Juba Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Entering Juba, the capital of South Sudan, requires careful preparation and an understanding of a complex immigration system. All foreign nationals, with very few exceptions, require a visa to enter the country, which must be obtained in advance from a South Sudanese embassy or consulate. The immigration process upon arrival at Juba International Airport (JUB) can be slow, with inconsistent application of rules and potential requests for additional documentation or 'facilitation fees.' Travelers should be prepared for thorough questioning, have all documents in perfect order, and maintain patience and respect throughout the process. Due to the country's security situation, entry can be denied at the discretion of immigration officials, even with a valid visa.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

South Sudan maintains a restrictive visa regime. Tourist visas are available but often require an invitation letter or proof of hotel booking. Business visas require a letter from a sponsoring company in South Sudan. Visa-on-arrival is officially available but highly unreliable and not recommended; pre-arranged visas are essential.

Visa-Free Entry

Typically 30-90 days for eligible EAC nationals.

Very few nationalities are granted visa-free access. This primarily applies to citizens of certain East African Community (EAC) member states, though policies are not consistently applied.

Includes

Kenya Uganda Ethiopia (for certain passport holders, but often still requires visa) Rwanda

Visa-free status is subject to change and inconsistent enforcement. Citizens of these countries are strongly advised to confirm current status with South Sudanese immigration authorities before travel. Travelers may still be asked to show proof of funds and onward ticket.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

N/A

South Sudan does NOT currently offer a reliable electronic visa (eVisa) system for general tourists. All applications must be made through diplomatic missions.

Includes

None

How to Apply: Not applicable. Traditional visa application required.
Cost: N/A

Beware of unofficial websites claiming to offer South Sudanese eVisas; they are likely scams. The only official method is through an embassy/consulate.

Visa Required

Tourist visas are typically issued for 30 days, single entry. Business visas may be issued for longer periods.

This category includes the vast majority of travelers, including citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and most other nations.

How to Apply: Apply in person at a South Sudanese embassy or consulate. Required documents almost always include: completed application form, passport valid for at least 6 months, passport photos, yellow fever vaccination certificate, proof of sufficient funds, confirmed hotel booking or invitation letter, and paid flight itinerary. Processing can take several weeks. Some embassies may require an interview.

Visa validity starts from the date of issue, not the date of entry. Ensure your travel dates align. Visa extensions within South Sudan are possible but involve a lengthy, bureaucratic process with the Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Immigration in Juba. Overstaying results in heavy fines.

Arrival Process

Arrival at Juba International Airport can be chaotic. The process involves multiple checks by different officials (immigration, health, security). Maintain a calm and respectful demeanor.

Initial Health Check

Officials will check your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be required to get vaccinated on the spot (for a fee) or could be denied entry.

Immigration Counter

Present your passport with the South Sudan visa, completed arrival/disembarkation card, and sometimes proof of accommodation and onward ticket. Your photo and fingerprints may be taken. Expect detailed questions about your visit, sponsor, and itinerary.

Baggage Claim & Customs

Proceed to collect luggage. All bags are subject to inspection by customs officials. Have your customs declaration form (if provided) ready. Be prepared to open your luggage.

Final Security Check

A final check of your passport and boarding pass stub may occur before you exit the arrivals hall.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport with Visa

Must have at least 6 months validity remaining and contain the valid South Sudan visa sticker/stamp.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Mandatory for all travelers over 1 year of age. Must be the official 'Yellow Card' (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis).

Proof of Accommodation

Confirmed hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host in South Sudan. Often requested.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Recent bank statements or cash may be requested to prove you can support yourself during your stay.

Onward/Return Ticket

Evidence of your intention to leave South Sudan, such as a flight itinerary.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Carry multiple photocopies of your passport, visa, and vaccination certificate. Give officials copies if they ask to keep documents.

Have US Dollars in small denominations (clean, un-torn bills post-2006 series) for potential unexpected fees, though official entry should be free.

Be patient and polite. Arguing or showing frustration will likely complicate the process.

Keep all documents, your passport and visa, on your person at all times during your stay, as police checkpoints are common.

Customs & Duty-Free

Customs regulations are strict and enforcement can be unpredictable. Declare all valuable items, electronics, and large amounts of currency. Prohibited items are confiscated.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits or wine

Must be for personal consumption. Subject to age restrictions (likely 18+).

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

For personal use only.

Currency

Foreign currency exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared.

You must fill out a currency declaration form upon entry and exit. South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) import/export is restricted.

Gifts/Goods

Reasonable personal effects and gifts up to a modest value (not officially specified).

New items in commercial quantities may be deemed for resale and subject to high duties. Professional equipment (cameras, drones, satellite phones) should be declared.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs - severe penalties including imprisonment
Pornographic materials
Counterfeit goods and currency
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives without special permit
Communications equipment like satellite phones and GPS devices without prior approval from the National Communication Authority

Restricted Items

Medications - bring a doctor's prescription and keep in original packaging. Some common prescription drugs may be considered controlled substances.
Fresh foods, plants, seeds, and animal products require phytosanitary/veterinary certificates.
Drones and professional film/photography equipment require prior authorization from relevant ministries.
Religious materials may be scrutinized.

Health Requirements

Health risks in South Sudan are significant. Medical facilities in Juba are extremely limited and often require cash payment upfront. Complete preparation is essential.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine Vaccinations (MMR, DTP, Polio, Varicella)
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Cholera (oral vaccine recommended due to active outbreaks)
Meningitis (ACWY)
Rabies (for long stays, outdoor activities, or work with animals)
Measles

Health Insurance

Complete travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED and is effectively mandatory for safe travel. The insurance must explicitly cover treatment in South Sudan and emergency medical evacuation (often to Kenya or South Africa). Proof of insurance may be requested for visa applications or at entry.

Current Health Requirements: Check current requirements for malaria prophylaxis (high risk year-round) and any disease outbreaks (e.g., cholera, measles). COVID-19 vaccination or testing is not currently required for entry, but this can change rapidly. Verify with your airline and the South Sudan Ministry of Health before departure.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Juba before travel. Many nations have representation, including the US, UK, Norway (for EU), China, and others.

Check your government's travel advisory website for the most current contact details and to register your travel plans.

Immigration Authority

Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Immigration (DNPI), Ministry of Interior.

For visa extensions and official immigration inquiries within South Sudan. There is no reliable official public website for visa information; rely on embassies.

Emergency

Police: 919, Ambulance/Fire: 999 (services are unreliable)

The universal emergency number 112 may also work. For reliable emergency medical assistance, contact your embassy or private medical evacuation service (e.g., International SOS) directly.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children under 18 must have their own passport and visa. If traveling with one parent or alone, notarized consent letters from the non-accompanying parent(s) are highly recommended and may be requested by immigration. Carry original birth certificates.

Traveling with Pets

Pets require an import permit from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, a valid rabies vaccination certificate (issued at least 30 days prior to travel), and a veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of travel. Pets may be subject to quarantine upon arrival.

Extended Stays

To extend a tourist or business visa, you must apply at the DNPI headquarters in Juba well before your current visa expires. The process is bureaucratic, slow, and requires a valid reason, supporting documents (e.g., letter from sponsor), and payment of fees. Overstays result in daily fines and potential difficulties exiting the country.

Journalists & NGO Workers

Special permits are required from the Media Authority (for journalists) and the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) for NGO workers, in addition to a business visa. Arriving without these permits can lead to detention and deportation.

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