Car Rental in Juba - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Juba is generally not recommended for most tourists due to challenging conditions. The city has limited paved roads, with many routes consisting of rough, unpaved surfaces that deteriorate significantly during the rainy season. South Sudan drives on the right side of the road, but traffic regulations are inconsistently enforced. Road signage is minimal, making navigation difficult for visitors unfamiliar with the area. Car rental might be considered for organized business travelers with local drivers who know the terrain and security situation, but independent tourists should avoid self-driving. The lack of reliable public transportation doesn't make car rental the solution—hiring a vehicle with an experienced local driver is the safer alternative. Security concerns, unmarked checkpoints, and poor road infrastructure make self-driving risky. For tourists, pre-arranged transportation through hotels or reputable tour operators is the most practical option. If you need flexibility for countryside travel, hire a 4x4 vehicle with a knowledgeable driver rather than renting independently. The combination of infrastructure challenges and security considerations makes Juba one of the more difficult African capitals for tourist driving.

International Driving Permit

Information not available for Juba specifically. Generally recommended to obtain an IDP from your home country before travel to South Sudan.

Minimum Age

Specific age requirements for Juba not available. Typically rental agencies require drivers to be 21-25 years old - verify with rental provider.

Insurance Coverage

Comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended due to local road conditions. Verify coverage details and requirements with rental agencies.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. Check with rental agencies regarding local license acceptance rules for Juba.

Credit Card for Deposit

Information not available for Juba specifically. Most rental agencies typically require a credit card for security deposits - confirm requirements when booking.

Local Driving Permits

Country-specific permit requirements for South Sudan not available. Contact rental agencies or local authorities to verify if additional permits are needed beyond an IDP.

Rent from international agencies at Juba International Airport for better vehicle condition and insurance coverage, though verify all documentation carefully as local regulations can be complex.

Before driving off, thoroughly inspect the vehicle for existing damage, check tire condition and spare, test all lights and wipers, and ensure you have emergency contact numbers for the rental agency.

Download offline maps before arrival as GPS signal and mobile data can be unreliable in Juba; familiarize yourself with major landmarks as street signage may be limited.

Fill up fuel whenever possible as petrol stations can be scarce outside the city center, and confirm whether the rental requires you to return the car with a full tank.

Allow extra time for vehicle return inspection and document any pre-existing damage you noted at pickup, as communication about charges may take longer to resolve.

Road conditions in Juba are generally poor with many unpaved roads, potholes, and limited street lighting, making driving particularly hazardous during the rainy season (April-November) when roads can become impassable or severely flooded.

Traffic enforcement and police checkpoints are common throughout the city - always carry your driving documents, vehicle registration, and be prepared to stop at security checkpoints, particularly when entering or leaving the city.

Local driving customs differ significantly from Western norms, with minimal adherence to traffic rules, unmarked intersections, and unpredictable vehicle and pedestrian movements requiring constant vigilance and defensive driving.

Avoid driving after dark due to poor road conditions, lack of street lighting, security concerns, and increased difficulty navigating unmarked roads and potential hazards that are not visible at night.