Juba Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Juba.
Healthcare System
South Sudan's healthcare system is severely underdeveloped and among the weakest globally. Juba has limited medical facilities, most of which are run by international NGOs or private clinics. The public healthcare system lacks basic supplies, equipment, and qualified medical staff.
Hospitals
Juba Teaching Hospital is the main public facility but has severe limitations. Private options include International Hospital Juba and Juba Clinic, which serve expatriates but have limited capabilities. Most serious cases require evacuation to Nairobi, Kenya (approximately 2-hour flight).
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are limited and often lack reliable medication supplies. Counterfeit medications are a serious problem. Bring all necessary prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions. Stock adequate supplies as refills may be impossible.
Insurance
Comprehensive medical insurance with guaranteed medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential. Verify that your policy covers South Sudan, as many exclude it. Evacuation can cost $50,000-100,000 or more.
Healthcare Tips
- Arrange medical evacuation insurance before arrival - this is non-negotiable for travel to Juba
- Bring a complete medical kit including prescription medications for your entire stay plus extra
- Identify the nearest acceptable medical facility and evacuation procedures before you need them
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical records
- Ensure routine vaccinations are current and get required vaccines (Yellow Fever mandatory, others recommended)
- Water is not safe to drink - use only bottled or purified water
- Malaria prophylaxis is essential as malaria is endemic and severe
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Despite the 2018 peace agreement, armed conflict continues in various parts of South Sudan. Juba has experienced military clashes, political violence, and fighting between security forces. The security situation can deteriorate rapidly with little warning.
Armed robbery, carjacking, assault, and violent crime are common in Juba. Criminals often operate in groups and may be armed. Crime increases after dark and during periods of political tension. Some incidents involve uniformed personnel or individuals claiming to be security forces.
Theft of bags, phones, and valuables is common in markets, crowded areas, and public spaces. Opportunistic theft from vehicles at intersections also occurs.
Roads in Juba are poorly maintained with potholes, lack of lighting, and minimal traffic control. Many drivers lack proper training or licenses. Accidents are common. Roads become impassable during rainy season. Checkpoints are frequent.
Tensions between different ethnic groups can escalate into violence, including in Juba. Cattle raids, revenge attacks, and communal disputes can affect civilians.
Harassment by security forces, police, or individuals in uniform occurs. This may include demands for bribes, document checks, or detention. Photography restrictions are enforced unpredictably.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals claiming to be police or security officers stop travelers, claim violations, and demand fines or bribes. Some may be actual security personnel acting improperly, others are imposters in uniform-like clothing.
Fraudulent accommodation listings or upfront payment demands for properties that don't exist or are already occupied. Given limited options in Juba, scammers exploit desperate travelers.
Street money changers offer favorable rates but use sleight of hand, counterfeit bills, or miscounting to cheat travelers. The local currency (South Sudanese Pound) is unstable and exchange rates fluctuate dramatically.
At checkpoints, security personnel may claim document problems, vehicle violations, or other issues to extract bribes from travelers, particularly foreigners.
