South Sudan is a relatively new state only getting independence in 2011. It only took 2 years for a civil war to erupt and plunge the country into a war displacing almost 2 million people. Although some visit South Sudan, currently the country is experiencing troublesome time.

Traveling info

All visitors traveling to South Sudan are required to have a valid passport. Entry requirements vary depending on visitors nationality however there are no visa exemptions granted to anyone. Citizens of several African nations in close proximity to South Sudan may obtain a visa on arrival however the vast majority of visitors must obtain a visa through consulates, embassies, and missions of South Sudan. South Sudan is not part of either the 1949 or 1968 convention and does not regulate the use of IDP. Despite no requirement, visitors who wish to drive are recommended to obtain an International driving permit. Such a document will make interaction with the local police much easier. Drivers must beware that IDP is only a translation of the original driving permit and does not substitute for it.

Traveling hazards

Road conditions throughout South Sudan are hazardous. There are very few paved roads in South Sudan; most roads are narrow, rutted, and poorly maintained. Driving at night can be dangerous because of the lack of street lights throughout the country. Roads in South Sudan are often impassable during the rainy season, from March or April to October or November. Take spare tires, parts, and fuel with you when traveling in remote areas, as service stations are separated by long distances. Due to erratic driver behavior, pedestrians and animals in the roadways, and vehicles that are overloaded or lack basic safety equipment, the rate of accidents is high. Local drivers often do not observe conventions for the right-of-way, stop on the road without warning, and frequently exceed safe speeds for road, traffic, and weather conditions. Persons convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol face fines, jail sentences, and corporal punishment. Public transportation is by small buses, vans, or taxis, and is limited to within and between major towns. Many drivers of these vehicles have little training and are reckless, and the vehicles are often poorly maintained.

Environmental hazards

South Sudan has its share of some of the most famous African animals. Some of these are among the most dangerous on the continent also. Lions are the apex predators of Africa and the largest felines on the continent. These animals are not afraid to attack humans are responsible for over 250 deaths across Africa yearly. Hippopotamuses inhabit the South Sudanese rivers and lakes. These giants may look docile but are among the most dangerous animals on earth. Hippopotamuses are fiercely territorial and will attack anyone approaching them. Hippopotamuses are responsible for more deaths than crocodiles, elephants, and lions taken together. The Nile crocodiles are present in South Sudanese rivers, especially in the White Nile. These giant reptiles are merciless in their attacks and will not hesitate once spotting prey near to water. Although mostly nocturnal, attacks take place during the day also. Despite the fact that there is antivenom to the vast majority of snake venoms however due to the desperate situation of South Sudan most venomous snakes bites are deadly. The puff added or black mamba is among the most dangerous snakes to be found in South Sudan. Puff adder alone is responsible for over 30 thousand human deaths across Africa.
South Sudan is vulnerable to a number of natural disasters, the most common being weather related such as floods, drought, heat waves. Not only that but South Sudan due to its current situation is vulnerable to disease outbreaks. On top of all of these, the country is unable to prepare to prevent any of these disasters because of its poor economic situation and civil war.

Health hazards

Despite no requirement, the yellow fever vaccine is strongly recommended for all visitors. Other recommended vaccines include the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningitis, cholera, and rabies. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against malaria. There are however alternative ways to protect against it. Since malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites, it is recommended to use mosquito repellents and install mosquito nets in the windows of your accommodation. There is also medicine on prescription against malaria which should be available after consulting your local general practitioner. The state of South Sudanese healthcare is desperate. The newest country of the world struggles to deliver even basic services to its people amidst the civil war. Private clinics and hospitals have little room to exist among the poverty and unstable political situation of the country.
The only available emergency number will direct you to the South Sudanese police: 999.

Crime

Reliable, official statistics on crime are not available in South Sudan. Since July 2016, South Sudan has experienced a rise in crime, especially in Juba. 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. In Juba, the most frequently reported violent crimes to include armed robbery, home invasions, and carjackings. 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 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. Those traveling alone or in small groups during late evening hours are often the target of armed robberies. Traveling in groups while in towns and in multiple cars while outside of towns reduce the chance of being targeted for crimes or harassment. The situation of the country makes petty crime least of the visitors worries. Certain parts of the country are off limits and the danger based on ethnicity, religious views, and political views is critical. Drug laws are strict but rarely enforced due to the government focus on the civil war.

Summary

Travel to South Sudan is not advised by most travel advisories. This is due to the difficult political situation and the raging civil war which has the country divided among rebels, government forces and the northern neighbor of Sudan. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/africa/south-sudan/passport-visa/
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/south-sudan