South Sudan entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders

Verified May 14, 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

New Zealand passport holders need an eVisa to enter South Sudan. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival for Kiwis. This requirement is current as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
You need an eVisa to enter South Sudan. Apply through the South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at mfa.gov.ss. Processing takes a few business days — apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your New Zealand passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in South Sudan. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Immigration may ask
Immigration officers at Juba International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
You may be asked where you're staying. Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in South Sudan ready to show.Recommended
Proof of funds
Cash or card for your stay
Carry enough cash (USD is widely accepted) or have a debit/credit card to cover your expenses. ATMs are scarce outside Juba.Recommended
Security situation
South Sudan has a volatile security environment. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you travel, arrange secure accommodation and transport in advance, and register with your embassy.
eVisa application timing
Apply for your eVisa at least 2 weeks before departure. Processing can be slow, and there's no rush service available.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the South Sudan eVisa portal (if available) or contact the nearest South Sudan embassy. Fill out the application form, upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport bio page, and pay the fee. Processing time varies — apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an eVisa document by email. Print a copy and also save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Juba International Airport
Most travellers fly into Juba (JUB). After landing, go to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will stamp you in. Expect a short queue — it's not a busy airport.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items. Then you're free to enter South Sudan.
Download South Sudan Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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)

Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)

Ideal for multiple visits; extension possible each entry.

Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)

Requires invitation letter from South Sudanese company.

work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
$200–$500 USD (approx. $200–$500 USD)
For those with a job offer in South Sudan. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in South Sudan. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$500–$1,000 USD (approx. $500–$1,000 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a South Sudanese business. Requires business registration and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for New Zealand passport holders.$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; typically processed online.$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying.$50 USD per day (approx. $50 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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

New Zealand passport holders transiting through South Sudan do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), you must obtain an eVisa.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for South Sudan may transit without additional visa.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.

CholeraModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination may be considered.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.

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.

Malakal
Malakal Immigration Office
Near Malakal Airport
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Limited services; extensions may take longer.

Practical information for NZ 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 = 4,636.38 SSP
updated May 13
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. There is no visa on arrival for New Zealand passport holders. You must get an eVisa before you travel.
Processing times vary. Some applications are approved in a few days, but it can take up to 2 weeks. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The cost depends on the type of visa and processing speed. Check the official eVisa portal or contact the South Sudan embassy for current fees. Budget around $100–$150 USD.
Yes. South Sudan requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Even if you're coming directly from New Zealand, it's strongly recommended to get the vaccine and carry the certificate — immigration may ask.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa, or contact the immigration office in Juba before your visa expires.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
South Sudan has ongoing security risks, including conflict and crime. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, arrange secure accommodation and transport in advance, and register with your embassy.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.