The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses South Sudan at Level 4, indicating travelers should not travel to the country due to crime and armed conflict.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Embassy in Juba does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The ACS Unit cannot recommend a particular individual or location and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

Review OSAC’s South Sudan-specific webpage for proprietary analytic reports, Consular Messages, and contact information.

Crime Threats

There is serious risk from crime in Juba. Reliable, official statistics on crime are not available in 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 can be directly attributed to continued political instability, poor infrastructure, widespread corruption, and a growing 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 not uncommon.

Violent crime (e.g. murder, armed robbery, home invasion, cattle raiding, kidnapping, and harassment) is rampant. In Juba, the most frequently reported violent crimes include armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking. Neighborhoods where government leaders, business professionals, NGO staff, and foreign diplomats reside are not immune from criminal activity. Armed robberies, compound invasions, and carjackings are the most common type of violent crime to affect expatriates. These crimes generally occur during nighttime hours and often involve multiple perpetrators. In some cases, perpetrators wear South Sudan security service uniforms, carry military weapons, and use the ruse of legitimate checkpoints or official business to stop individuals or gain access to compounds. Those traveling alone or in small groups during late evening hours (especially those walking) are often the target of armed robberies. 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 the threat/use of force is not uncommon, and attempts to resist perpetrators are often met with violence. Outside Juba, road ambushes and banditry are fairly common and often involve violence. Traveling in groups while in towns and in multiple cars while outside of towns reduces the chance of being targeted for crimes or harassment.

Non-violent petty theft and fraud are pervasive throughout South Sudan, and are usually committed against targets of opportunity. These crimes include pickpocketing, theft of items from vehicles, and fraudulent currency exchanges. Drive-by muggings are another common occurrence. 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.

Avoid public areas (e.g. open markets, recreational areas) at night; large crowds gather in these locations, and with limited lighting, petty theft and other crimes of opportunity are common.

Other Areas of Concern

The ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide services in emergency situations to U.S. citizens outside of Juba is extremely limited and dependent on security and seasonal conditions.

Areas of security concern can change quite quickly. Meanwhile, the security situation in the country is generally calm, with the exception of fighting in Central Equatoria, which the government and some opposition forces blame on forces not signatory to the current peace agreement. (Note: The situation in Central Equatoria remains tense and dangerous; renewed fighting between the government and a number of other local forces is a possibility.) Clashes associated with cattle raiding occur frequently near Akobo in the former Jonglei state (near the border with Ethiopia), and Tonj and Liech states. 

The border with Sudan is also a contentious region. Occasional military engagement between Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army as well as various militia groups make the region particularly hazardous.

Landmines remain a concern, especially in rural areas with little foot traffic.

Although conflicts are not directed at U.S. interests, travelers can get caught in the crossfire. Exercise caution, carry redundant forms of communication, and regularly monitor local/international news. The U.S. Embassy carefully evaluates any proposed employee travel to areas outside of Juba on a case-by-case basis.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Road conditions are extremely poor. The vast majority of roads are unpaved or poorly maintained. Unpaved roads usually resemble, and regularly serve as, riverbeds strewn with ruts, rocks, ditches, or other obstacles that make passage very difficult. During the rainy season (May-November), roads can become impassable due to flooding and the lack of drainage. Years of conflict have also created the threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO), including landmines, as a hazard on or near major roads. Road travel times are often much longer than expected due to poor road conditions, disabled vehicles, and slow traffic. A vehicle tracking system is highly recommended.

Road banditry is pervasive, especially during hours of darkness. Only conduct travel between major towns during daylight hours, and then only in pairs or groups of vehicles. Vehicles should carry food, water, a first aid kit, satellite communications, and tools/supplies to repair damage to or extricate a vehicle. Reliable mechanics and spare parts are extremely limited outside of Juba.

Pedestrian traffic can be fairly heavy in major towns. Pedestrians often wander on/near roads. Motorbike taxis (boda-bodas) and minivan taxis are also common, and pose a hazard to other drivers. Vehicles make frequent stops, weave in/out of traffic, are often overloaded, and rarely are in good working order. Boda-bodas are often used in criminal activities. Large, overloaded trucks can also pose a risk to traffic between major towns. Animals often wander the roads, even within city limits.

Police coverage of roadways outside of major towns is limited. Traffic controls are limited in Juba and non-existent throughout the rest of South Sudan. Traffic police officers may be present at busy intersections to control traffic, but they are poorly trained and generally spend most of their time inspecting commercial vehicles rather than controlling traffic. Some major intersections feature solar-powered traffic lights, but local drivers, especially boda-bodas, routinely ignore the signals. Traffic accidents are common, especially on paved roads where speeds are higher, and at intersections where traffic controls do not exist. Drivers should pay extra attention when entering intersections, checking all sides of the vehicle, as boda-bodas are unpredictable and may pass on either side.

Security checkpoints are usually set up during hours of darkness, but can occur at any time. Authorities have stopped and harassed diplomatic, UN, and NGO drivers at these checkpoints. Security officials at checkpoints often appear intoxicated, and on occasion demand money/food.

For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s reports, Driving Overseas: Best Practices and Road Safety in Africa.

Public Transportation Conditions

The use of public transportation is off-limits to U.S. Embassy personnel; avoid whenever possible.

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is minimal risk from terrorism in Juba. The terrorism landscape in South Sudan depends on the country’s porous borders with neighboring countries with indigenous terrorist organizations. 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.

• The northern Uganda-originated Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) had a fairly constant presence in South Sudan, but in recent years has been confined to northern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and eastern Central African Republic (CAR). There were no reports of major LRA incursion into South Sudan in 2018.
• 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.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Harassment of foreign nationals largely focuses on citizens of eastern African nations and employees of the UN, NGOs, and humanitarian organizations working in opposition-controlled areas. South Sudan’s security services are suspicious of NGO and humanitarian workers they deem, by virtue of their work location or services, to have provided support to the opposition. If South Sudan’s security services perceived workers to be engaged in any activity they construe as detrimental to the government, it is likely they will question them in an intimidating fashion. This sometimes results in prolonged detention, often followed by a significant monetary penalty, forced public apology, and/or deportation.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

There is serious risk from political violence in Juba. In 2013, after months of political tension, intra-governmental fighting broke out in Juba and spread to Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile states, including ethnic-based killings. A peace agreement was signed in August 2015. 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, a new peace agreement known as the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), was signed between the government of South Sudan (GoSS) and the main opposition parties. Since then, a ceasefire has generally been observed. However, there are still reports of limited fighting between government forces and armed opposition and other armed groups in the regions of Greater Equatoria (Yei River state), Upper Nile (Bentiu), and Greater Bahr El Ghazal (Wau). The ability of South Sudan’s security forces to enforce the rule of law is weak, especially outside Juba and the state capitals. As a result, customary justice settles many disputes, occasionally violently.

Sudan and South Sudan feud over accusations of supporting anti-government rebel militia groups within each other’s borders. Despite these feuds, the two countries maintain diplomatic relations.

Civil Unrest

Protests and political demonstrations are generally peaceful if they first petition with the Government. In 2018, the Government led an anti-U.S. protest of about 1,000 persons in response to an arms embargo and new U.S. policy against South Sudan. Authorities notified the U.S. mission one day in advance of the protest, and it lasted for about an hour.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Inter and intra-ethnic violence is prevalent. The 2013-2015 conflict broke primarily along ethnic lines, with ethnic-Dinka supporting President Kiir and ethcni-Nuer supporting former Vice President Machar. During the first several days of conflict, there were reports of large-scale ethnic killings and other human rights atrocities. The fighting displaced over 1.7 million South Sudanese with over 185,000 seeking protection in UN compounds. With the flare-up in conflict in 2016, the numbers of displaced topped 3.3 million, with over 1.42 million living as refugees outside the borders, and over 220,000 living on UN compounds designated for the protection of civilians.

Inter-communal clashes, especially between the Murle, Lou Nuer, and Bor Dinka communities are not uncommon. Such clashes normally occur during the dry season (December-April) and result in hundreds of civilian deaths. Cattle raiding and child/bride abduction are frequent causes for inter-communal violence throughout South Sudan, but are most common in Jonglei, Lakes, and Unity states. Disproportionally large retaliatory attacks, including large-scale fighting, kidnapping, and murder, can have a spillover effect.

According to the UN, there are over seven million people in need of humanitarian assistance in South Sudan, with 5.3 million requiring emergency food relief. South Sudan’s September 2018 Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) concluded the food security crisis is threatening the lives of 6.1 million people -- nearly 60% of the country’s population, and the highest level of food insecurity ever recorded in South Sudan. A UN study indicates that 76% of households in Juba are food insecure.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Several seismic fault lines run through South Sudan, but significant earthquakes are rare. The last recorded earthquakes occurred in 1992 and 1993. Consultations with the University of Juba confirmed that there is no seismic monitoring equipment within the city.

Of greater concern is flooding during the rainy season (June-November). Extended periods of rain can cause flash flooding of roadways near rivers/streams, rendering them impassible for days to months.

Critical Infrastructure

South Sudan’s external conflicts have traditionally focused on the country’s complicated relationship with Sudan and the control of the oil production areas. After gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan acquired over 75% of the territory already producing oil, but Sudan retained control of the export pipeline and refining infrastructure. Oil revenue accounts for a majority of government revenues, but damage to infrastructure and a shutdown of facilities in 2012 reduced production. As a result, South Sudan is experiencing severe inflation and shortages in hard currency, and relies largely on loans advanced against future oil revenue to remain fiscally solvent.

For more information, review OSAC’s report, Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Economic Concerns

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 2006 and have no visible marks/tears. Dollar bills newer than 2009 receive a higher rate of exchange and are more readily accepted. Credit cards are generally not accepted, and money transfers are not always available.

Kidnapping Threat

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. Kidnappings of a criminal nature also occur. For more information, review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Police Response

The South Sudan National Police Service (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. SSNPS response time is improving but remains erratic. Do not rely on 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. Reports indicate that some SSNPS officers rent their weapons or uniforms to criminals to assist with conducting robberies or invasions. Other reports indicate that SSNPS and other South Sudanese security service members are often the perpetrators of crime.

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 with regard to the provision of due process.

The Government of South Sudan has strict policies regarding photography. Avoid taking pictures altogether, but especially near any government facilities/personnel. Those who need to take photographs as part of their official (professional) duties must get an official government permit. Request permission before taking pictures at a public event or in a private setting. For more information, review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

The U.S. Embassy strongly urges people not to pay bribes, comply with requests for a gift, or pay on-the-spot fines. South Sudan’s security services are not required to notify the U.S. Embassy if American citizens are arrested. Contact the U.S. Embassy’s American Citizen Services office at 0912-105-188 during business hours. After hours, reach the Embassy Duty Officer at 0912-105-107.

Crime Victim Assistance

The emergency number for police service is 777.

Police/Security Agencies

The SSNPS consists of approximately 40,000 officers separated into a Criminal Investigative Division, Traffic Police, Fire Fighters, Customs Unit, Wildlife Conservation Unit, and Prisons Unit.

The SSNPS Diplomatic Police Unit (DPU) focuses on the protection of diplomatic missions, NGOs, UN offices in/around Juba and the Juba International Airport. This unit has approximately 200 UN-vetted and -trained officers. Although a welcome addition to the SSNPS, the DPU suffers from lack of funding and resources. Contact DPU 24/7 by calling 0912-174-078.

