Risk level

Safety and security

Political situation

The security environment has generally improved since the signing of the peace agreement in 2018 and the formation of a transitional government in 2020. Localized tensions remain following a two-year extension of the transitional period, with elections announced for late 2024.

Security situation

Many security checkpoints have been set up throughout the country, making road travel difficult. Vehicles are regularly stopped and searched and violence has occurred during such encounters. Restrict your movements.

Violent clashes traditionally increase during the dry season, from December to April.

With the deteriorating economic conditions, urban crime rates are rising significantly. Tensions are high and the potential for spontaneous unrest is significant.

Inter-tribal clashes occur without warning throughout the country, and there is frequent fighting between the army and armed militia groups.

Regions bordering Sudan are particularly insecure due to periodic tension between Sudan and South Sudan.

The situation in Juba is relatively calm but remains unpredictable.

Jonglei state

The situation is extremely volatile in Jonglei state, more specifically in Bor and Pibor due to inter-communal fighting.

Anti-government forces control of much of the countryside, while the government retains control within Bor and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.

Northern states

Conflict between breakaway armed opposition forces continues in Unity and Upper Nile states. The government currently controls Malakal, but anti-government forces are in control of much of Upper Nile state, west of the Nile River. The government holds most of Unity, including Bentiu.

Occasional tensions between South Sudan and Sudan have led to increased military activity in regions bordering Sudan, and both states have threatened to escalate their activities.

Fighting in the border areas of Blue Nile state and South Kordofan, Sudan, has displaced tens of thousands of people over the border since South Sudan’s secession in 2011. The ongoing conflict in Sudan is likely to increase the number of displaced persons.

Be aware of security threats in the oil development region, especially in and around Paloich, Upper Nile state. Oil installations and the surrounding areas are potential targets for military and rebel attacks.

The Abyei region, which borders South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap and Unity states and Sudan, is a disputed territory between the two countries. The Abyei region is the site of frequent fighting and mass displacement.

Inter-tribal conflict and cattle rustling are becoming prevalent in Lakes state. Tensions are particularly high in Rumbek East County.

If you remain in the area:

• restrict your movement
• avoid the road connecting Rumbek and Yirol

Southern states

There is increased militia activity in Central Equatoria and some parts of Western Equatoria states, particularly in Mundri.

Travel on the three main roads has become extremely dangerous as armed attacks on these roads are frequent between:

• Juba–Nimule
• Juba–Kajo Keji
• Juba–Yei

The border area between South Sudan and Kenya remains volatile due to clashes between heavily armed youths on both sides of the borders.

There is an increase of attacks by non-state armed groups near the border crossing with Uganda at Nimule, Eastern Equatoria. South Sudanese authorities will close the border crossing for short periods when incidents occur.

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and handbag snatching, occurs regularly and mainly in Juba.

During your stay in South Sudan:

• ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and your other travel documents are secure at all times
• avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
• avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuables

Violent crime

There is widespread violent crime throughout South Sudan. Incidents include:

• kidnappings
• armed robbery
• carjackings
• compound invasions

The current economic crisis has led to a significant increase in the number of crimes involving guns. The economic crisis will likely deepen in the short to medium term.

There are frequent armed invasions of the compounds housing international non-governmental organizations.

Incidences are especially high in Juba, which has seen regular outbreaks of violence and lawlessness and increasing numbers of carjackings.

Crime usually rises in the run-up to Christmas, New Year and Easter seasons. Foreigners have been victims of many crimes, including rape and robbery.

Law enforcement personnel have limited capacity to deter crime.

Kidnappings

Several kidnappings have occurred primarily in the oil producing areas of Unity and Upper Nile states.

Kidnappers mainly target workers in the oil and aid sectors working in remote and contested areas.

If you plan to go to these areas despite the risk:

• exercise caution at all times
• use varied and unpredictable routes and itineraries

Restrictions on movement

Roadblocks are common and are frequently erected after dark.

