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, significantly impacting its struggling tourism sector. This advisory, issued amid increasing global instability, deters travel and could lead to diminished airline services and decreased foreign investment. South Sudan’s tourism is effectively eliminated as safety threats intensify, with broader implications for the global travel industry.

The U.S. Department of State has officially categorized South Sudan as a high-risk “Do Not Travel” destination, joining other nations such as Yemen, Venezuela, and Russia. This designation results from heightened violence, armed conflict, and crime in the region, effectively rendering South Sudan an undesirable travel option and exacerbating the challenges faced by its vulnerable tourism sector. As airlines are expected to cut flights and investment diminishes, the prospects for recovery in South Sudan’s tourism industry appear grim.

The advisory reflects a broader trend of escalating global instability affecting travel and tourism. South Sudan has faced persistent issues related to political instability, ethnic violence, and inadequate governance. In a clear signal of the country’s deteriorating security, the U.S. government ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel on March 8, 2025.

The advisory highlights the risks of violent crime prevalent in South Sudan, including carjackings, armed robberies, and kidnappings. The accessibility of weapons to civilians exacerbates the danger, while foreign nationals face unique threats, particularly journalists. Reporting without government approval is illegal, and unauthorized journalists have faced harassment, making South Sudan increasingly inhospitable.

Despite its potential for wildlife tourism and cultural experiences, the current advisory negates any hope of a tourism revival. Tour operators specializing in adventure tourism may experience a drastic decline in bookings, alongside anticipated reductions or suspensions of airline flights, complicating logistics further.

Tourism-centric enterprises, including hotels and transportation services, face significant challenges in sustaining their operations, as international investors tend to shy away from countries on the U.S. travel advisory list. Consequently, future tourism development is likely to be stalled.

Historically, aid workers, journalists, and business professionals have comprised the majority of visitors to South Sudan. However, the latest advisory intensifies risks for these groups, which may lead to organizations minimizing or ceasing operations in the nation altogether.

South Sudan’s inclusion in the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list reflects a troubling pattern of travel restrictions on countries experiencing severe safety threats, such as Yemen and Venezuela, where crime and civil conflict prevail. In Yemen, the diminishing diplomatic presence leaves citizens without necessary support, while Venezuela’s dire conditions repel travelers.

The situation in Russia remains fraught, following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, compounded by arbitrary detentions of U.S. citizens and ongoing military conflict. Libya and Ukraine continue to experience high levels of violence and unrest, making them nearly inaccessible for tourism. In the Central African Republic, armed groups control significant territory, while Haiti experiences rampant crime and a lack of security.

The surge in nations classified under the U.S. “Do Not Travel” advisory illustrates a worsening global security landscape, with South Sudan’s addition marking another setback for worldwide tourism. As global conflicts and crime rates rise, the tourism sector must adapt to a changing paradigm where numerous countries stand out as high-risk.

Looking ahead, both travelers and businesses must reevaluate their strategies, while affected nations endeavor to navigate a path toward stability amid an increasingly volatile environment.

The addition of South Sudan to the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list signifies a troubling trend of global insecurity impacting tourism. The advisory highlights the severe safety risks posed by violence and political instability, leading to significant challenges for the local tourism sector. Consequently, both travelers and businesses must reconsider their engagement with regions affected by such advisory designations, while countries adjust to the ramifications of heightened travel restrictions. The ongoing violence underscores the urgent need for stability in the region to restore the viability of travel and investment.

Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com