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
South Sudan's healthcare system is one of the most underdeveloped in the world, with extremely limited facilities, severe shortages of medical personnel, and minimal availability of medications and equipment. Most healthcare is provided by international NGOs and humanitarian organizations.
Hospitals
Juba Teaching Hospital is the primary facility but has severe limitations. Several NGO-run clinics provide better care but primarily serve humanitarian workers. International SOS and similar organizations operate clinics for expatriates. For any serious medical issue, evacuation to Kenya, Uganda, or beyond is essential.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are extremely limited and poorly stocked. Counterfeit medications are common. Bring all necessary medications from home, including a comprehensive first aid kit. Prescription medications may not be available, and quality cannot be guaranteed for any locally purchased medicines.
Insurance
Comprehensive medical evacuation insurance is absolutely essential and non-negotiable. Standard travel insurance is insufficient; specialized coverage including security evacuation and air ambulance to advanced medical facilities (typically Nairobi or beyond) is required.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete medical kit including all prescription medications, antibiotics, antimalarials, and first aid supplies for your entire stay plus extra
- Arrange medical evacuation insurance before travel with confirmed coverage for South Sudan and minimum $500,000 evacuation coverage
- Identify the nearest medical facility operated by International SOS, MSF, or similar organization before arrival
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical records
- Ensure tetanus, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever, and other vaccinations are current before travel
- Water-borne and food-borne diseases are common; drink only bottled or purified water and eat only thoroughly cooked food
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Active armed conflict continues in multiple states. Fighting between government forces, opposition groups, and ethnic militias can erupt suddenly. Civilians are frequently caught in crossfire, and targeted violence occurs.
Armed robbery, carjacking, assault, and violent crime are common throughout South Sudan, including in Juba. Criminals often operate in groups and are frequently armed. Attacks on vehicles, residences, and individuals occur regularly.
Kidnapping for ransom, particularly of foreign nationals and humanitarian workers, occurs regularly. Both criminal groups and armed factions conduct kidnappings.
Unexploded ordnance and landmines contaminate many areas from decades of conflict. Rural areas and former conflict zones pose particular danger.
Malaria is endemic throughout South Sudan year-round. Other diseases including cholera, hepatitis, typhoid, tuberculosis, and meningitis are common. HIV prevalence is high. COVID-19 and other respiratory infections circulate.
Roads are in extremely poor condition with minimal maintenance. During rainy season, many become impassable. Armed robbery on roads is common. Accidents are frequent due to poor road conditions, lack of lighting, and unsafe vehicles.
Cattle raiding, revenge attacks, and ethnic violence between communities occur regularly, particularly in rural areas. These conflicts can escalate rapidly and affect large areas.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Security personnel at checkpoints demand unofficial payments or 'fees' for passage. This can occur at police, military, or informal checkpoints.
Individuals impersonating police, military, or government officials approach foreigners demanding documents, payments, or attempting to extort money through threats of arrest.
Black market money changers offer favorable rates but provide counterfeit currency, shortchange customers, or use distraction techniques to steal money.
Non-existent hotels or guesthouses advertised online, or severe overcharging for substandard facilities without security.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Essential Pre-Travel Preparation
- Register with your embassy immediately upon arrival and maintain regular contact
- Arrange professional security services through established companies before arrival
- Obtain comprehensive medical evacuation and security evacuation insurance with minimum $500,000 coverage
- Prepare multiple evacuation plans including overland routes to Uganda and air evacuation from Juba
- Bring all necessary medications, medical supplies, and personal items for entire stay as local availability is extremely limited
- Obtain all required vaccinations including yellow fever (mandatory), hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningitis, and rabies
- Carry multiple copies of passport, visas, and critical documents stored separately
- Arrange secure accommodation with armed security before arrival
Daily Security Protocols
- Never travel alone; always use professional security escorts
- Implement strict curfew; no movement after dark under any circumstances
- Vary routes and timing of regular movements to avoid predictable patterns
- Maintain low profile; do not display wealth, cameras, or expensive items
- Keep doors locked and windows up when in vehicles at all times
- Maintain full tank of fuel and emergency supplies in vehicle
- Carry emergency communication devices including satellite phone
- Inform security officer of all movements and maintain regular check-ins
Accommodation Security
- Stay only in compounds with armed security guards and secure perimeter
- Verify security protocols including guard schedules, alarm systems, and safe rooms
- Keep doors and windows locked and secured at all times
- Know evacuation routes and assembly points from your accommodation
