South Sudan

Armed conflict

Thousands of people have been killed in South Sudan since violence began in December 2013. Intercommunal and criminal violence and flighting between armed groups continues across the country.

There's a serious risk of attacks on civilians. National or international events could prompt attacks on foreigners.

The security environment is volatile and could deteriorate with little warning, including in Juba.

A lack of law and order across the country, including in border areas, threatens your security. 

Armed conflict, military activity, tribal and other violence make border areas especially dangerous.

With little warning local authorities can impose:

• curfews
• roadblocks
• other security measures

If you're in South Sudan, leave as soon as possible.

If you travel to South Sudan despite our advice:

• seek professional security advice
• arrange personal security measures
• keep a low profile
• keep in contact with friends and family

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations, protests and other public gatherings
• monitor the media for safety and security risks
• monitor political events that may inflame existing tensions

If civil unrest or conflict happens, shelter indoors and get off the streets.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Attacks could occur anywhere at any time.

Security at official facilities is high. Terrorists may turn towards easier targets, such as housing compounds.

Terrorists may target places popular with travellers, including tourist areas, hotels, clubs, restaurants and bars. Airports, bus stations and other transport hubs are also targets.

Other possible targets include:

• foreign government, multinational corporations and international organisations' buildings
• oil installations
• public spaces including schools and marketplaces
• places of worship
• outdoor events

If, despite our advice, you are in South Sudan, be alert to possible threats and report any suspicious behaviour or items to police.

Carefully plan your activities and reconsider travelling to places known to be terrorist targets.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• seek professional security advice
• monitor the media for new or emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the affected area immediately if it's safe.

Stay away from affected areas due to the risk of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Due to COVID-19, there are reports of violent threats against UN personnel on social media and an increase in anti-foreigner sentiment.

Violent crime

Violent crime is widespread and can happen at any time of the day.

Kidnapping, murder, shootings, home invasions, armed robbery, carjacking and sexual assault are common throughout South Sudan, including Juba.

Carjacking and gun crime frequently happens and may include:

• compound invasions
• attacks on hotels and restaurants
• attacks on other places foreigners go

More information:

• Kidnapping

Petty crime

Petty crime is often accompanied by violence and can include:

• pickpocketing
• theft of items from vehicles
• fraudulent currency exchanges

There's no official government curfew in Juba. Most embassies and international organisations have a self-imposed curfew. The time varies depending on local events.

Armed robbery occurs in many rural areas.

If, despite our advice, you travel to South Sudan:

• always travel with vehicle doors locked and windows up
• be on guard against carjacking
• be alert to threats when stopped in traffic
• secure your accommodation
• always be alert to your surroundings

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is common. If you're a victim of rape or violent crime, seek immediate medical assistance outside of South Sudan.

South Sudan experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• flooding
• sandstorms
• drought
• dust storms

If, despite our advice, you travel to South Sudan and a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family

Severe weather

Flooding often occurs in South Sudan, particularly during the rainy season from July to November.

Floods can lead to shortages of drinking water and food. Transport and communication infrastructure can also be damaged.

You're still at risk of waterborne disease after the floodwaters recede.

Northern areas of South Sudan often experience high temperatures. During the hottest months of the year, the temperature can be higher than 50˚C.

Sandstorms, drought and dust storms occur.

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

If you are travelling notwithstanding the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance for the whole time you’ll be away. Confirm what activities and care your policy covers, including in terms of health and travel disruptions. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation: the Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

You'll probably need a specialised insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for South Sudan.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in South Sudan. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

COVID-19

COVID-19 is confirmed as being in South Sudan.

If you're permitted into the country, you may be quarantined in a public hospital and not able to leave the country.

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak (WHO)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Smatraveller)

Ebola

While there have been no confirmed cases of Ebola in South Sudan, cases have occurred in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.  Arriving travellers are screened at Juba International Airport and some land entry points to South Sudan.

Polio

There are ongoing outbreaks of polio in South Sudan and other countries across the Horn of Africa.

Make sure you've completed a primary course of polio vaccination and get a booster dose before you travel.

If you're unsure, check with your doctor at least 8 weeks before you travel.

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is widespread in South Sudan. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter South Sudan. 

Find out about re-entering Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Yellow fever risk and certification requirements by country (PDF)

Other insect-borne diseases

Malaria is common throughout the year across South Sudan.

