South Sudan entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Updated 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
US passport holders need an eVisa to enter South Sudan. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival for Americans. This requirement is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You must apply for a South Sudan eVisa online before departure. The official portal is the South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at www.mfa.gov.ss. Processing times vary — apply at least 2 weeks before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from South Sudan. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately from your passport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Juba International Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines also check this before boarding — don't book a one-way ticket without proof of exit. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged contact. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD is preferred) or a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. There are no ATMs reliably accessible outside Juba, and credit cards are rarely accepted. | Recommended |
Security situation is volatile
South Sudan has active conflict zones and high crime rates. Check the US State Department travel advisory before booking. If you go, register with the US Embassy in Juba and have a security plan.
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
US passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this at check-in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official South Sudan eVisa portal (if available) or use a trusted visa service. Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days — apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Print or save your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Juba.
3
Arrive at Juba International Airport (JUB)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready. The officer will stamp you in — the process is usually straightforward but can be slow. Be patient.
4
Collect your bags and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Declare anything valuable. Once through, you're free to enter South Sudan.
Download South Sudan Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Standard eVisa option; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Allows multiple entries; extension possible per stay.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Requires invitation letter from South Sudanese company.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
$200–$500 USD (approx. $200–$500 USD)
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. $100 USD)
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in South Sudan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, 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 proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for US citizens applying online. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)May be available at Juba International Airport; confirm before travel. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstay. | $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
US citizens transiting through South Sudan (e.g., Juba International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or have a long layover, you may need a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid South Sudanese visa may transit without additional visa.
- Diplomatic passport holders may have different rules.
Transit hubsJuba International Airport (JUB)
Health & vaccines for South Sudan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; ensure safe food and water.
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, visa, and fee.
Juba
Juba International Airport Immigration
Juba International Airport
24/7
For visa on arrival and entry/exit formalities.
Practical information for US 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 = 4,701.32 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
No. As of 2026, US citizens must obtain an eVisa before traveling. There is no visa on arrival option for Americans.
The official eVisa fee varies — typically around $50–$100 USD depending on the type (single entry vs. multiple entry). Check the official portal for the current fee. Some visa services charge extra for processing.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need the vaccine and a valid International Certificate of Vaccination. Even if not required, it's strongly recommended — the disease is present in South Sudan.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter with a new visa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet the validity requirement. You'll typically get a refund minus a processing fee. Reapply with corrected information.
South Sudan has ongoing security risks including armed conflict and crime. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, register with your embassy and have a solid security plan.
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.