Security personnel claim you photographed restricted areas (even if you didn't) and demand fines or confiscate equipment.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Pre-Arrival Preparation
- Register with your embassy immediately upon arrival and maintain regular contact
- Arrange comprehensive security briefing from your organization or professional security provider
- Secure medical evacuation insurance that explicitly covers South Sudan
- Prepare evacuation plan with multiple contingencies
- Bring sufficient cash in USD (new bills, small denominations) as ATMs are unreliable
- Load essential contact numbers including embassy, security provider, and medical evacuation service
- Make copies of passport, visa, and important documents; store separately from originals
- Get required vaccinations including Yellow Fever (mandatory), Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Meningitis, and Polio
Daily Security Practices
- Maintain low profile - avoid displaying wealth or expensive items
- Vary daily routines, routes, and timing to avoid predictability
- Travel only during daylight hours (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
- Keep vehicle doors locked and windows up at all times
- Carry mobile phone with local SIM and credit at all times
- Inform someone of your location and expected return time for every journey
- Keep emergency contact numbers readily accessible
- Stay informed of security situation through multiple sources daily
Accommodation Security
- Stay in secure compounds with 24-hour security, perimeter walls, and controlled access
- Verify accommodation has backup generator and water supply
- Keep doors and windows locked and secured at all times
- Know emergency exits and assembly points
- Keep emergency bag packed with essentials, documents, and medications
- Avoid ground floor rooms if possible for added security
Transportation
- Use only trusted, vetted drivers and vehicles arranged through your organization or reputable company
- Avoid public transportation entirely - security risks are too high
- Ensure vehicle is well-maintained with spare tire, fuel, and emergency supplies
- Plan routes in advance; share itinerary with colleagues or security
- Keep fuel tank above half-full at all times
- Have contingency plans if route is blocked or situation deteriorates
- Consider armored vehicles for high-risk movements
Communication
- Purchase local SIM card from reliable provider (Zain or MTN) upon arrival
- Internet and phone services are unreliable; have backup communication methods
- Carry satellite phone if your work requires travel outside Juba
- Keep phone charged; carry power bank as electricity is unreliable
- Be cautious discussing sensitive topics on phone or internet
- Establish check-in protocols with colleagues or family
Health Precautions
- Take antimalarial medication as prescribed throughout stay and after departure
- Use insect repellent and sleep under treated mosquito nets
- Drink only bottled or purified water; avoid ice
- Eat only thoroughly cooked food; avoid street food
- Practice meticulous hand hygiene; carry hand sanitizer
- Avoid contact with animals to prevent rabies exposure
- Be aware of signs of serious illness and evacuate early if needed
- Keep comprehensive first aid kit with essential medications
Cultural Awareness
- Dress conservatively - long pants/skirts and covered shoulders
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Respect local customs and Islamic practices
- Avoid discussing politics, ethnicity, or religion
- Learn basic greetings in Arabic or Juba Arabic
- Be patient as services operate on different timeframes
- Show respect to elders and authority figures
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers face additional challenges in Juba. South Sudan is a conservative, patriarchal society where women's rights are limited. Gender-based violence is widespread, and women may face harassment, unwanted attention, or discrimination. Female travelers should take extra precautions and ideally travel with organizations that have established security protocols for women staff.
- Travel with colleagues or in groups; avoid solo travel whenever possible
- Dress very conservatively - long skirts or loose pants, long sleeves, covered shoulders; avoid form-fitting clothing
- Consider wearing a wedding ring regardless of marital status to discourage unwanted attention
- Be firm but polite in declining unwanted attention; avoid confrontation
- Use trusted female contacts for cultural guidance and support
- Stay in secure accommodations with good reputation for safety
- Be especially cautious at checkpoints and with security personnel
- Carry mobile phone with emergency contacts at all times
- If working with an organization, ensure they have gender-specific security protocols
- Be aware that reporting sexual harassment or assault may be difficult; know your embassy contact
- Avoid traveling after dark even more strictly than general advice
- In taxis or vehicles, sit in back seat and keep doors locked
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in South Sudan. While specific anti-LGBTQ+ laws are not always enforced, homosexuality is not tolerated socially or legally. There are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and discrimination is widespread.
- Do not disclose sexual orientation or gender identity publicly
- Avoid any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Be extremely discreet in all interactions and communications
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics or issues with locals
- Be aware that hotel staff may report suspicious behavior to authorities
- Have emergency contact information for your embassy readily available
- Consider whether travel to South Sudan is necessary given the serious risks
- If traveling for work, ensure your organization has protocols for LGBTQ+ staff safety
- Remove any LGBTQ+ identifiers from social media or devices that might be searched
- Be prepared to claim heterosexual identity if questioned
- Understand that your embassy's ability to assist may be limited in LGBTQ+-related incidents
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with guaranteed medical evacuation is absolutely mandatory for travel to Juba. This is not optional. Medical facilities in South Sudan cannot handle serious illness or injury, and evacuation to Kenya or beyond can cost $50,000-100,000 or more. Many standard policies exclude South Sudan entirely due to conflict risk, so you must verify coverage explicitly includes South Sudan. Without proper insurance, you could face catastrophic costs or be unable to access life-saving medical care.
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