South Sudan

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services. 

• Dial 777 for police 
• South Sudan has no public emergency number for ambulance service 
• Dial 623 for toll-free domestic violence hotline 

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad. 

Terrorists may target: 

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) 
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants 
• Places of worship 
• Schools 
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights) 

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

Crime

• In Juba, the most frequently reported violent crimes include armed robberies, carjackings, and home invasions. 
• Criminals target people who are walking, driving, or traveling alone or in small groups, especially at night. 
• Most crimes against foreigners seem to focus on perceived wealth and vulnerability. 
• Criminals often wear security service uniforms and carry military weapons. They use fake security check points or pretend to be officials to stop people or enter restricted areas. 
• Outside Juba, road ambushes and roadside crime are common and often involve violence.  
• Violent crimes and non-violent petty theft and fraud are common. Crimes include murder, armed robbery, home invasions, cattle raiding, and kidnapping. 
• Throughout the country, crimes of opportunity occur near restaurants, banks, and tourist spots. Crimes include: 
  • Muggings 
  • Pickpocketing 
  • Theft from vehicles 
  • Fraudulent currency exchanges 

Safety of humanitarian aid workers

Consult with the security personnel representing your organization.  

• Compounds for aid workers have been breached.  
• Aid workers, including U.S. citizens, have been the targets of shootings, ambushes, violent assaults, harassment, and robberies. 

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. 

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help. 

Financial scams/Internet romance scams are common in South Sudan. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. 

Common scams include: 

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel 
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad 
• Romance and online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent and relative targeting 
• Free trip or luggage 
• Lotteries 
• Inheritance notices 
• Work permits and job offers 

If using dating apps or websites in South Sudan: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault. 
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in a popular public place. 
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app). 
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses. 
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant. 
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible. 
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers. 
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 777.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport. 
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need. 
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home. 

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. 
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the nearest U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. 

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices: 

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest. 
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens. 
• The transitional government requires users to register some communication equipment, such as satellite phones (often called Thurayas or Iridiums). Imports of military materials or “dual-use” items face strict checks, even if they are sold commercially. This also includes commercial drones. 
• Metal detectors, which can be used for prospecting, are tightly controlled, especially if you are traveling to an area where mining takes place. 

Tourism safety 

No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place: 

• Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. 
• Emergency response and medical treatment is not available. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. 

Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. 
• Before you start a business or a profession in South Sudan seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 
• South Sudan’s security services commit arbitrary arrests. They often detain foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens. Extortion is common. 
• Security forces often operate outside civilian control. They do not always follow laws governing due process and treatment of detainees. 
• U.S. citizens may have little recourse to justice if local authorities detain them. Legal proceedings can be long and subjective. 

Photography

For amateur and professional photography, you need a permit from the Ministry of Interior for USD 50. Even with a permit, be careful taking pictures. Police have arrested and physically assaulted tourists for using a camera. Traveling with professional photography equipment will trigger extra scrutiny. 

• Never take pictures of government buildings, vehicles, or people in uniform. 
• Do not take pictures of infrastructure such as bridges or airports. 
• Conceal your camera and do not take random photos in public. 
• Do not take photos of South Sudanese without their permission.  Be courteous of those who shy away from having their pictures taken 

Safety of journalists

Journalism reporting without the proper documentation from the South Sudanese Media Authority is considered illegal.  

• Journalists regularly report being harassed in South Sudan.  
• Journalists have been killed while covering the conflict.  
• Journalists have reported being detained with no due process. Some have been deported without warning. 
• Review our information on Journalist Travelers.

Controlled items

Some items that are legal and common in other places are heavily restricted in South Sudan. Bringing them into the country without permission can lead to trouble. You might face extra checks from security, have your items taken, or get arrested. 

• Metal detectors are useful for prospecting, but they are tightly controlled. This is especially true if you travel to areas where mining occurs.  
• Some communication devices, like satellite phones (often called Thurayas or Iridiums), must be registered with the government. 
• Imports of military materials and "dual-use" items, including their parts, face strict checks. This applies even to items sold commercially, like drones. 
• U.S. citizens should contact the Embassy of the Republic of South Sedan for questions regarding what equipment they may or may not import into the country. You can ask how to obtain authorizations for specific equipment or how to obtain authorization to bring in large sums of cash. 

Arrest notification 

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad. 
• South Sudanese law enforcement officials routinely block embassy access to foreign nationals and dual nationals in detention. 
• If you have reason to believe a U.S. citizen is detained or incarcerated in South Sudan, contact the embassy and provide as much information as possible. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Hajj and Umrah Information [only include for Saudi Arabia] 
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• Same-sex sexual relations are considered illegal in South Sudan. Penalties are up to 10 years imprisonment for consensualsame-sex relations. If non-consensual, the penalty is up to 14 years. 
• Societal discrimination against gay and lesbian persons is widespread. There are no known gay and lesbian organizations. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers. 

Travelers with disabilities or accessibility needs

The law in South Sudan outlines the rights of persons with disabilities and older persons. The law is not widely understood or enforced. 

• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication or information, and general infrastructure throughout South Sudan. 
• General public sentiment around disability leads to discrimination, poverty, abandonment and denial of rights. 

Review our information on Accessibility Needs. 

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad. 

