Published: April 30, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State South Sudan Travel Advisory and South Sudan Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Juba:
Kololo Road, Tong Ping neighborhood, Juba.
Tel: +211-912-105-107; Regional Security Office: +211-912-534-188.
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday: 0800 – 1700; Friday: 0800 – 1300.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
Juba hosts an active OSAC Country Chapter. Contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.
South Sudan Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should not travel to South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Juba as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for South Sudan, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
Reliable, official statistics on crime are not available for South Sudan. U.S. Embassy Juba relies on the reporting of local staff, the United Nations, other embassies, and NGOs to obtain limited statistics/reports of crimes.
As the population continues to rise in Juba, so does crime. This trend links directly to continued political instability, poor infrastructure, lack of host country security capacity to provide services, widespread corruption, and a worsening economic crisis. Years of civil war, tribal conflict, and political unrest have provided the population with ready access to weapons and the knowledge of how to use them. Gunfire, especially at night, is common.
Violent crime (e.g., murder, armed robbery, home invasion, cattle raiding, kidnapping, harassment) is rampant. In Juba, the most frequently reported violent crimes include armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking. Firearms – including handguns, rifles, and AK-47s-- are readily available in South Sudan and have become more prevalent since the war in Sudan began in 2023. Firearms flow via the porous border between Sudan and South Sudan, particularly in the Abyei Administrative Area. Crime in South Sudan often involves the use of firearms or edged weapons. Even if a weapon is not brandished, assume criminals are armed and willing to use force against their victims. Comply with criminals’ demands to protect your own safety.
Neighborhoods where government leaders, business professionals, NGO staff, and foreign diplomats reside are not immune to criminal activity. Armed robbery, compound invasion, and carjacking are the most common types of violent crime to affect expatriates. These crimes generally occur during nighttime hours and often involve multiple perpetrators. In some cases, perpetrators wear host-nation security service uniforms, carry military weapons, and use the ruse of legitimate checkpoints or official business to stop individuals or gain access to compounds. Gang-on-gang violence has also been noted inside Juba. Gang-related violence occurs at all hours and, while violent actions are largely directed at gang members, collateral victimization to those in the vicinity is a concern. Gang-affiliated robberies have been reported more frequently and do target individuals and small groups. Those traveling alone or in small groups during the late evening hours (especially those on foot) are often the target of armed robbery.
Crime is prevalent during daylight hours and spikes after dark. Home/compound invasions are common, especially in facilities with weak security, poor exterior lighting, and poor access control. Generally, perpetrators do not kill or seriously harm their victims but commonly threaten to use force. Attempts to resist perpetrators provoke violence. Unofficial roadblocks are frequent, increase after dark, and often involve extorting cash from drivers.
Outside Juba, road ambushes and banditry are common, indiscriminate, and often involve violence. Traveling in groups while in towns, and in multiple cars while outside of towns does not reduce the chance of becoming a target for crime or harassment.
Crime and violence targeting NGOs increased from 2024 to 2025. Notably, there was a spate of NGO compound attacks, break-ins, and deaths of humanitarian workers. Humanitarian convoys are frequent targets of roadside robberies, unauthorized taxation and fees, and harassment by authorities, while access challenges and localized bureaucratic impediments consistently hinder the movement of humanitarian personnel and supplies. In 2024, the U.S. Embassy received numerous reports that members of international NGOs in multiple regions across South Sudan were threatened by armed resistance groups and, in some instances, were subsequently targeted for violence.
In March, an armed group attacked and killed UN peacekeepers in Nassir attempting to rescue host nation security forces tasked with bringing stability to the region. Recurring demands from these groups include access to jobs within the organizations and the departure of non-local staff (including South Sudanese staff perceived to be from other parts of the country). In some cases, criminals pair demands with threats of violence if the demands are not met. South Sudan remains the most dangerous country for humanitarians, experiencing the highest number of security incidents against aid operations globally since 2015, according to the Aid Worker Security Database.
Non-violent petty theft and fraud are pervasive throughout South Sudan and usually involve targets of opportunity. These crimes include pickpocketing, theft of items from vehicles, and fraudulent currency exchange. Drive-by muggings are another common occurrence. Drivers of motorcycles (locally known as “boda bodas”) are often the target of criminals. Carry items on the side of the body away from the flow of traffic. Thefts usually occur near restaurants, banks, and other high-traffic areas. These crimes usually involve criminal groups or gangs, each with unique methods and targets. If a certain type of theft is successful, it is likely more will follow, as a gang will attempt to replicate another’s success.
Avoid public areas (e.g., open markets, recreational areas) at night; large crowds gather in these locations, and with limited lighting.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for South Sudan, indicating that criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to and/or have seized or detained and threatened to kill, injure, or continue to detain individuals in order to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release.
Kidnappings and child/bride abductions are frequent causes for inter-communal violence throughout South Sudan, but are most common in Jonglei, Lakes, and Unity States. Kidnapping for ransom is reported sporadically throughout South Sudan with criminal groups targeting host country national citizens.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Juba as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for South Sudan.
South Sudan’s borders are porous, making it vulnerable to indigenous terrorist organizations from neighboring countries. Ineffective border controls may allow terrorist and other militant groups to seek refuge in South Sudan. There is no evidence that terrorist cells train or operate in South Sudan.
The Somali terrorist group al-Shabaab is not known to conduct operations in South Sudan but is believed to transit the country and may use it as a safe haven.
South Sudan’s longest land border is with Sudan. Anti-Sudanese rebel militia groups are known to train, seek safe haven in, and conduct operations against Sudanese Armed Forces from South Sudan’s northern states.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Juba as being a CRITICAL-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for South Sudan. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent. Though some transitional government leaders and political figures make provocative anti-Western and anti-U.S. comments, this rhetoric does not lead to anti-U.S. sentiment among the broader population, who generally view the United States as a positive actor in South Sudan.
Elections/Political Stability
South Sudan’s first national elections scheduled for late 2024 were again postponed, this time to December 2026. Efforts to form a unified government failed in 2016 when fighting broke out between the security services of political rivals, causing a nationwide flare-up of fighting between government forces and a variety of opposition groups, including groups in the southern Equatoria region.
In September 2018, the Government of South Sudan and the main opposition parties signed a new peace agreement known as the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Since then, parties to the agreement have generally observed a ceasefire. However, limited fighting has occurred between government forces and primarily non-signatory armed opposition groups in the region of Greater Equatoria, particularly in southern Central Equatoria (formerly Yei River) State, and in Western Bahr El Ghazal (formerly Wau) State. Fighting also occurred in Upper Nile (formerly Maiwut) State between the opposition SPLM-IO and a breakaway group that aligned itself with the government. The ability of South Sudan’s security forces to enforce the rule of law is weak, especially outside of Juba and state capitals. As a result, customary justice settles many disputes, occasionally violently.
The situation in South Sudan remains tense and conflict can occur at any time across the country. Renewed fighting between the government and several other local forces is a possibility. Clashes associated with cattle raiding occur frequently in Jonglei State (near the border with Ethiopia), and in Lakes, Warrap, and Unity States. Intercommunal conflict often related to access to resources may occur in many areas of the country.
As of issuance of this report, South Sudan is on the brink of openly renewed conflict and political upheaval, with tensions escalating following a Nuer militia's capture of an army base in Nasir in March. This militia is linked to Riek Machar, the first vice president, who accuses President Salva Kiir's army of attacking his forces. The fragile unity government, formed under the 2018 peace deal, is under threat as Kiir has arrested several of Machar's allies. The conflict in neighboring Sudan, which began in April 2023, has exacerbated South Sudan's fiscal crisis due to disrupted oil exports, straining Kiir's regime. Relations between Kiir and Sudanese military leaders have deteriorated, with suspicions that the Sudanese army is supporting Nuer militias to regain control of border areas. Violence in Upper Nile could spill over, risking a broader conflict.
Cantonment sites, which are in various stages of development across the country, also pose significant security and protection risks for nearby civilian populations. There have been reports of troops abandoning sites that lack sufficient supplies and engaging in criminal activities in nearby civilian areas. Although conflicts do not target U.S. interests, travelers can find themselves in the crossfire. Exercise caution, carry redundant forms of communication, and monitor local/international news regularly. The U.S. Embassy carefully evaluates any proposed employee travel to areas outside of Juba on a case-by-case basis.
The outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023 prompted an influx of refugees and returnees to South Sudan, with thousands of people fleeing daily to South Sudanese border towns and Juba. Refugees have set up camps within Juba.
Sudan and South Sudan also feud over accusations of supporting anti-government rebel militia groups within each other’s borders. Despite these issues, the two countries maintain diplomatic relations and have sought to increase ties. The war in Sudan increased tensions between Sudan and South Sudan. South Sudan insists on its neutrality, while some in Sudan accuse the South Sudanese government of favoring different warring factions in Sudan.
