South Sudan:Visa Requirements

South SudanLearn the visa requirements for this country. Last check:Last update:

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South Sudan Visa Requirements Map

South Sudan: Visa Requirements

Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.

Visa-Free Entry Requirements

  • Entry and exit must be made through official border crossings designated by the competent authorities. A separate list of airports, seaports or land border crossings that can be used for visa-free travelers has not been published.
  • There is no centralized and comprehensive document checklist specific to visa-free entry. The minimum passport validity requirement, number of blank pages, accepted types of special travel documents, return ticket, proof of accommodation, financial sufficiency, bank statement, travel insurance, and vaccination certificate requirements have not been definitively specified in the central official source for visa-free travelers.
  • The maximum duration of visa-free stay, conditions for extension, and how the right of entry applies for single or multiple trips have not been definitively specified in the central official source. The border authorities retain the authority to examine the traveler's passport, purpose of travel, and entry conditions.
  • The requirement for a birth certificate, parental consent letter, or document proving family ties for minor travelers has not been definitively specified in the central official source.

E-Visa Application Requirements

  • The eligibility check on the official e-visa portal must be used before application. The applicant must create an account or log in with an existing account and complete the online visa application form.
  • In the current online procedure, a copy of the international passport, a colored copy of the invitation letter, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate are required. The invitation letter must explain the purpose of travel. According to general visa rules, the passport must have at least six months of validity remaining and contain at least one unused page for the visa process.
  • The applicant must have sufficient financial means to cover personal expenses in South Sudan and return travel costs. A specific bank balance, daily amount, or how many months of bank statements are to be submitted has not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The application fee is paid online by credit or debit card. The fee is displayed on the eligibility screen based on the selected application information and visa option. The Trade Information Center shows a procedure total of 100 US dollars or 60,096.15 South Sudanese pounds, but the same official procedure asks to check the fee by country. Therefore, a single fee applicable to all applicants has not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The e-visa portal states that the electronic visa PDF document can be downloaded within 72 hours. The applicant must download the approved PDF document and print it in color before starting travel.
  • The printed e-visa must be presented to the visa officer at the entry point. The officer verifies the electronic visa and other travel documents. If there are no issues with the documents or application, an entry visa stamp is placed in the passport. It is stated that the document verification process at the border takes approximately five minutes, but this time does not include queuing, security, or additional inspection time.
  • The e-visa eligibility screen includes fields for single-entry, three-month multiple-entry, and six-month multiple-entry visas. Which option is offered to each applicant is determined by the result of the eligibility check. The maximum permitted continuous stay has not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The number of photos, photo size, background color, date of capture, file format, and technical upload specifications have not been definitively specified on the public centralized e-visa page. No universal upload requirement for a national identity document, residence permit, flight reservation, hotel reservation, travel itinerary, employment or student certificate, and travel health insurance has been published.
  • The requirement for a birth certificate, parental consent letter, or parent's passport for minor applicants has not been definitively specified in the central official source. Document translation, notarization, legalization, and apostille conditions have also not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • Submitting an application does not mean the visa will be automatically granted. The immigration authority has the power to accept or reject the application, and documents are rechecked upon entry into the country.

Visa on Arrival Requirements

  • A visa on arrival or landing permit may be issued at the entry point by the Directorate of Immigration for travelers arriving in South Sudan without a pre-arranged visa and who are permitted to benefit from this facility. The process can only be carried out at official entry points.
  • The traveler must present the original valid passport. According to general visa rules, the passport must have at least six months of validity remaining and contain at least one unused page for the visa stamp.
  • The applicant must be able to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover personal expenses in South Sudan and return travel. The required minimum amount, the period of bank statements, and the accepted types of proof have not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • Valid vaccination or immunization documents required by the health authorities must be available. The yellow fever vaccination certificate is among the general visa documents. No separate and complete checklist has been published regarding whether the original or a copy of the certificate should be submitted for the visa on arrival process.
  • The Trade Information Center shows a cost of 60,096.15 South Sudanese pounds in the visa on arrival procedure. However, whether the fee varies according to the traveler's passport, visa type, or current financial regulations has not been explained in detail. The accepted payment method has not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • After payment and issuance of the visa, the original entry visa issued with the valid passport is presented to the officer for the entry stamp to be affixed. The estimated queue time at the final checkpoint is shown as zero to five minutes. This time is not the total visa assessment or payment time.
  • The Trade Information Center states that the entry visa issued on arrival is valid for six months. It is not explained that this validity period grants the right to stay in the country for six consecutive months. The maximum permitted stay has not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • No universal central document list specific to visa on arrival has been published for an invitation letter, return ticket, hotel reservation, travel health insurance, photograph, travel itinerary, employment certificate, and proof of residence. Special documents for minor travelers have also not been definitively specified in the central official source.

