not generally safe for travellers due to ongoing conflict, high crime rates, and instability across most regions. Travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in South Sudan.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) and violent crime (e.g., armed robbery, kidnapping) are widespread, especially in Juba, Malakal, and on public transport. Violent crime against tourists is a severe risk due to ongoing civil conflict, banditry, and militia activity.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Extremely unsafe; avoid traveling alone due to high risks of kidnapping, gender-based violence, and lack of security infrastructure. Travel only with armed escorts and local guidance.

Road Safety

  • Driving is highly dangerous due to poor road conditions, aggressive drivers, armed checkpoints, and frequent attacks by militias or bandits, especially outside Juba.
  • Avoid night driving entirely due to unlit roads, ambushes, and banditry risks.
  • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory in theory, but enforcement is nonexistent in most areas.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Tap water is unsafe; use bottled or purified water.
    • Eat well-cooked food to avoid diarrhea, cholera, or typhoid.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Required: Yellow fever (for all travelers over 1 year old).
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, polio, hepatitis B, rabies, malaria prophylaxis, and COVID-19.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Malaria, dengue, and schistosomiasis (near rivers) are widespread; use repellent and bed nets. Avoid swimming in freshwater.
  • Altitude Sickness: Minimal risk, as no areas exceed 2,947 meters (Imatong Mountains).

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Extremely limited; basic facilities like Juba Teaching Hospital offer minimal care. Rural areas lack any advanced facilities.
  • Pharmacies: Available in Juba; stock essential medications, but supplies are unreliable.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes comprehensive medical evacuation, as local facilities are inadequate.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (patchy service, functional only in Juba and select areas).
  • Police: 777 | Ambulance: 999 | Fire: 998 (limited availability).
  • Tourist Assistance: Contact local authorities or the nearest embassy (e.g., Nairobi, Kenya) if safe (+254 20 222 0222), as consular support in South Sudan is severely limited.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Rent a 4x4 with armed security for any travel outside Juba; avoid public transport due to extreme risks.
  • Hiking: Avoid all hiking due to security threats, including landmines and militia presence in rural areas like the Imatong Mountains.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid discussing sensitive political, ethnic, or conflict-related issues—such discussions can provoke hostility or violence.
  • Air Quality: Generally good, but monitor dust levels during dry seasons (December to May).

Key Links

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Flying to South Sudan