South Sudan Added to U.S. ‘Do Not Travel’ List: Implications for Tourism

South Sudan has been added to the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list due to escalating violence and crime, mirroring similar advisories for Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, Libya, Ukraine, CAR, and Haiti. This designation significantly threatens the country’s tourism, leading to reduced flights, declining foreign investment, and severe impacts on local economies and tourism-related services.

On March 10, 2025, the United States Department of State placed South Sudan on its highest-risk “Do Not Travel” list, alongside Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, Libya, Ukraine, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Haiti. This designation is a consequence of escalating violence, armed conflict, crime, and kidnappings within South Sudan, rendering it an unviable travel destination and severely impacting the global tourism landscape. Such advisories typically lead to diminished flight availability and reduced foreign investment, further crippling the already fragile tourism sector.

The advisory comes at a time of increasing global instability where conflicts and terrorism notably disrupt travel and tourism in various regions. While primarily security-oriented, these advisories have far-reaching implications for tourism, local economies, and international travel trends. Political instability, ethnic violence, and weak governance have long undermined South Sudan’s stability, and the U.S. has ordered non-emergency personnel to depart, indicating a downward trend in security conditions.

Concerns regarding violent crime are significant, including incidents of carjackings, shootings, armed robberies, and kidnappings. The presence of armed groups and accessible weaponry heightens the risk of sudden attacks, particularly affecting foreign nationals, including journalists, who face the added threat of harassment or violence for reporting. Consequently, tourism in South Sudan has been rendered entirely impractical.

Although South Sudan possesses potential for wildlife and cultural tourism, the current advisory effectively extinguishes prospects for a tourism-fueled economic recovery. Tour operators specializing in adventure tourism or wildlife experiences are expected to witness a significant decline in bookings, while airlines may reduce or halt their flights, complicating travel logistics.

The tourism-related sectors, including hotels, transportation services, and tour guides, are anticipated to encounter dire challenges for survival. Foreign investment is likely to dwindle as investors traditionally shy away from nations listed on the “Do Not Travel” advisory, causing potential tourism development projects to stall.

Typically, visitors to South Sudan consist of aid workers, journalists, or business professionals; however, the latest advisory highlights that even these groups are subject to high risks of violence and kidnappings. This shift could prompt organizations to reconsider their operations within the country entirely.

South Sudan now joins a growing list of countries under severe U.S. travel advisories, each facing distinct risks that hinder tourism and business activities. Yemen is characterized by rampant terrorism and civil war, while Venezuela remains hazardous due to arbitrary detentions and high crime rates. Russia has become increasingly hostile, particularly following its invasion of Ukraine, creating additional deterrents for U.S. travelers.

Libya exhibits ongoing instability with widespread crime and militias, further complicating the feasibility of tourism, while Ukraine is under constant missile threat. The CAR continues to endure instability from armed groups, and Haiti has been adversely affected by rampant crime and gang violence.

The addition of South Sudan to the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list signals a mounting concern for global tourism amidst a backdrop of increasing geopolitical unrest. As conflicts and crime escalate, travelers and businesses face an imperative to reassess their plans and navigate these evolving risks, while the affected nations grapple with the challenge of securing a future within an unstable environment.

In summary, South Sudan’s designation on the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list reflects a broader trend of increasing global insecurity affecting tourism and international travel. This advisory not only threatens the already struggling tourism sector in South Sudan but also underscores the significant adverse effects that political instability and violence can have on economic prospects. As travelers face rising peril in various regions, the global tourism industry must adapt to navigate this challenging, evolving landscape.

Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com