Temporary entry bans have been introduced to South Sudan due to the corona virus. The security situation in South Sudan is unstable. Norwegians who still travel to South Sudan are encouraged to contact the embassy and register at reiseregistrering.no.
Safety
The security situation in South Sudan is unstable. Norwegians who still travel to South Sudan are encouraged to contact the embassy and register at reiseregistrering.no.
The security situation in South Sudan has deteriorated sharply as a result of the armed conflict that erupted in December 2013. July 2016, new fighting broke out in the capital Juba and the situation is still very unclear. The Foreign Travel Council of 19 December 2013, where we advise against all travel and stays in the country, still applies.
The acts of war vary in intensity, and the predictability of where and when clashes can take place makes planning of trips challenging. The conflict is increasingly affecting the entire country and the humanitarian situation is critical. Food, water and medicines are both difficult to access and have risen sharply in price. Illegal roadblocks and an increase in the number of armed robberies and ambushes pose a significant risk when traveling by car or bus.
It is important that the individual stays up to date on the security situation in South Sudan and avoids areas where demonstrations and unrest are taking place. The situation can change quickly. Norwegian citizens who, despite the travel council, choose to travel to South Sudan, are recommended to coordinate closely with the organization the visit should possibly be carried out together. It is also recommended to seek updated advice from the embassy well in advance of the trip. At the same time, note that the Norwegian authorities’ ability to provide consular assistance is limited.
Terror: The risk of terrorist incidents in South Sudan is considered low.
Crime in South Sudan is on the rise. It is recommended to exercise extreme caution when moving around cities after dark, especially near hotels, restaurants and other places that attract foreigners. Staff from embassies, the UN and other international organizations have bans in Juba between 19:00 and 07:00. The embassy recommends that one avoid moving on foot after dark, and preferably drive with several in the car. Car hijackings have become a growing problem.
Juba is considered to be relatively safe during the day, but it may make sense to join several. It is especially important to take care of bags and the like, and not to carry any visible valuables when moving outdoors. There is an increase in crime in terms of burglary, assault and gross robbery. The attacks mostly occur after dark, but increasingly in the daytime. The economic situation in the country is generally poor and this is believed to be a factor behind the increasing crime rate. The embassy has registered and expects, in light of the economic situation, the deterioration of the crime.
Road safety and transport: The roads in South Sudan, also in the cities, are largely poor and poorly lit at night. This, combined with poor driving skills of local motorists and other driving patterns than in Norway, requires special attention when using a car in South Sudan. Particular attention should be paid to the proximity of boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) and taxis (minibuses), as these drivers often act aggressively in traffic. Some of the motorcycle drivers do not use light, even after dark.
Also note that many South Sudanese are not used to cars, and pedestrians can often miscalculate the speed of oncoming traffic.
Please note that all cars in South Sudan must have a fire extinguisher, security clearance from the authorities (sticker available from the traffic police) and warning triangle.
Women’s safety: Women should avoid traveling alone with public means of communication, in taxis or in auto-rickshaws. This is especially true in the evening/night.
Sexual orientation: Homosexuality is a criminal offense in South Sudan.
Natural disasters: South Sudan is not particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. However, the extensive rainy season causes rivers and wetlands to flood, and especially when passing smaller rivers in the car, great care must be exercised.
Travel registration: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs discourages all travel to or stay in South Sudan. Norwegians who still travel to South Sudan are encouraged to contact the embassy and register at reiseregistrering.no.
Insurance: Norwegian citizens are encouraged to have valid travel insurance and to ensure that it covers South Sudan in the current situation.
Emergency: In the event of a crisis or an emergency, the Embassy can be contacted:
Address: Airport Drive, Hai Jerusalem, Juba (view New Sudan Hotel).
Phone: +211 (0) 920 900 530 +47 23 95 79 00
E-mail: emb.juba@mfa.no
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 09.00-16.00
Outside the embassy’s opening hours, the public can contact the UD’s 24-hour operating center on tel: +47 23 95 00 00. E-mail: UDops@mfa.no
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Norwegian citizens need a visa to stay in South Sudan. Visas must be arranged in advance through the South Sudan Embassy in Oslo, and a good amount of time must be calculated. The embassy has an electronic application form. The site also has detailed information on required documentation. Passport must be valid for up to six months after scheduled departure date.
If you are going to work in South Sudan, it is possible to get an extended visa. Then attach the work contract to the visa application.
Travelers must register at the Immigration Office in Juba upon arrival. It is then also possible to extend the visa.
For the latest updated information on South Sudan entry rules, travelers are encouraged to check with the South Sudan Embassy.
Yellow fever vaccination cards are required for entry into South Sudan.