Protests & Demonstrations
Protests and political demonstrations rarely occur in Juba and are generally peaceful if organizers first petition with the government. Spontaneous riots are nominal, but still more common than political protests and can pose safety threats to bystanders. When riots arise, rioters and police frequently clash. The South Sudanese National Police Service’s riot unit is notably ill equipped, not well trained to stop riots, and often resorts to firing warning shots to disperse crowds. Avoid large gatherings in Juba as they can quickly turn violent.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Foreign nationals do not routinely experience anti-U.S. or anti-Western sentiment, despite occasional inflammatory rhetoric by some transitional government officials. However, the perception that foreigners are easy targets for theft or extortion puts foreign nationals at risk of exploitation, including violent crime.
Law Enforcement
The emergency line in South Sudan is 777.
The South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), under the Ministry of Interior, is responsible for law enforcement and maintenance of order. The South Sudanese People’s Defense Forces are responsible for providing security throughout the country and ostensibly operate under the Ministry of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs. The General Intelligence Bureau of the National Security Service, under the Ministry of National Security, has arrest authority for cases connected to national security but operated beyond its legal authority. Numerous irregular forces, including militias operated by the National Security Service and proxy forces, operate in the country with official knowledge. Civilian authorities routinely fail to maintain effective control over the security forces.
Police Response
The SSNPS suffers from limited resources, a lack of training, illiteracy, and weak command/control, all of which makes the provision of basic police services a challenge. The SSNPS’ response time remains erratic. Do not rely on the SSNPS for medical emergencies requiring immediate transport to a hospital.
The SSNPS and other South Sudan security services receive pay irregularly, which encourages corruption and predation on civilians as a source of income. This creates an environment in which bribes of even a few dollars can make serious allegations disappear. Many SSNPS officers are unaware of the difference between civil and criminal charges
Security services routinely make arrests based on suspicion rather than actual evidence. Prolonged and arbitrary detentions without charge or appearance before a judicial official also routinely occur. The legal system is rudimentary and ineffective regarding due process.
The U.S. Embassy strongly urges people not to pay bribes, comply with requests for a gift, or pay on-the-spot fines. The NGO community most commonly experiences trouble at Juba International Airport, traffic police stops, and property disputes with local government officials. South Sudan’s security services are not required to notify the U.S. Embassy in the event they arrest U.S. citizens.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in South Sudan, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for South Sudan.
The transitional constitution provides for criminal penalties for acts of corruption by officials. The government does not implement the law, however, and officials engage in corrupt practices with impunity. Poor recordkeeping, lax accounting procedures, absence of adherence to procurement laws, a lack of accountability, and the pending status of corrective legislation compound the problem.
Corruption is endemic in all branches of government. There are numerous reports of government corruption. Several investigations by international NGOs detailed the lavish lifestyles enjoyed by high-ranking government officials, even as the country suffers from armed conflict and economic turmoil.
The transitional constitution prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention without charge. The government, however, arrests and detains individuals arbitrarily. The law provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention, but there are no known cases where an appellant successfully sought compensation for wrongful detention. Since the beginning of the crisis in 2013, there have been regular reports that security forces conducted arbitrary arrests, including of journalists, civil society actors, and supposed political opponents. While not legally vested with the authority, the SSPDF often arrests or detains civilians. The NSS also routinely detains civilians without warrants or court orders and holds detainees for long periods without charge or access to legal counsel or visitors. Security services rarely report such arrests to police, other civilian authorities, or, in the case of arrested foreigners, diplomatic missions. NSS detainees are rarely brought before a court to be charged. Police also routinely arrest civilians based on little or no evidence prior to conducting investigations and may hold them for weeks or months without charge or trial.
Cybersecurity
There are no cybersecurity issues specific to private-sector organizations operating in South Sudan.
Import/Export Restrictions
South Sudan runs on a cash economy. Ensure you have enough U.S. cash for the entirety of your visit. U.S. dollars should be no older than 2009 and have no visible marks/tears. Merchants generally do not accept credit cards, and money transfers are not always available.
Certain items that are normal and legal to possess elsewhere are tightly controlled in South Sudan. Bringing them into the country without government permission, or even traveling internally with them, can result in extra scrutiny by security officials, the confiscation of your items, and your arrest.
Metal detectors, which can be used for prospecting, are tightly controlled, especially if you are traveling to an area where mining takes place. Some forms of communication equipment such as satellite phones (commonly referred to by their trade names: Thurayas or Iridiums) must be registered with the government. Imports of any form of military materiel or “dual use” items, including their components are highly scrutinized, even if commercially available; this includes commercial drones.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
