Genvisec advise against all travel to all travel to South Sudan.

 

The cessation of hostilities signed on 9 May 2014 has led to a reduction in large scale fighting compared to at the start of the conflict. However, there are continued reports of sporadic and sometimes heavy fighting in parts of South Sudan, particularly in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile States.

 

Over recent months the conflict has centred around Malakal, Nassir, Bentiu and Unity State Oilfields, Renk County, Fangak County, Pigi County, Dolieb hills, Maban County. Tensions remain extremely high throughout northern and eastern Jonglei State. There are credible reports of border incursions and engagements intermittently along the length of the Sudan-South Sudan border.

 

In early August 2014 at least 5 humanitarian workers in Maban County (Upper Nile State) were killed by local militia. There has been a rise of crime in Juba, including carjacking and theft. A British national was killed on a NGO compound in February 2015. Some recent demonstrations in Juba have turned violent. The security situation remains fragile.

 

Crime

 

The security situation across South Sudan remains extremely volatile with some fighting continuing in parts of South Sudan. There has been a recent rise of crime in Juba, including carjacking and theft. Weapons are plentiful and easily obtained in South Sudan. Criminals are often armed.

 

Local Travel

 

During the rainy season (June to October/November) many roads become impassable, and some parts of the country can become inaccessible.

 

In 2015, violent clashes have occurred across the country. The conflict has focussed on Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile States, but Lakes State, the borders of Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria and the borders of Lakes and Western Equatoria have also seen clashes. If you are outside Juba, you should exercise your own judgement, based on your knowledge of the local situation, media reporting, or advice from the UN.

 

There are known to be mined areas and unexploded ordnance in parts of the country.

 

Your Government's ability to provide assistance outside Juba is severely limited due to security conditions. Do not expect your embassy to be of much help if you are in a crisis situation.

 

There are known to be mined areas and unexploded ordnance in parts of the country, including in and around Juba.

 

Road travel

 

There is a high risk of being involved in a traffic accident when using public transport, as many vehicles are unsafe.

 

Driving conditions and standards in South Sudan are well below those in t European countries. Very few roads are surfaced and maintained. Residential areas usually have dirt roads. At night, there is street lighting only on a few main roads and many vehicles have no lights. Roads are used by pedestrians, donkey-carts and rickshaw-style cabs, as well as motor vehicles.

 

Roads may consist of a rough track and in many areas, not even that in rainy season. If you are not following a major route or road, you should travel with a local guide with experience of the area. Consider the technical capability of your vehicle and be confident in your ability to safely operate it, including 4-wheel drive and low ratio driving.

 

In the dry season (October to March), there is a risk of poor quality roads damaged by the previous rainy season. Seek advice from the local authorities, the UN or other organisations before travelling by road outside State capitals.

 

Although drivers should have a licence and insurance, many do not have these. Make sure you have adequate insurance. There are no restrictions on women driving in South Sudan.

 

Air travel

 

National South Sudanese air carriers (eg South Supreme and Kush Air) certified by authorities with responsibility for regulatory oversight of Sudan have been banned from operating in the EU.

 

Political situation

 

The political situation in South Sudan is extremely volatile following the outbreak of violence on 16 December 2013.

 

If you choose to travel South Sudan you should follow political developments closely, and observe curfews in place. In the event of civil disorder, stay at home and restrict your movements as much as possible, especially after dark. Avoid public gatherings, political rallies and protests. Armed violence is likely to continue for some time.

 

Local laws and customs

You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially if you intend to visit religious areas.

 

Homosexual practices and extra marital relations are not culturally accepted. Carry a form of photo identification with you at all times, including colour copies to hand over to immigration or traffic police if required.

 

There are severe penalties for drug trafficking in South Sudan.

 

All photography including on a camera phone requires a formal permit from the Ministry of Information. Don’t take photographs close to government buildings, military installations, public utilities (including petrol stations), and other sensitive areas (bridges, airports). Many plain clothes public security officers operate across South Sudan. Two foreign nationals were followed, harassed and arrested by the authorities in Juba after photographing a petrol station.

 

Money

Credit/debit cards and travellers’ cheques are not accepted. It is not possible to obtain cash against credit cards at banks. Make sure you have enough cash in US Dollars (clean, unblemished notes dated 2006 onwards). Juba is comparatively expensive; one night’s accommodation can be up to $200 and vehicle rental can be from $150 per day.

 

Health

An outbreak of cholera was confirmed in Juba and in other locations across South Sudan in May 2014. Cases were recorded in February 2015 in Ikotos County, Eastern Equatoria.

 

There were cases of polio in 2013. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.

 

The Government of South Sudan declared three cases of polio on Monday 30 September 2013. Please ensure you have the recommended vaccinations before travelling to South Sudan.

 

Health facilities are extremely limited - especially outside Juba. Serious medical problems require medical evacuation to Nairobi or Kampala. During the rainy season flights are often forced to remain on the ground for hours. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any treatment abroad, medical evacuation and repatriation.

 

Visas

 

Foreign nationals need a visa before travel to enter South Sudan.  Multiple entry visas are not available.

 

Visas are valid for 1 month. If you wish to stay in South Sudan for longer than 1 month you will need to apply for an extension at the Ministry of Interior in Juba.

 

If you are travelling by land to neighbouring countries check the visa requirements for entry at border crossings. These may be different to when entering via an international airport.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into South Sudan.

 

Yellow fever

 

You must produce a yellow fever vaccination certificate when applying for a visa and on arrival in South Sudan.

 

Emergency Travel Document (ETD)

 

ETDs are not valid for entry into, airside transit and exit from South Sudan. 

 

Natural disasters

 

South Sudan suffers from both drought and flash flooding, which can make some parts of the country inaccessible by road.