Flavio Alagia, CC BY 2.0
There is a travel warning issued for this country. Please check the website of your country's foreign office for the latest information.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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South Sudan Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
South Sudan – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type D , Type G
Type D:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
South Sudanese Pound (SSP) £1 ≈ SSP 7,649.01 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 2/5
Cashless payments are not widely accepted in South Sudan. Cash is typically used for transactions.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not expected in South Sudan, but small tips are appreciated for good service in restaurants and hotels. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in South Sudan, though it is not as common in public spaces compared to private gatherings or licensed venues. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in designated public spaces, though it is restricted in some indoor areas. |
| Independence Day (9 July) |
Celebrates South Sudan's independence from Sudan |
|---|---|
| Christmas (25 December) |
A widely celebrated holiday |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | |
| Other: | South Sudan is a country rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, but it is currently facing challenges due to political instability and conflict. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for South Sudan, South Sudan
Climate varies by region: the south (Equatoria, Juba) is greener with a longer rainy season, the north and Upper Nile hotter and drier, with the Sudd wetlands flooded in the wet months
Many unpaved roads become impassable during the rainy season from May to October, so overland travel is only practical in the dry months
Great Antelope Migration around Boma and Badingilo national parks is strongest in the dry season, roughly December to April
Don't miss
- 🚤 Cruise the White Nile through Juba’s scenic stretches
- 🦒 Visit Boma National Park to spot elephants and giraffes
- 🛍️ Explore the vibrant Juba Market for local crafts and food
- 🏞️ Hike the Imatong Mountains and enjoy panoramic views
- 🏡 Discover traditional tribal life in remote village communities
- 🌅 Watch a golden sunset over the savanna plains
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to South Sudan?
What makes South Sudan truly special is its remarkable combination of untouched natural environments and authentic cultural experiences. The country boasts some of Africa's most impressive wildlife spectacles, including the migration of an estimated two million mammals in Boma National Park. The vast Sudd wetlands form one of the world's largest inland deltas, providing sanctuary for hippos, elephants and countless bird species, while the Imatong Mountains offer hiking opportunities with the country's highest peak, Kinyeti, rising to 3,200m. However, travelers should be aware that South Sudan faces significant challenges. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to the country due to security concerns, including armed violence and criminality. Infrastructure is extremely limited, with most roads being dirt tracks that become impassable during the rainy season. Medical facilities are basic and travel requires careful planning and local guidance.
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Independence Day Celebrations
-
Christmas Festival
-
Easter Celebrations
-
Mundari Cultural Festival
-
Toposa Traditional Ceremonies
-
Dinka Cattle Camp Gatherings
-
South Sudan Music Festival
-
National Agricultural Fair
-
Juba Film Festival
-
Traditional Dance Competitions
Knowledge before you go
- Reconsider travel; security risks can change extremely fast.
- Plan movement carefully: checkpoints and roadblocks are common, especially after dark in and around Juba.
- Avoid road travel outside main areas; poor roads, armed attacks and limited lighting raise risks.
- If you must go, arrange a trusted local fixer and secure logistics; carry extra fuel, water, cash.
How to travel to South Sudan
Most international visitors arrive through Juba International Airport, with connections available from regional hubs like Addis Ababa, Cairo, Nairobi, Istanbul and Dubai. Airlines serving South Sudan include Ethiopian Airlines, Egypt Air, Kenya Airways and Turkish Airlines. A visa is required for all visitors and must be obtained before arrival, either through a South Sudanese embassy or the e-visa system. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry.
Access summary
- Fly into Juba Airport (JUB) from Nairobi, Addis Ababa.
- From Uganda/Ethiopia: Overland via buses; risky roads.
- No major national airline; Ethiopian, Kenya Airways serve.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in South Sudan
Accommodation in South Sudan is limited primarily to Juba, with a few basic options in other major towns. In Juba, there are several international-standard hotels like Royal Palace Hotel that cater to business travelers, NGO workers and the occasional tourist. Outside the capital, expect very basic facilities or camping arrangements as part of organized tours. Advance booking is essential and prices tend to be relatively high given the limited options and challenging operating environment.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around South Sudan
Getting around South Sudan is challenging due to limited infrastructure. Most roads are dirt tracks that become mud tracks during the rainy season, with paved roads only found in major cities like Juba and Rumbek. The 190km road from Nimule on the Ugandan border to Juba is paved and work is underway to upgrade the road from Juba to Bor. For safety and practicality, most visitors travel with organized tours that provide 4x4 vehicles and experienced drivers/guides. Public transportation is extremely unsafe and best avoided. Domestic flights connect some major towns but schedules can be unreliable.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in South Sudan are around 71% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to SSP) is 86% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is a lot cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to South Sudan due to armed violence and criminality. If you choose to travel despite this advice, exercise extreme caution, travel with reputable guides, avoid public transport and register with your embassy upon arrival.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are extremely limited, with basic care only available in Juba. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential. Yellow fever vaccination is required and malaria prevention is crucial as the disease is endemic throughout the country.
Accessibility
Accessibility infrastructure is virtually non-existent. Natural attractions, transportation and accommodations present significant challenges for those with mobility issues. Even in Juba, sidewalks are often missing or in poor condition and buildings rarely have accessibility features.
Tap water
Tap water is unsafe to drink throughout South Sudan. Bottled water is available in Juba but may be harder to find elsewhere. Always carry water purification tablets or a portable filter when traveling outside the capital.
Packing recommendations for South Sudan
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
🥾
Walking boots
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, sun cream
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, sun cream
🪰
Insect repellent
👛
Cash in small denominations
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, sun cream
📃
Travel insurance
🚰
Water bottle with filter
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
💊
Anti-malarial medication
👖
Long trousers
💉
Vaccination certificates
👚
Long-sleeved shirt
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for South Sudan
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