South Sudan entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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

Ethiopian passport holders must get an eVisa to enter South Sudan. It covers tourism and business visits. Apply online before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward, but you'll need a few key documents ready.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a South Sudan eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to present at Juba International Airport immigration.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from South Sudan. Immigration at Juba checks this strictly — airlines also enforce it before boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of exit
Immigration officers at Juba Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show one.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in South Sudan. Immigration may ask for it if you arrive without a clear address.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have cash (USD) or a bank statement showing at least $200–$300 for a short stay. ATMs are scarce in Juba and credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.Recommended
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
You cannot enter South Sudan without an approved eVisa. There is no visa-on-arrival for Ethiopian passport holders. Apply online at least a week before your trip.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa, passport, and return ticket as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. Phone screenshots work too. If you lose your printed copy, you can show the digital version at immigration.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa Online
Go to the official South Sudan eVisa website. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $100–$150 USD) with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive eVisa Approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. The eVisa is usually valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
3
Arrive at Juba International Airport
At Juba airport, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport and you're in. The process is usually quick — 10–15 minutes if you have all documents ready.
4
Prepare for Departure
Before leaving, check that your passport still has at least 6 months validity from your departure date. Keep your eVisa and return ticket handy for the exit immigration check.
Download South Sudan Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)

Apply at South Sudan embassy or online; extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)

Allows multiple entries; extension possible per stay.

work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For those with a job offer in South Sudan. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For enrollment in accredited institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Ethiopian passport holders applying online.$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay.$50 USD per day (approx. 50 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%

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

Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Juba International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

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 yellow fever risk; certificate may be checked at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

DengueModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.

CholeraModerate risk

Outbreaks occur; ensure safe water and food.

Malaria risk: high

High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas; CDC recommends prophylaxis such as 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
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, visa, and fee.

Practical information for ET 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 = 4,696.63 SSP
updated May 30
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. Ethiopian passport holders must have an eVisa before arriving. There is no visa-on-arrival option at Juba airport or any land border.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. Processing times can be longer during holidays or if there are errors in your application.
The fee is around $100–$150 USD, depending on the type of visa (single entry vs. multiple entry). Payment is online by credit or debit card.
The eVisa is usually valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You can stay for up to 30 days from entry. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Juba.
Yes. South Sudan requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Ethiopia is not on the list, but it's still recommended). Carry your yellow card just in case.
Your eVisa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa. Immigration at Juba may also deny entry if your passport is close to expiry.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You need to visit the Directorate of Immigration in Juba before your visa expires. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and may cost around $50–$100 USD.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.