South Sudan entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter South Sudan. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. This requirement is in place for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a South Sudan eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Processing takes a few business days — do not book flights until approved. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your South African passport needs at least one blank page for entry stamps. South Sudan does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Juba International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged tour operator. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. ATMs are unreliable in South Sudan — bring enough USD for your entire stay. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing is unpredictable
The South Sudan eVisa system can be slow. Don't leave it to the last minute. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip, and check your email (including spam) for the approval.
Keep copies of everything
Print two copies of your eVisa approval and keep a digital copy on your phone. Also carry a photocopy of your passport bio page. This helps if you lose the original or if immigration asks for extra documentation.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Complete the South Sudan eVisa application form on the official government portal. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but can take longer — apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
2
Receive and print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive an eVisa document by email. Print two copies — one for immigration on arrival and one as a backup. Also save a digital copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at Juba International Airport
At Juba airport, proceed to the immigration counter. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. The process is usually straightforward but can be slow — expect 20–40 minutes in line.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There is no customs declaration form for most travellers. Exit into the arrivals hall where drivers and hotel representatives wait.
Download South Sudan Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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 (approx. R1,800 ZAR)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. R2,700 ZAR)
Good for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. R3,600 ZAR)
Requires invitation letter from South Sudanese company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. R9,000 ZAR)
For those with a job offer from a South Sudanese employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. R18,000 ZAR)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a local business. Must provide proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. R3,600 ZAR)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in South Sudan. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeSingle entry, valid for 30 days from issue. | $100 USD (approx. R1,800 ZAR) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for most applicants. | $100 USD (approx. R1,800 ZAR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $150 USD (approx. R2,700 ZAR) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $50 USD per day (approx. R900 ZAR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
South Africa 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 ZA 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 = 4,708.76 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. South Sudan does not offer visa on arrival for South African passport holders. You must get an eVisa before you travel.
The official eVisa fee is around $100–$150 USD, depending on the type (single entry vs multiple entry). Payment is made online during the application. There are no additional airport fees.
Standard processing takes 3–5 business days, but delays are common. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to be safe.
The eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the immigration office in Juba before your visa expires.
Yes. South Sudan requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. South Africa is not a risk country, but if you have recently travelled to one, you'll need the certificate. Check with your doctor.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet the validity requirement. You can reapply with corrected information. There is no appeal process.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Directorate of Immigration in Juba. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments and cost around $100 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.