- Maintain emergency supplies including water, food, medical kit, and communication devices in your room
- Do not open doors to unknown persons; verify all visitors through security
- Keep valuable documents and emergency cash in secure location
Health and Hygiene
- Take antimalarial prophylaxis daily without exception
- Use mosquito nets, repellent, and protective clothing consistently
- Drink only bottled water; avoid ice and uncooked foods
- Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid contact with animals due to rabies risk
- Do not swim in lakes or rivers due to schistosomiasis and other waterborne diseases
- Seek immediate medical attention for any fever, as malaria can be fatal if untreated
- Maintain strict food safety; eat only thoroughly cooked, hot food from trusted sources
Communication and Information
- Maintain multiple communication methods including satellite phone, mobile phone with local SIM, and radio if working with organizations
- Monitor security updates from embassy, UN, and security providers multiple times daily
- Share detailed itinerary with embassy and emergency contacts
- Establish regular check-in schedules with your organization or emergency contacts
- Learn basic phrases in Arabic or local languages for emergencies
- Keep emergency contact numbers programmed in all devices
- Understand that internet and mobile networks are unreliable; have backup communication plans
Financial Safety
- Bring sufficient US dollars in cash (newer bills in good condition) as ATMs are unreliable or non-existent
- Keep emergency cash hidden separately from main funds
- Carry small denomination bills for checkpoints and minor purchases
- Avoid displaying large amounts of money in public
- Credit cards are not widely accepted; plan for cash-only economy
- Exchange money only through official channels or trusted organizational contacts
- Keep detailed records of expenses for security and organizational purposes
Photography and Documentation
- Obtain permission before photographing people, particularly in rural areas
- Never photograph military installations, checkpoints, government buildings, or security personnel
- Keep cameras and phones concealed when not in use to avoid attracting attention
- Be culturally sensitive when photographing; many communities have restrictions
- Understand that photographing sensitive areas can result in detention or confiscation of equipment
- Back up important photos and data regularly in case of equipment loss or confiscation
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
South Sudan presents severe challenges and risks for women travelers. Gender-based violence is widespread, and women face particular vulnerabilities. Sexual assault and harassment occur frequently. The conflict has exacerbated violence against women. Women travelers should not visit South Sudan independently under any circumstances and should only travel for essential purposes with comprehensive security arrangements and organizational support.
- Never travel without professional security arrangements and organizational support
- Stay in secure compounds with vetted security personnel at all times
- Avoid all independent movement; travel only with trusted security escorts
- Be aware that women face particular risks of sexual violence and harassment
- Work only with established organizations that have specific protocols for women's safety
- Maintain communication with embassy and security contacts at all times
- Dress conservatively to minimize unwanted attention, covering shoulders and knees at minimum
- Be particularly cautious in crowded areas and markets
- Avoid all travel after dark without exception
- Understand cultural norms but prioritize personal safety over cultural sensitivity if threatened
- Ensure your organization has specific gender-based violence response protocols
- Consider traveling with female colleagues when possible for mutual support
- Be aware that reporting sexual assault may be difficult due to limited police capacity and cultural attitudes
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in South Sudan under the Penal Code Act 2008, with penalties including imprisonment. There are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and discrimination is not prohibited. Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized.
- Do not disclose sexual orientation or gender identity publicly
- Avoid any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Be extremely discreet about LGBTQ+ identity at all times
- Understand that being openly LGBTQ+ poses serious safety risks including arrest, violence, and social ostracism
- Do not attempt to access LGBTQ+ venues or communities as these do not exist openly
- Be cautious about digital security; avoid LGBTQ+ content on devices that could be searched
- Have legal support and evacuation plans in case of arrest or targeting
- Consider whether essential travel to South Sudan is necessary given the severe risks
- Work only with organizations that understand and can mitigate LGBTQ+-specific risks
- Be prepared to remain completely closeted for the duration of your stay
- Understand that embassy support may be limited in cases involving LGBTQ+ issues
- Do not rely on local authorities for protection if targeted due to LGBTQ+ identity
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation and security evacuation coverage is absolutely essential and non-negotiable for any travel to South Sudan. Standard travel insurance is completely insufficient. The absence of adequate medical facilities, high security risks, and potential need for emergency evacuation make specialized insurance critical. Medical evacuation alone can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Without proper insurance, travelers face potentially life-threatening situations with no viable options for treatment or escape.
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