South Sudan entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Emirati passport holders need an eVisa to enter South Sudan. You must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for UAE citizens as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
You must apply for a South Sudan eVisa online before departure. The official portal is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Processing times vary — apply at least 2 weeks ahead to avoid delays.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
6 months validity recommended
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Airlines and immigration officers at Juba International Airport enforce this strictly.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration at Juba Airport will ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they rarely accept verbal promises.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in South Sudan helps at immigration. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
Carry enough cash (USD is widely accepted) or a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. There are no ATMs that reliably work for foreign cards in Juba.Recommended
Security situation is volatile
South Sudan has ongoing conflict and crime risks. Register with your embassy on arrival, avoid travel after dark, and always carry a copy of your passport and visa.
No visa on arrival — plan ahead
Unlike many African countries, South Sudan does not offer visa on arrival for UAE passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official South Sudan eVisa portal and fill out the application. Upload a passport-style photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print two copies — one for your carry-on and one as backup. Also save a PDF on your phone.
3
Arrive at Juba International Airport
After landing, proceed to the immigration hall. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. The process usually takes 10–20 minutes if you have all documents ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There are no additional customs forms for most travelers. Exit into the arrivals hall where drivers and hotel reps wait.
Download South Sudan Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 367 AED)

Standard eVisa for tourism; non-extendable.

Business Visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 551 AED)

Requires invitation letter from South Sudanese company.

work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 734 AED) per year
For those with a job offer from a South Sudanese employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. 367 AED) per year
For enrollment in accredited educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa feeStandard single-entry eVisa for tourism or business.$100 USD (approx. 367 AED)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying.$50 USD (approx. 184 AED) per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through South Sudan

No transit visa needed

Transit visa is not required for UAE passport holders transiting through Juba International Airport for up to 24 hours, provided they remain airside.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsJuba International Airport (JUB)

Health & vaccines for South Sudan

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.

DengueModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.

CholeraModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water; ensure safe drinking water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high risk nationwide; use mosquito repellent and consider prophylaxis like atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Juba
South Sudan Directorate of Immigration and Passports
Ministry of Interior, Juba, South Sudan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and application form.

Practical information for AE travellers

Country basics
CapitalJuba
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencySouth Sudanese pound (SSP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 4,692.31 SSP
updated May 29
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,DTypes C and D, with Type C being the standard European two-pin plug and Type D the old British three-pin.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police777
Medical999
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Emirati citizens. You must obtain an eVisa before traveling.
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
The official fee varies but is usually around $100–$150 USD. Check the eVisa portal for the current amount — it can change without notice.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa or a residence permit from the immigration office in Juba before your current visa expires.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever. UAE is not a yellow fever endemic country, but it's recommended to carry your vaccination certificate as border officials may ask for it.
Immigration at Juba International Airport may refuse entry. Always carry a printed copy — digital copies on your phone are not always accepted.
The security situation can be unpredictable. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid non-essential travel outside Juba and always use a trusted local guide or driver.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.