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Middle Africa

South SudanTravel guide

Explore South Sudan visa rules

South Sudan is a country in Central Africa. Its capital is Juba, and it became independent from Sudan on 9 July 2011. Many governments advise against all travel because of armed conflict, violence and widespread violent crime.

Why go

  1. Wildlife in Boma National Park and Nimule National Park.

  2. Views of the White Nile from riverside restaurants.

  3. City views from the 684-metre-high Jebel Kujur rock.

  4. Rumbec Freedom Square in Rumbek.

Getting there

By air

  • Juba International Airport receives international flights. The source lists Cairo, Addis Ababa, Entebbe, Nairobi and Khartoum as departure cities.
  • The source lists direct flights from Dubai with flydubai. It says Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul were suspended in May 2026.
  • Photography is not allowed at the airport.

By land

  • A bus runs from Kampala to Juba.
  • The source says crossing from Uganda was possible as of April 2024.
  • The Renk crossing from Sudan has large numbers of refugees and people returning from Sudan. Land borders with Sudan and Ethiopia are hazardous.

Customs

  • Foreign visitors must register their presence in person within 72 hours of arrival.
  • Bring your yellow fever vaccination card.
  • The source lists visas on arrival at border crossings and Juba International Airport for US$100. Processing can take three hours, and an invitation letter may be required.

Getting around

  • Intercity bus

    Companies such as Eco Bus operate buses between cities.

  • Car

    Roads are unpaved. During the rainy season, from July into October or November, they often become impossible to use. Vehicles drive on the right.

What to see and do

  • Nimule National Park

    See East African wildlife.

  • Rumbec Freedom Square

    Visit this square in Rumbek.

  • White Nile

    Enjoy river views from restaurants on its banks, including Da Vinci and Afex.

  • Sinking ship near Afex

    Afex restaurant has a view of this distinctive ship.

  • Wildlife safari

    Explore Boma National Park or Nimule National Park by four-wheel-drive vehicle or aircraft. The source describes a huge mammal migration.

  • Hike Jebel Kujur

    Climb this 684-metre-high rock for city views. Check local security before going; weekends can be crowded.

Food and drink

  • Kisra

    The national dish is a fermented pancake, usually made from sorghum grain. It has a sour smell and rough texture.

  • Mandazi and gurassa

    Mandazi are square, deep-fried doughnuts. Gurassa is a pancake made with yeast.

  • Wala-wala and aseeda

    Wala-wala is millet porridge. Aseeda is sorghum porridge.

  • Shaiyyah

    Pan-fried meat.

  • Mahshi

    Vegetables such as zucchini, tomatoes and peppers are filled with minced meat, rice and onions. They are cooked in tomato sauce.

  • Kajaik and molokhia

    Kajaik is fish stew. Molokhia is a meat-based soup with mallow leaves.

Money

South Sudanese pound (SSP)

  • Exchange rates change. The source gives January 2026 official rates of about 4,500 pounds per US dollar, 5,300 per euro and 6,000 per British pound.
  • You can pay in US dollars at supermarkets such as Juba Mall, Lily's and Phoenicia. They may offer your change in US dollars or South Sudanese pounds.
  • The source warns travellers to be wary of street money changers.
  • You can withdraw cash using Visa or MasterCard credit or debit cards at Ecobank and Equity Bank cash machines.

Typical costs

  • The source lists clove tea outside Juba at usually 10 South Sudanese pounds per cup.
  • The source lists ginger coffee in Renk at 100 South Sudanese pounds per cup in 2019.

Language

  • English — an official language.
  • Arabic, including Juba Arabic — an official language.
  • Dinka — the most widely spoken language.
  • Jur Modo.
  • Nuer.
  • Chollo/Shilluk.
  • Zande.
Sukar bara
Serve the sugar separately.

Staying safe

  • Many governments advise against all travel. Risks include armed conflict, violence between ethnic groups and widespread violent crime.
  • Civilians and aid workers face shootings, carjackings, ambushes, violent attacks, harassment and robbery.
  • Land borders with Sudan and Ethiopia are hazardous. Travel near the Sudan and Central African Republic borders is extremely dangerous.
  • Rural areas may contain landmines. Unexploded weapons left from the civil war also pose a danger.