Medical Emergencies

Medical care is extremely limited, especially in areas outside of Juba. There are few ambulance services, and none meets international standards. Primary health care workers, especially in rural areas, lack adequate professional training. Instances of incorrect diagnosis and improper treatment are common.

Those who use prescription medications should bring an abundant supply with them, as most pharmacies have very limited stocks of prescription drugs. Additionally, drugs in stock at local pharmacies tend to be counterfeit or of an unknown origin. For more information, refer to OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medications.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

The list below includes organizations that may be able to assist in case of a medical emergency. Physical addresses are not common in South Sudan. Contact these organizations to confirm locations before an emergency happens.

Juba Medical Complex is centrally located in Juba town and is open 24/7. It offers inpatient and outpatient services, including a 24-hour "urgent care" clinic. It has a 24-hour laboratory, daytime x-ray, ultra-sound, and CAT scan capabilities. Tel: +211 (0) 955 523 371 or +211 (0) 955 353 333.

• AMREF, Flying Doctors has a 24-hour control center in Nairobi. Email Emergency@flydoc.org, tel: +254 733 639 088, +254 722 314 239.

• MRDC Medical Response Diplomatic Corp is a private enrollment medical/surgical clinic. Located at former “Norwegian Aid” compound. It has an emergency ambulance, night response dependent on security situation, laboratory/pharmacy/operating room with recovery room/short-term observation, outpatient clinic with 24-hour emergency stabilization and holding, and four patient beds. Staff includes a U.S. surgeon, a U.S. nurse practitioner, and Kenyan nursing staff. Dr. Linderman: +211 917 088 222; Paula Dickey, Nurse Practitioner +211 917 708 83333.

• ASPEN Medical South Sudan (AMSS) is a private medical clinic providing general medical and trauma care with on call emergency after clinic hours. AMSS offers comprehensive primary care services, emergency care, laboratory facilities, C-arm radiology, ultrasound, pharmacy, telemedicine capabilities, and short-term observation. Located on Airport Road next to the Crown Hotel and opposite Sahara Hotel. Contact Sumine Okullo at practicemanageramss@aspenmi.com or at +211 954 784 799. Emergency +211 916 097 530 or +211 916 097 530

Insurance Guidance

Consider purchasing overseas medical insurance that includes air ambulance/medical evacuation coverage before visiting South Sudan. For more information, refer to OSAC’s report, Medical Evacuation: A Primer.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

All travelers should receive Malaria prophylaxis. All travelers should also have an updated vaccination card including evidence of current yellow fever vaccination.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for South Sudan.

Ebola Crisis

There have been no reported cases of Ebola in South Sudan. However, the WHO has assessed the country as  ebing “at very high risk.” The U.S. Embassy issued a Health Alert in September to heighten awareness of Ebola. South Sudan is starting an Ebola vaccination campaign in 2019, targeting 2,100 health care and frontline workers in Juba.

Preparedness activities have begun in Priority-1 countries (Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, and Burundi) and in Priority-2 countries (Angola, Congo, Central African Republic, Tanzania, and Zambia) to respond to confirmed cases of Ebola. The Ministries of Health (MoH), WHO, and NGO partners and volunteers are monitoring and investigating all alerts in affected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in neighboring countries.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Country Council in Juba meets monthly. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

Embassy Address and Hours of Operation

Kololo Road, Tong Ping neighborhood, Juba

Monday-Thursday: 08:00 – 17:00; Friday: 08:00 – 13:00

Embassy Contact Numbers

Embassy Duty Officer - +211-912-105-107

Regional Security Officer - +211-912-534-188

Website: http://ss.usembassy.gov/

Embassy Guidance

The U.S. Embassy provides notary services, U.S. passport renewals, and emergency U.S. passports, along with the full range of Consular services including DNA checks for paternity, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad and passports for infants. Appointments for all services are recommended but not mandatory. U.S. citizens living or traveling in South Sudan are strongly encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Additional Resources

South Sudan Country Information Sheet