South Sudan Travel Risk

Do not travel to South Sudan due to risk of unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, and health risks.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in South Sudan due to the health and security situation

• Family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in South Sudan.
• U.S. government personnel working in South Sudan are under a strict curfew.
• U.S. government personnel must use armored vehicles for nearly all movements.
• Official travel outside Juba is limited.
• Because of the serious crime threat in Juba, walking is restricted to a small area near the U.S. embassy during the day.

Health

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Travel Health Notice for Ebola for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Medical services in South Sudan are extremely limited. Adequate medical treatment, as well as access to routine and emergency procedures, is often unavailable and even minor health issues could require medical evacuation.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan

FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan due to the risk of armed violence and criminality.

See more about safety and security in South Sudan.

Political and security situation

The political and security situation remains unpredictable. Political tensions are high and the security situation across the country could deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably.

If the unstable security situation deteriorates, routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked. Juba airport may close or be inaccessible. Flights may be cancelled at short notice.

Regional developments may also affect international transport. For example, in 2019 and 2023, events in Sudan caused South Sudan’s airspace to close temporarily.

Consular assistance to British nationals is severely limited in South Sudan. In person consular assistance is not available.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in South Sudan

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in South Sudan, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political and security situation

The political and security situation remains unpredictable. Political tensions are high and the security situation across the country could deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably.

If the unstable security situation deteriorates, routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked. Juba airport may close or be inaccessible. Flights may be cancelled at short notice.

Regional developments may also affect international transport. For example, in 2019 and 2023, events in Sudan caused South Sudan’s airspace to close temporarily.

Risk level

SOUTH SUDAN - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

Avoid all travel to South Sudan, due to the ongoing volatile security situation, armed conflicts, inter-ethnic violence and high levels of violent crime.

You should leave by commercial means if you can do so safely. If you choose to stay in South Sudan, you do so at your own risk.

If the armed conflict intensifies, commercial means to depart the country may be impacted. The Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular services during an active conflict may be limited.

Canadian border measures related to Ebola for travellers from South Sudan

Due to the outbreak of Ebola disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), until November 27, 2026, Canada will have temporary border measures in place for travellers who have been in South Soudan, the DRC, or Uganda within the preceding 21 days.

• Canadians and Canadian permanent residents who have been in these countries in the preceding 21 days and who don’t have Ebola disease symptoms when they get to Canada must quarantine for 21 days and monitor their health daily If you begin to have symptoms of Ebola disease during the 21-day quarantine period, call your local public health authority immediately
• Travellers who exhibit symptoms of Ebola disease upon arrival will receive an immediate medical assessment and be placed in isolation at a medical facility or other appropriate place

Useful links

• Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada
• Ebola disease: Health advice for travelling abroad

Security situation

The security situation remains volatile and unpredictable across the country. Political tensions are high, and clashes between rival factions continue to occur.

Although conditions in Juba appear calm, the situation can deteriorate quickly, and outbreaks of violence remain possible.

Violent armed clashes between security forces, opposition groups and armed militias continue in several states. The risk of further escalation cannot be ruled out.

Inter-communal violence and cattle rustling also occur frequently throughout the country.

Border areas are particularly dangerous due to the presence of armed militias, criminal groups, and ongoing conflicts in neighboring countries.

• Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings
• Monitor local and international media to stay informed of the latest developments
• Keep a supply of water, food, medication and other essential supplies
• Keep your communication devices charged and secure backup power sources

Political situation

Political tensions have intensified since the 2018 peace agreement was renewed, extending the transitional period until February 2027. In March 2025, rivalry between the main political forces escalated to armed clashes. The run-up to the general elections scheduled for December 2026 could further exacerbate tensions.

南苏丹风险等级为橙色（高风险）具体如下:

外交部提醒中国公民近期谨慎前往南苏丹，已在当地人员和机构密切关注局势发展，保持高度警惕，加强安全防范和应急准备，确保人身和财产安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。