South Sudan entry requirements for Uganda passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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

Ugandan passport holders can enter South Sudan without a visa for short visits. As of 2026, you can stay up to 90 days per visit. Just arrive at Juba International Airport or any land border with a valid passport and onward ticket.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in South Sudan. Airlines at Entebbe and other regional hubs check this before boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from South Sudan
Immigration officers at Juba International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers at Juba sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged contact.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during your stay
Have cash (USD is widely accepted) or a bank statement showing at least $500. Immigration may ask how you'll cover your expenses, especially for longer visits.Recommended
Security situation
South Sudan has ongoing conflict and crime issues. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid travel outside Juba without a local guide or trusted contact.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel. No certificate = possible denial of entry.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Juba International Airport or land border
Most travellers fly into Juba. At the airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Land borders like Nimule (from Uganda) also have immigration posts.
2
Present your passport and onward ticket
Hand over your passport and be ready to show your return or onward ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa-free entry. No fee is charged. Check the stamp says the correct date and allowed stay (usually 90 days).
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There's usually no baggage scan unless you look suspicious.
Download South Sudan Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already applies)

No need to apply; visa-free entry covers 90 days.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostFree (visa-free entry already applies)

No need to apply; visa-free entry allows multiple entries.

Long-stay visa (business/work)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)

Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.

work visa
South Sudan Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For foreign nationals employed by a registered company in South Sudan. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and approval from Ministry of Interior. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
South Sudan Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 in a registered business. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Provides residency and multiple entries.
student visa
South Sudan Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at accredited institutions in South Sudan. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Stay extension (per month)Extensions are possible at immigration offices; fees may apply for processing.Free (estimated $50 USD equivalent in processing fees)
Overstay fine (per day)Overstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying.Unknown (estimated $10 USD/day)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%

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

Uganda passport holders transiting through Juba International Airport do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.

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

Health & vaccines for South Sudan

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from endemic countries (including Uganda) as South Sudan is at risk for yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Malaria is widespread throughout South Sudan; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Dengue outbreaks occur, especially during rainy seasons; use mosquito repellent.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A are common; drink only bottled or boiled water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.

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, photos, and proof of funds.

Malakal
Malakal Immigration Office
Malakal, Upper Nile State
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Limited services; extensions may take longer.

Practical information for UG 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

Up to 90 days per visit. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for an extension at the immigration office in Juba before your 90 days expire.
Yes. The main land border crossing is at Nimule/Elegu. Ugandan passport holders can cross visa-free. The process is the same as at the airport — show your passport and onward ticket.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
You'll likely be denied entry. South Sudan requires 6 months of validity from your entry date. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, you don't need any visa at all — it's visa-free. Just walk up to immigration with your passport and onward ticket.
Yes, but you must apply for an extension at the Directorate of Immigration in Juba before your 90 days are up. The process takes a few days and costs around 100 USD. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and a letter explaining why you need to stay longer.
South Sudan uses the South Sudanese pound (SSP). US dollars are widely accepted in Juba. Bring crisp, new USD notes — old or damaged bills may be refused. There are ATMs in Juba but they often run out of cash.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.