Women travelers

• Women suffer from high levels of sexual violence, including abduction, rape, and forced marriage. 
• The law does not prohibit domestic violence. Spousal abuse is common and police rarely intervene. 
• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

Human rights

There have been credible reports of: 

• Arbitrary or unlawful killings 
• Disappearances 
• Torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment 
• Arbitrary arrest or detention 
• Transnational repression against individuals in another country 
• Serious abuses in a conflict 
• Unlawful recruitment or use of children in armed conflict by the government and nongovernment armed groups 
• Serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom 
• Trafficking in persons, including forced labor 
• Significant presence of any of the worst forms of child labor 

Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling. 

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) South Sudan Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations. 
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization 
• Medicine and Health 
• Travel Insurance 

Emergency phone numbers

• South Sudan has no public telephone number for emergency medical services. 

Ambulance services

• Injured or very ill travelers must take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital, as there is no ambulance service.  

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills. 
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad. 
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• Medical care is not free in South Sudan. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility. 
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to South Sudan. 
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. 
• Credit card payment is not always available. 
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance. If you purchase medical travel insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from your medical insurance. Be sure to follow their guidance and instructions for filing claims. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

Vaccinations 

• Yellow fever vaccination is required to travel to South Sudan. 
• Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
• CDC Travelers’ Health 
• World Health Organization Travel Advice 

Healthcare facilities

• Healthcare facilities in Juba are extremely limited and fall far short of western standards. Outside Juba, the few hospitals and clinics that exist are poorly equipped and staffed. 
• Adequate medical treatment, as well as access to routine and emergency procedures, is often unavailable, and even minor health issues could require medical evacuation. 
• Hospitals and doctors require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 
• Access to medicines, including antibiotics, can be limited. 
• Most clinics only provide very basic services. 
• Payment in cash is almost always expected before treatment.  
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities. 
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 
• Medical staff may speak little or no English. 
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 
• Be sure to bring enough of your prescriptions (as well as over-the-counter medications) to last the duration of your trip. 
• Check with South Sudan customs to ensure the medication is legal in SouthSudan. 
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls. 
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration 

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to South Sudan to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 

Water quality and food safety

• In many areas, tap water is not safe to drink.  
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact. 
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. 
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water. 
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day. 
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick. 
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling. 
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery. 

Air quality

• Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 
• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in South Sudan. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow page. 
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page. 

Transportation

Road conditions and safety 

There are very few paved roads. Most are narrow, rutted, and poorly maintained. 

• Roads are often impassable during the rainy season, from March to November. 
• There are additional risks including pedestrians and animals in the roadways, excessive speed, erratic driving, lack of streetlights, and overloaded or poorly maintained vehicles. 
• When driving in remote areas, travel during daylight hours only. Travel in groups of multiple vehicles to mitigate the threat of roadside criminals. 
• Carry spare tires, parts, fuel, and provisions. 
• Service stations are separated by long distances. 
• Professional roadside assistance service is not available. 
• U.S. embassy employees do not travel after 7:00 p.m., including within Juba. 
• Emergency services are non-existent within South Sudan. 

Landmines

• Unexploded ordnance, including landmines, are a danger on or near major roads.  
• Stay on main roads marked as cleared by a de-mining authority. 

Traffic laws

• An international driver's license and third-party liability insurance from the government is required. Many local drivers are uninsured. 
• Those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol face fines, jail sentences, and physical punishment. 
• If involved in an accident resulting in death or injury, report the incident to the nearest police station or police officer as soon as possible. 
  • Remain inside the vehicle and wait for local police to arrive. 
  • If a mob forms or you feel your safety is in danger, leave the scene. Go directly to the nearest police station to report the incident. 
• Do not stop at the scene of an accident or at intersections where people have gathered. Mobs can develop quickly.  

Checkpoints

Approach all vehicle checkpoints with caution, especially after dark or during heightened political or military tensions. Do not try to evade them. 

• Stops at government checkpoints may become violent. 
• Always lock car doors to prevent carjacking and vehicle intrusion. 
• Only roll car windows down enough to communicate when necessary. 
• People staffing checkpoints will often ask for bribes. 
• Display requested documents, but do not surrender them. Officials may take them if you do not pay bribes.  
• You may wish to keep a laminated copy of your documents. You can show these instead of your original passport or identification card. 

Taxis and ride-shares

• U.S. embassy staff are not allowed to use taxis or ride share apps. You should hire private transportation from a reputable source. 

Public and commercial transportation

• U.S. embassy staff are not allowed to use public transportation like small buses, vans, or motorbike taxis called “boda-bodas.” You should avoid these as well. 
• Drivers of buses, vans, and motorbike taxis may have little training. They may be reckless. 
• Buses, vans, and motorbike taxis are often poorly maintained. 
• Schedules are unpublished and subject to change without notice. 
• There is some public transit to rural communities by irregularly scheduled mini-buses. 
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed South Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program. 

Weather and natural disasters

• Weather in South Sudan is divided into the wet and dry seasons 

Wet season

• Wet season is generally from May through October. Road travel can be difficult due to the lack of paved roads throughout the country. 
• Even in Juba, heavy rains may make roads impassable for short periods of time. 

Dry season

• Dry season is generally from November through April. The weather is generally sunny with minimal rainfall. It can also be windy and dusty. 

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad. 

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married. 
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad. 
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service. 
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits. 

Embassies and consulates