Consular Visa Application Requirements

  • The application form must be completed in full and signed by the applicant. The originals and photocopies of the required documents must be submitted together with the form. These documents include the passport's photo information page and the yellow fever vaccination card.
  • The passport must have at least six months of validity remaining and contain at least one unused page for visa printing. No additional technical specifications regarding the passport being undamaged, machine-readable, or biometric have been specified in the central official source.
  • Central rules require one recent, passport-sized photograph. The photo size, background color, date of capture, and other technical specifications have not been definitively specified in the central official source. The embassy or consulate being applied to may apply a different photo requirement. For example, the Embassy in Washington requests two 2 × 2 inch photographs.
  • For business or corporate travel, an invitation letter from the company or organization in South Sudan explaining the purpose of travel must be submitted. In addition, a copy of the inviting company's or organization's registration certificate in South Sudan or the contract between the applicant and the South Sudan-based institution is required.
  • For a personal or family visit, an entry permit obtained through the Directorate of Immigration by the family member or friend in South Sudan must be submitted.
  • For tourist visa applications, a return ticket and an address in South Sudan or a hotel reservation are required. For personal visit applications, bank statements showing sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay in the country must be submitted. The number of months of bank statements required and the minimum balance have not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate must be submitted. Travel health insurance and the minimum insurance coverage amount have not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The general application rule is to apply in person. However, embassies/consulates may use different practices regarding postal application or document return. A mission that allows postal service may request a return envelope with sufficient postage paid and bearing the applicant's address.
  • It is possible for the applicant to collect the passport in person or to authorize another person. The authorized person must submit a letter of authorization from the applicant, an identity document, and a receipt showing that the visa fee has been paid.
  • The central rule stipulates waiting at least seven business days, excluding weekends and public holidays, to inquire about the status after submission of the application. Processing time may vary by mission. The Embassy in Washington has provisionally published a processing time of ten business days provided all documents are complete.
  • The fee and payment method vary according to the embassy applied to, the type of passport, and the applicant's status. No single fee and payment method applicable to all applicants has been centrally specified. The current fee schedule of the mission applied to must be taken as basis.
  • A single-entry visa may be issued for business and tourism purposes. Embassies have the authority to issue multiple-entry visas depending on the reason for travel. However, some missions may only issue single-entry visas to holders of ordinary passports. The validity of the issued visa begins on the date of issuance according to central rules.
  • Holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports must submit a Note Verbale obtained from the competent authority. Diplomatic visas are free of charge.
  • Fingerprinting, biometric registration, or mandatory interview practice has not been definitively specified in the central official source. The requirement for a birth certificate, parental consent letter, or separate application form for minor applicants has also not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • No universal central requirement has been published regarding document translation, notarization, legalization, or apostille. The embassy or consulate being applied to may request additional documents according to its local practice.
  • Incomplete documents may prolong the processing time or result in the rejection of the application. Submitting an application does not guarantee that a visa will be issued, and the Directorate of Immigration reserves the right to accept or reject the visa.

Transit Visa Requirements

  • A transit visa is issued for travelers passing through South Sudan to another country. The duration of the transit visa generally does not exceed 72 hours.
  • No separate and complete central document checklist specific to transit visa has been published. According to general visa rules, the application form must be completed in full and signed; the originals and copies of the required documents must be submitted together with the passport's photo page and yellow fever vaccination card.
  • The passport must have at least six months of validity remaining and contain at least one unused page for visa printing. One recent passport photograph is required. The exact size and technical specifications of the photograph have not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The travel must be for the purpose of continuing to another destination. Whether a flight ticket, visa, or residence permit for the subsequent country is a mandatory document has not been definitively specified in the central source specific to transit visa.
  • The applicant must have sufficient financial resources to cover personal expenses and return travel. The minimum financial amount and the period of bank statements have not been definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The transit visa fee, payment method, and how far in advance the application must be made have not been definitively specified in the central official source. The minimum seven business day waiting period from the general consular procedure should be considered; the mission may apply a longer period.
  • No central requirement specific to transit visa has been published regarding travel health insurance, biometric data, interviews, special documents for children, and document translation or certification.
Population
12,436,037(2026 est.)
Official language
English
Government type
Presidential republic with a transitional unity government
Continent
Africa
Capital
Juba
Currency
South Sudanese pound
Area
644,329 km²
Phone code
+211

South Sudan: Key Destinations

Juba, the capital and primary gateway, sits along the White Nile. Other notable cities include Malakal and Wau, serving as regional hubs. Most international arrivals pass through Juba International Airport.

South Sudan offers diverse cultural experiences with over 60 ethnic groups. The Sudd wetland and Boma National Park attract visitors interested in wildlife and landscapes. Nimule National Park provides opportunities for trekking and birdwatching.

Travelers often base themselves in Juba and take domestic flights to reach remote areas. Road conditions can be challenging, especially during the rainy season. Planning connections between major towns requires flexibility and local guidance.