The Ultimate Guide to Traveling in South Sudan: A Complete Overview of Politics, Security, Health, and Travel Information
South Sudan is Africa's youngest nation, yet it remains on a long journey toward peace and reconstruction. Security is highly unstable outside the capital, Juba, with frequent political conflicts and clashes between armed groups. Due to weak healthcare and infrastructure, travelers must prepare thoroughly in advance and obtain insurance. Rather than taking risks, understanding the local reality is crucial. Only limited visits for humanitarian, journalistic, or international cooperation purposes are recommended.
Country Overview & Current Situation
- Since independence from Sudan in 2011, civil war and ceasefires have alternated. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is stationed there. Its mandate was renewed by UN Security Council Resolution 2779 in 2025.
- The 2018 ‘Revised and Enhanced Comprehensive Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS)’ established a unity government, maintaining a power-sharing arrangement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, though tensions persist.
- General elections, originally scheduled for 2024, were postponed again to December 2026 (due to insufficient preparation and institutional shortcomings). The election schedule remains highly subject to change.
- As of 2025, warnings persist that the peace agreement's implementation is being undermined by renewed armed conflict, new troop recruitment, and child soldiering.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea has designated the area as a Countries advised to leave / Both the United States and the United Kingdom maintain a Do Not Travel / Against all travel advisory for their citizens.
Key Risk Factors
Politics & Security
- Political schedule uncertain following the election postponement (December 2026). Conflict can escalate without warning.
- High risk of armed robbery, vehicle hijacking, and kidnapping nationwide, including the capital Juba. Nighttime movement restrictions are standard.
Terrorism & Armed Groups
- The practical risk lies in clashes with domestic armed groups and militias rather than large-scale foreign terrorism like Boko Haram. Repeated incidents of aid workers and foreigners being shot/kidnapped.
Civil Unrest
- Frequent spontaneous protests and roadblocks due to wage arrears, fuel shortages, floods/droughts. Aid operations also attacked, hindering humanitarian access.
Crime Risk & Precautions
- Common Crimes: Armed robbery, carjacking, fake checkpoints, smash-and-grab theft. Particularly dangerous on airport-city routes and congested areas.
- Principles:
Health & Medical · Vaccinations
- Access to advanced medical care is very limited; air evacuation to Nairobi or Kampala for severe cases is the realistic option → Insurance covering medical evacuation is essential.
- Yellow Fever: Required for entry for stays over 9 months + recommended for all travelers. Malaria risk throughout the entire region. Typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, Rabies (if at risk of exposure), Meningococcal (ACWY) recommended.
- Infectious Disease Trends (Ongoing/Recent)
- Precautions: Use DEET, mosquito nets, and long clothing / Drink bottled water or fully boiled water / Carry basic medicines and a sterilization kit.
Culture, Laws, and Ethics
- Same-sex sexual activity is illegal (up to 14 years imprisonment), and regulations exist for criminal punishment of transgender expression. Avoid public expression and gatherings.
- Photography of government, military, or police facilities/personnel is prohibited for safety. Checkpoints and arrest powers are widely enforced.
Travel & Operational Tips (Practical)
- Air Travel: Airports and borders may close immediately during conflict escalation → Pre-confirm evacuation routes and communication networks.
- Vehicles: Travel in convoy (caverning) with two or more vehicles, carry fuel, satellite communications, and Spot tracking devices. No night travel.
- Accommodation: Stay in lodgings with security lights, internal locks, and panic buttons. Use room safes. Minimize movements after work hours.
- Contact Network: Save and share local partner–embassy–insurance 24-hour hotline numbers.
Emergency Contacts
- Public emergency numbers are typically 999, but actual response may be slow or unavailable → Save direct numbers for accommodation, security, and driver as primary emergency contacts. (Some sources: Ambulance 997, Fire 998)
📌 Final Summary
✅ Politics: Delayed implementation of 2018 peace agreement, general elections postponed again to Dec 2026 → High schedule volatility and signs of renewed conflict. (Al Jazeera, UNMISS)
✅ Terrorism/Armed Groups: Risk from domestic armed groups/militias more realistic than foreign terrorism; aid workers/foreigners may be targeted. (CFR)
✅ Crime: Nationwide, including Juba, frequent armed robberies, vehicle thefts, and kidnappings → Pre-arrange transportation, avoid night travel, keep doors/windows locked at all times. (U.S. / CBS)
✅ Civil unrest: Frequent blockades and protests over fuel, wages, security issues; aid operations also attacked → Immediately leave crowds. (UN Press)
✅ Medical Care: Limited advanced medical care; out-of-country evacuation is realistic for severe cases → Insurance covering medical evacuation is ‘essential’. (FCDO)
✅ Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination required for entry (≥9 months) + DTP, MMR, Typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, Meningococcal (ACWY) recommended. (CDC)
✅ Infection/Hygiene: Malaria endemic + Hepatitis E (persistent in Bentiu camp), seasonal cholera → DEET, mosquito nets, bottled water, thorough cooking. (WHO/AFRO)
✅ Laws/Culture: Same-sex acts illegal (up to 14 years), high risk for public expression of LGBTQ+ identity → Refrain from public expression/gatherings. (Human Dignity Trust)
✅ Emergency Numbers: Unified 999 (Limited on-site response) / Some sources list Ambulance 997·Fire 998 → Direct contact with accommodation/guide essential. (CIA, Local Guide)
✅ The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea has designated the area as a Countries advised to leave / Both the United States and the United Kingdom maintain a Do Not Travel / Against all travel advisory for their citizens.
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