It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents, any visa, etc. are valid.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): Temporary entry ban has been introduced in South Sudan due to the virus.
Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of the development of the corona virus. Feel free to follow local authorities’ advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation. For general updates, refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) website and dedicated WHO Africa Corona virus web pages (Covid-19).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not create travel advice because of the risk of infection. It is the Public Health Institute that provides infection protection advice. You can find more information and guidance from Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
***
The health situation in South Sudan is challenging. There are no hospitals or medical facilities of a good standard. Visitors should have travel insurance and have ensured that it covers South Sudan in the current situation.
If medical treatment/hospitalization is needed, in many cases there will be a need for transport to Nairobi or other major cities in the region. In case of acute illness or accidents, it will not be possible to be transported by air during the period 1800 – 0800, as the airport is closed during this time.
The Embassy recommends all travelers to consult with Norwegian health authorities regarding health issues and vaccination before traveling to South Sudan. Contact the National Institute of Public Health or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure to find out which other vaccines are required.
Malaria and other tropical diseases with potentially fatal outcomes are a serious health risk. Malaria prophylaxis should be considered and, if so, brought. Clothes with long sleeves/legs and a good mosquito spray are also good measures against malaria. Mosquito nets can be purchased in Juba, but it may also make sense to bring this from Norway as well. Other solid drugs and pharmaceutical products must be brought in as the quality of what is found in South Sudan is uncertain.
Yellow fever vaccination cards are required for entry into South Sudan.
Practical information
According to allcitycodes, the area code for calls from Norway to South Sudan is +211. However, the telephone network is unstable. Time difference between South Sudan and Norway is + one hour summertime and + two hours winter time. Foreigners must be able to identify themselves on request and passports should be brought (if necessary, a copy).
Registration with the Embassy: All Norwegian citizens staying in South Sudan for a shorter or longer period are recommended to register at the Embassy through reiseregistrering.no
The current is 220 volts. Sockets with three plugs (English type) are most commonly used, but two plugs are also used. Adapters can be purchased in stores / markets in the cities.
The national telephone code for South Sudan is +211. Some Norwegian mobile operators can be used, but it is recommended to check with your own operator before departure. The three most commonly used local mobile phone operators are Vivacell, Gemtel and MTN. The mobile network is sometimes unstable, and one cannot always be sure that SMS will reach recipients, regardless of whether they use a Norwegian or South Sudanese sim card.
There are internet cafes in several places in the cities. Wireless internet (wi-fi) can be found at the largest hotels and restaurants. You can buy mobile Internet (modem) from several operators.
Banking and Payment: It is not possible to use credit cards or travelers checks in South Sudan. It is therefore important to bring enough cash. Travelers are advised to bring US Dollars ($ 100 banknotes, from 2006 or later and without marks). These can be exchanged for South Sudan Pounds (SSP) upon arrival.
Hotels and restaurants: There are a number of hotels and restaurants that you can use. However, it is recommended to seek advice from your local contact point regarding accommodations, as this may change due to. security situation.
Car and communication: It is recommended to have a car and transport organized before arrival in South Sudan. There are companies/private individuals in Juba who offer car rental. It is not recommended to use either a motorcycle taxi (known as the boda-boda) or a minibus, as this is considered a security risk.
Driver’s license: Everyone who uses a car in South Sudan must obtain a South Sudanic driver’s license.
Climate: It is consistently very hot in South Sudan. Juba has two seasons; the dry period and the rainy season. During the dry period the temperature is between 35 and 45 degrees during the day. The rainy season runs from approx. end of April to November. The temperature is between 25 and 35 degrees. The temperature in Juba rarely drops below 25 degrees, even at night.
Clothes: Clothes and shoes as for Norwegian summer. Dress is the most common garment for men in more formal contexts. Women are advised not to wear outfits or sleeves.
Sanitary and health conditions: Hospitals of international standard do not exist in South Sudan. In case of serious illness, evacuation must be done to Nairobi or Europe. All bottled water should be purchased. Gulf vaccination is required, but vaccination against meningitis, tetanus, polio, hepatitis (havrix A) and malaria prophylaxis should be considered mandatory. Solid drugs and pharmaceuticals must be brought along.
Norwegians in South Sudan: There are about 50 Norwegians living permanently or for short periods in South Sudan. These mainly work for the UN peacekeeping force in South Sudan (Unmiss) and for Norwegian voluntary organizations.
Photo Prohibition: Please note that it is prohibited to photograph military facilities, personnel and their surroundings. This can often be broadly defined and includes e.g. airport and presidential palace, but also police cars, soldiers, etc. In general, travelers should be cautious about photography.
South Sudanese can also respond to being photographed and it is recommended to ask in advance.