Increasingly frequent fuel shortages may impede your ability to move freely at short notice and could lead to unexpected shortages of basic foodstuffs.

• Have your identity and vehicle documents readily available
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Take adequate precautions

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Communications

Telecommunications are unreliable.

There are no fixed telephone lines. Mobile devices don't have full functionality.

There is no international postal service.

Road safety

Landmines pose a threat, especially outside of Juba.

Road conditions are extremely poor. Many roads are unpaved and poorly maintained. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required, except in some urban areas such as Juba and Malakal, especially during the rainy season from March to November.

You should only undertake desert travel if you are experienced and fully equipped. Basic equipment should include:

• a shovel
• metal ramps for heavy sand
• a GPS device
• spare fuel
• water and food supplies

Unpredictable local driving habits, pedestrians and roaming animals pose risks.

Public transportation

A few taxis are available in urban centres but are generally old and uncomfortable.

Public transportation is limited outside of major urban areas.

Most other buses are irregularly scheduled, poorly maintained and very badly driven. Fatal accidents involving buses are routine and increasing.

Only use top-of-the-line buses.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the South Sudanese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave South Sudan.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required
Transit visa: required

Electronic Visa

You must obtain your E-visa online, through the government’s website, prior to your departure to South Sudan

E-Visa portal - South Sudan's Ministry of Interior

Health screening

Due to the ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease in neighboring countries, which has subsided for now, you may be subject to a quick thermal scanner screening and a health questionnaire at Juba International Airport upon disembarkation.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are inadequate and supplies of medicine are limited.

You will likely need medical evacuation if you fall seriously ill or are injured. Air ambulances are usually not available on short notice and the airport is closed after dark.

Make sure you get travel insurance for South Sudan that includes coverage for:

• medical evacuation
• repatriation
• hospital stays

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication

Some prescription medications may not be available in South Sudan.

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining if they’re legal in the country.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences or heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Death penalty

Photography

A permit for photography, including on a mobile phone, is required. Permits can be obtained at the Ministry of Information.

Even with a photography permit, it is prohibited to photograph:

• military installations
• military and police personnel
• government buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, dams and airfields
• public utilities including gas stations

2SLGBTQI+ persons

South Sudanese law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Public displays of affection between members of the opposite sex are frowned upon.

2SLGBTQI+ persons have experienced harassment and verbal abuse.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in South Sudan.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of South Sudan, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and South Sudan.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in South Sudan by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in South Sudan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Driving

You should carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

Dress and behaviour

South Sudan is a traditional, conservative society. Women should dress conservatively and should avoid:

• mini skirts
• bare arms
• low necklines

Money

The currency is the South Sudan pound (SSP). The Sudanese pound (SDG) is not recognized as legal tender.

Transferring U.S. or Canadian dollars to the country is difficult. Currency exchange houses and merchants do not accept U.S. currency dated before 2006 and will reject notes with any marks.

Credit cards are only accepted in South Sudan in limited locations such as:

• major hotels
• some restaurants
• shopping centers
• supermarkets

There are automated teller machines (ATMs), but they are not reliable, and only dispense South Sudanese pounds. You must pay in cash for larger expenses, such as hotel bills.

There is currently a vast and growing disparity between the official exchange and black-market rates for South Sudanese pounds. It is illegal to exchange currency except in authorized locations, such as banks and exchange bureaus.

• Carry sufficient funds in U.S. dollars to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay
• Expect to pay for all international flights booked in South Sudan in U.S. dollars

Natural disasters and climate

South Sudan is prone to extreme weather events such as:

• floods
• heat waves
• drought
• wildfire

Floods

The onset of rainy season in South Sudan is from March to October. Many roads may become impassable during this period due to flooding.

• Monitor local news and weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Heat waves and drought

Humidity and heat may be severe during both the rainy season and the dry season from November to March. South Sudan is also subject to periods of drought.

Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, which can both be fatal.

Wildfire

Wildfires occur throughout the country. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

• stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation