South Sudan Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in South Sudan.
Healthcare System
The healthcare system in South Sudan is one of the most underdeveloped in the world, devastated by decades of conflict. Public healthcare facilities lack basic supplies, equipment, and trained staff. The system is largely reliant on international NGOs and UN agencies.
Hospitals
In Juba, the Juba Teaching Hospital is the main public facility but is poorly equipped. Private clinics like the Nairobi Women's Hospital Juba or the Military Hospital offer slightly better care but are still very basic. For any serious illness or injury, medical evacuation (medevac) to Kenya (Nairobi) or Uganda is mandatory.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies in Juba stock limited and sometimes counterfeit or expired medications. Travelers must bring a complete supply of all prescription medications and a well-stocked travel medical kit. Do not rely on local pharmacies for critical medication.
Insurance
REQUIRED. Complete travel medical insurance with guaranteed medevac/repatriation coverage is an absolute non-negotiable requirement for entry. Proof of insurance is often checked on arrival.
Healthcare Tips
- Ensure your insurance includes air ambulance evacuation to a facility in Nairobi or Kampala.
- Bring a complete medical kit including antibiotics for travelers' diarrhea, malaria prophylaxis/treatment, wound care supplies, and all personal prescriptions.
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Incidents of armed robbery, carjacking, and violent assault occur frequently, including in Juba. Criminals are often armed. Home invasions also occur.
Intercommunal violence and sporadic armed conflict between government forces, opposition groups, and ethnic militias occur in various regions. Demonstrations can turn violent with little warning.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles ( when stationary in traffic) are common.
Significant contamination from landmines and UXO exists, outside Juba and away from main paved roads. Many areas are not marked.
Malaria is endemic. High risk of typhoid, cholera ( during rainy season), hepatitis A & B, meningococcal meningitis, and rabies. Limited COVID-19 testing/vaccination.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals posing as police, army, or national security personnel set up illegal checkpoints to extort money from travelers, at night or on remote roads.
Officials at Juba International Airport (JUB) may invent problems with documents, visas, or luggage to solicit bribes.
When dealing with government offices for permits, registrations, or other services, officials may quote inflated 'official fees' and pocket the difference.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Security
- Register with your embassy upon arrival and share your itinerary.
- Hire a reputable local driver/security guide who understands the context.
- Avoid all travel after dark.
- Maintain a low profile; avoid obvious displays of wealth.
- Carry copies of your passport and visa; leave originals in a hotel safe.
Communication & Information
- Purchase a local SIM card (MTN or Zain) for reliable communication.
- Satellite phones are recommended for travel outside Juba.
- Subscribe to security alert services from your embassy or professional security firms.
- Do not rely solely on Google Maps; use local knowledge for navigation.
Transportation
- Use pre-vetted, professional drivers only. Do not use public transportation (boda-bodas, buses).
- Travel in a 4x4 vehicle for road conditions.
- Keep doors locked and windows up while driving.
- Have a security escort for road travel outside Juba, arranged through a professional company.
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
South Sudanese society is conservative and patriarchal. While foreign women are generally respected, they may face constant and intense staring, comments, and unwanted attention. Solo female travel is strongly discouraged and considered high-risk.
- Avoid traveling alone at any time. Always be accompanied, preferably by a trusted male colleague or professional security.
- Dress conservatively to minimize attention (covered shoulders, knees, loose-fitting clothing).
- Be prepared for aggressive and persistent approaches from men, often under the guise of offering help or business.
- Have a secure, pre-arranged means of communication at all times.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal under the Penal Code Act 2008, with penalties including imprisonment. The 2011 Transitional Constitution does not protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation.
- Extreme discretion is mandatory. Absolutely no public displays of affection or discussion of LGBTQ+ topics.
- Be cautious on dating apps, as they may be monitored.
- Share accommodation only with extreme discretion.
- Understand that seeking help from local authorities for any LGBTQ+-related issue could result in arrest rather than protection.
Travel Insurance
Critically important. Given the extremely poor local medical facilities and high risk of security incidents requiring evacuation, complete insurance is a non-negotiable prerequisite for travel.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries