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

The U.S. Department of State has placed South Sudan on its “Do Not Travel” list due to escalating violence and crime, further crippling its tourism sector. This advisory, alongside similar advisories for Yemen, Venezuela, and other nations, signals a troubling global trend of increasing travel risks, with significant implications for tourism and local economies.

On March 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of State added South Sudan to its highest-risk “Do Not Travel” list due to severe violence, ongoing armed conflicts, crime, and kidnappings. This decision further diminishes South Sudan’s potential as a travel destination and exacerbates the challenges for its fragile tourism sector. With airlines likely to cut down on flights and foreign investments waning, the tourism industry in South Sudan faces imminent collapse.

The rise in global instability, characterized by rampant conflicts and violence, has prompted stringent travel advisories that have dire consequences for the tourism sector and local economies. South Sudan has endured prolonged political instability and ethnic conflict. The recent order for the departure of non-emergency personnel reveals a notable decline in security within the nation.

The travel advisory highlights the risk of violent crimes such as carjackings, armed robberies, and kidnappings occurring throughout South Sudan. Armed groups operate freely, and the proliferation of civilian firearms intensifies the potential for sudden attacks. Journalists face significant hazards, especially given the legal risks of reporting without authorized permission.

While South Sudan possesses potential for wildlife tourism and cultural experiences, the travel advisory has constrained any prospect for tourism recovery. Operators that previously offered adventure tourism are now likely to experience a significant downturn in business, as air travel logistics are expected to tighten further.

Tourism-related enterprises, including hotels and transportation services, will likely face existential challenges. Foreign investors often shy away from regions on the “Do Not Travel” list, halting any advancement of tourism initiatives within South Sudan.

Typically, visitors to South Sudan comprise aid workers, journalists, and business professionals. However, the heightened risk of violence and kidnappings may compel organizations to withdraw operations entirely, further isolating the region.

South Sudan’s inclusion in the advisory places it alongside other nations facing severe adverse conditions for tourists, such as Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, Libya, Ukraine, the Central African Republic, and Haiti. These countries experience unique but critical security threats that significantly curtail tourism.

Yemen remains perilously unsafe due to terrorism and civil unrest, with the U.S. Embassy closed since 2015. Venezuela faces high crime rates and arbitrary detentions; its U.S. Embassy has been nonoperational since 2019. Russia’s antagonistic atmosphere post-invasion of Ukraine makes it hostile to U.S. tourists, while Libya encounters rampant violence and instability.

Ukraine continues to face regular aggression from Russian forces, and the Central African Republic struggles with ongoing armed conflicts, making safe travel nearly impossible. Lastly, Haiti is engulfed in turmoil with rampant crime and political unrest, significantly threatening the safety of all visitors.

The inclusion of South Sudan on the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list reflects a deteriorating global security situation affecting tourism. The country faces a grave decline in its tourism sector, compounded by escalated risks for travelers and local businesses. As multiple regions become increasingly unsafe, the global travel industry is forced to reshape its operational reality to navigate these complexities and challenges.

Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com