Local customs

Don't

  • Do not take photographs at the airport.

Staying healthy

  • The source's warning, updated on 8 June 2026, reports an Ebola outbreak declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organization.
  • Malaria is a risk. Before travelling, visit a travel vaccination clinic for medicine to prevent malaria and advice on vaccines.
  • The source lists yellow fever, polio, hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines. Bring your yellow fever vaccination card.
  • Sleep under a mosquito net and use mosquito repellent.

Phone and internet

  • Foreign phone roaming and foreign SIM cards usually do not work.
  • Bring an unlocked phone.
  • Buy a local SIM card from Zain or MTN for mobile communication.

Where to stay

  • Radisson Blu Hotel
  • Pyramid Continental Hotel
  • Juba Grand Hotel
  • Palm Africa Hotel

Outdoor adventures in South Sudan

South Sudan offers wildlife safaris in Boma and Nimule national parks, a hike up Jebel Kujur, and boat trips and fishing on the Nile. Travel is dangerous because of armed violence, violent crime and unexploded weapons, and many governments advise against all travel. Rural areas may contain landmines.

  • Boma National Park safari

    Safari

    Visit the park on a safari by 4x4 vehicle or aircraft.

    • Armed violence and violent crime make travel dangerous.
    • Rural areas may contain landmines and unexploded weapons.

  • Nimule National Park safari

    Safarinear Nimule

    Visit the park on a safari by 4x4 vehicle or aircraft.

    • Armed violence and violent crime make travel dangerous.
    • Rural areas may contain landmines and unexploded weapons.

  • Jebel Kujur hike

    Hikenear Juba

    Hike up Jebel Kujur for views over Juba. Check the area's security situation before setting out.

    • Check local security before hiking.

  • Nile boat trip from Juba

    More to donear Juba

    Take a boat trip on the Nile while staying in Juba. No operator or departure point is specified.

  • Fishing in Juba

    More to donear Juba

    Fishing is listed as an activity in Juba. No fishing spot, operator or booking details are specified.

  • Jogging in Juba

    More to donear Juba

    Jogging is an option in Juba, where a Hash House Harriers running group is also listed. No route or meeting details are specified.

    • Violent crime and shootings are risks in South Sudan.

Airports, metros and trains in South Sudan

Airports with scheduled flights

  • JUBJuba International AirportJubaMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
248 km

People and safety in South Sudan

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mixed.

  • Christian61%
  • Folk religions33%
  • Muslim6%
  • No religion<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are illegal

  • The law allows up to 10 years in prison.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #173 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

43% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 5 of 198 countries can visit South Sudan easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required4
  • Visa on arrival1
  • eVisa193

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Africa5 of 53 countries
  • Asia0 of 50 countries
  • Europe0 of 46 countries
  • Americas0 of 35 countries
  • Oceania0 of 14 countries

Questions

Is South Sudan safe for a first visit?

Many governments advise against all travel because of armed conflict, violence and widespread violent crime. Some embassies may be unable to help travellers.

What is the weather like?

South Sudan has a tropical climate with a humid, rainy season followed by a drier season. Roads often become impossible to use during the rains.

Can I reach Juba by bus?

Yes. The source lists a bus from Kampala to Juba.

Can I withdraw cash?

The source says Ecobank and Equity Bank cash machines accept Visa and MasterCard credit or debit cards. The local currency is the South Sudanese pound.

What languages are spoken?

English and Arabic, including Juba Arabic, are official languages. Dinka is the most widely spoken language.

What local food can I try?

Kisra, the national dish, is a fermented pancake usually made from sorghum. Other dishes include porridge, pan-fried meat, stuffed vegetables and fish stew.

Can I drink river water?

Untreated river water can expose you to diarrhoea and cholera. If bottled water is unavailable, boil river water or treat it with chlorine before drinking.

Will my foreign SIM card work?

Foreign roaming usually does not work. Bring an unlocked phone and buy a local SIM card from Zain or MTN.

Where can I see wildlife?

Boma National Park and Nimule National Park offer wildlife safaris. The source lists travel through the parks by four-wheel-drive vehicle or aircraft.

Do I need to register after arriving?

Foreign visitors must register their presence in person within 72 hours of arrival.

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