Scam in South SudanTheft
Armed robbery and mugging in South Sudan
How it works
Foreign visitors have been robbed or mugged, including in armed attacks. Walking around Juba carries a high crime risk. No specific approach or distraction method is described.
Warning signs
- You are walking rather than travelling by car.
- Your journey takes place at night.
How to avoid it
- Arrange transport by car instead of walking around Juba.
- Avoid unnecessary journeys at night.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
If it happens to you
Do not resist an armed attacker. Leave belongings behind if needed to reach safety. Once safe, seek help and block any stolen cards.
- Get to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or resist an armed attacker.
- Seek medical help if you are hurt.
- Block stolen cards and tell your card issuer about any unauthorised transactions.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place and losses. Save receipts or messages if you have them.
- Report the incident to police when it is safe. Ask for a written report or reference for insurance.
- Contact your embassy if your passport is missing or you need urgent support. Tell your travel insurer about the loss.
Questions
What is the armed robbery and mugging scam in South Sudan?
Foreign visitors have been robbed or mugged, including in armed attacks. Walking around Juba carries a high crime risk. No specific approach or distraction method is described.
How can I spot it early?
You are walking rather than travelling by car. Your journey takes place at night.
How do I avoid armed robbery and mugging in South Sudan?
Arrange transport by car instead of walking around Juba. Avoid unnecessary journeys at night. Keep valuables out of sight.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not resist an armed attacker. Leave belongings behind if needed to reach safety. Once safe, seek help and block any stolen cards.
Where in South Sudan does this happen?
Juba; extra care is needed when travelling at night. It has been reported in Juba.
How common is this scam in South Sudan?
Occasional. There is no clear information on how often tourist scams happen in South Sudan. Street money changers deserve caution, and foreign visitors have suffered armed robbery and muggings in Juba. The overall travel risk is high because of violent crime and wider insecurity.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report robbery, theft or suspected fraud when safe. Ask for a written record. No local reporting number or specialist tourist unit is provided. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block cards and report unauthorised payments. Your embassy or consulate: contact its official assistance service for a lost passport or serious incident. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep incident records and receipts.
Reviewed by @snuck