The U.S. Embassy has updated its travel advisory for South Sudan, announcing the end of the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel. The State Department continues to warn against travel to South Sudan due to ongoing crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict.
According to the advisory, "Armed conflict is ongoing and includes fighting between various political and ethnic groups. Weapons are readily available to the population. In addition, cattle raids occur throughout the country and often lead to violence."
Violent crimes such as carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings remain common throughout South Sudan, including in Juba. Foreign nationals have been victims of rape, sexual assault, armed robberies, and other violent incidents.
Journalists face particular risks in South Sudan. "Reporting in South Sudan without the proper documentation from the South Sudanese Media Authority is considered illegal, and any journalistic work there is very dangerous. Journalists regularly report being harassed in South Sudan, and many have been killed while covering the conflict."
The ability of U.S. officials to provide emergency consular services remains limited due to security conditions. Embassy staff are under a strict curfew and must use armored vehicles for most movements within Juba; official travel outside the city is restricted.
Civil aviation faces risks as well; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued notices warning about operations within or near South Sudan airspace.
Travelers who decide to visit are urged to exercise extreme caution across all regions of the country—including Juba—and should only travel outside Juba with at least two vehicles equipped for emergencies. Avoiding border areas and large gatherings is strongly recommended.
The advisory notes that public photography requires prior authorization from authorities; unauthorized reporting or taking photographs can result in legal consequences.
U.S. citizens planning travel are advised to buy insurance covering evacuation assistance and medical care before departure. They should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for embassy alerts and develop comprehensive personal security plans that include communication strategies with family or employers.
Travelers should also consider preparing key documents such as wills or powers of attorney before departure and leave sensitive materials off their electronic devices when entering South Sudan.
For more details on safety recommendations or health information related to travel in this region, travelers are encouraged to review additional resources provided by U.S government agencies.