What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to South Sudan, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
Advises against all travel to the whole country
No numbered levels
Updated 25 August 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: Updated information about Ebola ('Entry requirements' page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Level 4: Do Not Travel
Level 4 of 4
Updated 13 November 2025
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Avoid all travel
Level 4 of 4
Updated 28 September 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: Risk level section – extended end date of Canadian border measures related to Ebola for travellers from South Sudan
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
From the section “Emergency services in South Sudan” of the UK government's travel advice for South Sudan, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
There are no central emergency numbers in South Sudan.
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for South Sudan, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Police can ask to see photo ID. Always carry a colour copy of your passport with you.
There are severe penalties for using or trafficking drugs in South Sudan, including the death penalty and life imprisonment.
Do not take photographs close to government buildings, military installations, bridges, airports, public utilities (including petrol stations) and other sensitive areas. Plainclothes public security officers operate in Juba and across South Sudan.
Same-sex relationships are not culturally accepted. Same-sex sexual activity between men is illegal and punishable by a prison sentence of up to 14 years. LGBT+ travellers are at risk of discrimination and violence.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
International credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, although some of the newer hotels and supermarkets are starting to.
ATMs are hard to find, and it is often not possible to use international cards. You can use your credit or debit card to withdraw money in some supermarkets. Bring large denomination US dollars (clean, unblemished notes dated 2017 onwards). Dollars are acceptable currency in many places, but shops and restaurants are likely to refuse notes that are marked in any way.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for South Sudan, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
From the section “Extreme weather and natural disasters” of the UK government's travel advice for South Sudan, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
During the rainy season from April to November, most roads outside of Juba become impassable. There is a risk of being cut off by floods in areas outside the capital, particularly in Unity, Warrap, Jonglei and Upper Nile states. There is also a risk of flash flooding.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
We have no plug or voltage data for South Sudan yet.
Rainfall Average temperature
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs. For seasonal hazards such as storms, floods or extreme heat, read the official section Extreme weather and natural disasters.
A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of South Sudan.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.