South Sudan Travel Advisory Revised: Security Risks and Recommendations

The Department of State has issued a revised Travel Advisory for South Sudan on March 8, 2025, maintaining a Level 4 – Do Not Travel status. This is due to increasing security threats and the ordered departure of non-emergency personnel from Juba. Risks include violent crimes and conflicts between political and ethnic groups.

On March 8, 2025, the Department of State revised its Travel Advisory for South Sudan, ordering the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel from Juba. The advisory maintains a Level 4 – Do Not Travel designation due to ongoing security threats and violent conditions. This revision supersedes the Travel Advisory previously issued on July 31, 2023.

The updated advisory categorically states: “Do not travel to South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict.” It emphasizes the significant dangers present in the country, underlined by the ongoing armed conflict among various political and ethnic factions, coupled with the widespread availability of weapons.

Violent crimes, including carjackings, shootings, assaults, and kidnappings, are prevalent throughout South Sudan, particularly in urban areas like Juba. Foreign nationals have been targeted in severe incidents including rape and armed robberies. Consequently, the overall safety of individuals in the country remains a serious concern.

Moreover, journalists face severe risks when operating in South Sudan. Reporting without proper documentation from the South Sudanese Media Authority is illegal and poses grave dangers. Many journalists have endured harassment, and there have been fatalities among those covering the conflicts within the nation.

The revised Travel Advisory for South Sudan underscores the severe dangers faced by potential travelers, recommending against all travel due to crime, kidnapping, and ongoing conflict. The order for the departure of non-emergency personnel indicates a dire security situation characterized by frequent violent incidents. Additionally, the risks for journalists operating in the country highlight the pervasive dangers across various sectors for foreign nationals.

Original Source: www.miragenews.com