South Sudan entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
No visa 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
Kenyan passport holders can enter South Sudan without a visa for short stays. Upon arrival at Juba International Airport, you get entry on arrival for up to 30 days. This policy is effective as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in South Sudan. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from South Sudan | Immigration at Juba International Airport asks for a return or onward ticket at the counter. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they rarely check the airline confirmation number, but they want to see a departure date. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in South Sudan. Immigration officers at Juba sometimes ask where you are staying — having a booking reference speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or a credit card showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks for it for short visits, but if you look like you might overstay or work illegally, they will request proof of at least $500 USD equivalent. | Recommended |
Healthcare is extremely limited
South Sudan has very few medical facilities, and serious conditions require evacuation to Nairobi or elsewhere. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly advised.
Malaria is a real risk
Malaria is endemic nationwide, including Juba. Use mosquito repellent, sleep under nets, and consider prophylactic medication like atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Juba International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. There are no visa application counters — you go straight to the passport control queue.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and return ticket. The officer will ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly — tourism, business, or visiting family.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a visa-free entry. No fee is charged. You are allowed up to 30 days. Count the days from the stamp date.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There is no arrival declaration form to fill out.
Download South Sudan Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
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 (equivalent in SSP)
Apply at South Sudan embassy in Nairobi. Allows longer stay than visa-free.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD
Requires invitation letter from South Sudan company. For work-related visits.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
For foreigners employed by a South Sudan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Investment Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in South Sudan. Allows long-term stay and business activities.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are not officially available for visa-free entries; check with immigration. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly standardized; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear travel purpose20%
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
Kenyan passport holders transiting through Juba International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing 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; South Sudan may request certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout South Sudan; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraHigh risk
Outbreaks common due to poor water sanitation; drink only treated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic nationwide, including Juba. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylactic medication 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
Directorate of Immigration and Passports
Ministries Complex, Juba
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Practical information for KE 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
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
Frequently asked questions
Up to 30 days. The entry stamp you get at Juba Airport is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Extensions are not officially available for visa-free entries, so you must leave before the stamp expires.
Officially, extensions are not available for visa-free entries. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a tourist visa at the South Sudan embassy in Nairobi before you travel, or leave and re-enter. Overstaying can lead to fines or future entry bans.
You cannot work on a visa-free entry. You need a work permit (~$500 USD per year, renewable) sponsored by a South Sudan company, or an investment visa (~$1,000 USD for 2 years) if you invest at least $50,000 USD. Both require employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
No. Kenyan passport holders transiting through Juba International Airport do not need a transit visa if you stay airside and do not pass immigration. You can remain in the transit area for up to 24 hours.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Cholera, Meningitis, and Rabies. Malaria is widespread — prophylaxis is strongly advised.
The local currency is the South Sudanese pound (SSP). US dollars are widely accepted in Juba, especially for hotels and larger transactions. Carry small bills for taxis and markets. ATMs are scarce and unreliable.
The most common reasons are: insufficient funds (30% of denials), no return ticket (25%), unclear travel purpose (20%), previous overstay history (15%), and incomplete documentation (10%). Have a clear itinerary, proof of funds, and a return ticket to avoid issues.
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.