Other insect-borne diseases occur, including:

• dengue
• filariasis
• leishmaniasis
• river blindness (onchocerciasis)
• African sleeping sickness

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is common. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

If you're a victim of rape or violent crime, seek immediate medical assistance outside of South Sudan.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• typhoid
• cholera
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• meningococcal disease
• viral hemorrhagic fevers
• Rift Valley virus
• shigella

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur. Outbreaks of cholera in Juba and other locations have occurred.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid raw or undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are basic in Juba and extremely limited elsewhere.

Specialised doctors, surgeons and operating facilities are inadequate in Juba and don't exist elsewhere.

You'll need to pay cash up-front before doctors and hospitals will treat you.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to  another country with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. 

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe, and may include the death penalty.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

The judiciary and court systems in South Sudan are basic.

Legal proceedings can be lengthy and ineffective. Be aware of your rights and responsibilities.

Seek professional advice if you do anything that involves local legal matters. This is especially the case for family law matters, including:

• divorce
• child custody
• child support

Penalties for criminal offences include:

• death
• corporal punishment
• long jail terms

In South Sudan it's illegal to perform same-sex sexual acts.

It is also against the law to take any photos without a permit from the Ministry of Information. This includes photos taken with a mobile phone.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

South Sudan recognises dual nationality but considers its dual citizens as South Sudanese first.

This limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained. You may not be allowed to tell us of your situation.

Border officials may scrutinise the travel documents of dual nationals. This may lead to delays at the airport. Previously, officials have stopped some dual nationals from leaving.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Conservative standards of dress and behaviour are expected in South Sudan, especially in rural areas.

Same-sex activity may lead to harassment by the public and police.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

This advice predates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians.

Visa requirements

If, despite our advice, you plan to travel to South Sudan, you need to get a visa issued in advance. You won't be allowed to enter the country without one.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest South Sudanese embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

COVID-19

On 7 May 2020 the Government of South Sudan announced it will permit resumption of international flights and some domestic travel.  Implementation details have not been released. At this time international flights to and from South Sudan are suspended and all land borders are closed. Exceptions are made only for the transport of essential goods, fuel and humanitarian aid operations. 

There is a curfew. You must not leave your residence from 10pm to 6am.

South Sudan is also considering denying new visas, revoking existing visas and denying entry to travellers from countries affected by COVID-19, including Australia.

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter South Sudan.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB)

Passengers are screened for Ebola and COVID-19 on arrival at Juba International Airport. 

Travellers entering South Sudan via southern land border points are screened for Ebola.

The airport at Juba and all land border points can close with little or no warning.

Check with your security provider for up-to-date information and security assessments on entry points to South Sudan.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the South Sudanese Pound (SSP).

South Sudan is a cash-based society.

Credit and debit cards, traveller's cheques and cash cards are generally not accepted.

You'll need to pay cash in local currency or US dollars dated 2009 onwards for all purchases, including hotel bills.

There are no international ATMs in Juba.

Landmines

Landmines and unexploded remnants of war are a danger throughout South Sudan.

Use only main roads and paths marked as cleared by a competent de-mining authority.

Road travel

Road travel is very dangerous due to poor road conditions and the security environment.

Hazards include:

• poorly maintained vehicles
• poor street lighting
• unsealed and unmaintained roads
• pedestrians and animals wandering on or near roads
• overloaded and unpredictable movement of vehicles

Police presence on roadways outside major towns is limited. Traffic police are poorly trained.

Local drivers regularly ignore traffic signals, and traffic accidents are common.

Road conditions deteriorate during the wet season from July to November.

Highways and other roads may become impassable and some parts of the country can become inaccessible for months.

Roadblocks, official and unofficial checkpoints are common throughout South Sudan, including in Juba and especially after dark. 

Diplomatic, UN and NGO drivers have been stopped and harassed at checkpoints.

Checkpoints are often manned by armed men who demand money from drivers and passengers, especially after dark.

If despite our advice, you need to drive in South Sudan:

• check local security and road conditions
• seek local advice on possible routes
• seek professional security advice
• arrange personal security measures
• make contingency plans

More information:

• Driving or riding

Public transport

Avoid public transport.

Many vehicles are badly maintained. Driving standards can be poor.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check South Sudan's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network. 

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, you should contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 999.

Medical emergencies

Call 999 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 999.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

The security situation and other factors mean the Australian Government's ability to provide consular services in South Sudan is extremely limited.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in South Sudan. For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Australian Embassy, Addis Ababa

Turkish compound (off Cape Verde street)
Bole Subcity, Woreda 3
PO Box 3715
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Phone: +251 967 941 377
Email: adba.consular@dfat.gov.au
Website: ethiopia.embassy.gov.au

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia