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

The U.S. Department of State has added South Sudan to its highest-risk
Do Not Travel
list alongside Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, Libya, Ukraine, Central African Republic, and Haiti. This advisory, issued due to escalating violence and crime, signifies severe challenges for South Sudan’s fragile tourism sector, potentially resulting in reduced flights, unavailable travel insurance, and declining foreign investment, while impacting global travel dynamics.

The United States Department of State has recently located South Sudan on its highest-risk
Do Not Travel
list alongside countries such as Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, Libya, Ukraine, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Haiti, attributing this designation to escalating violence, armed conflicts, and increasing crime rates. As a result, South Sudan is no longer seen as a viable travel destination, which significantly impacts the global tourism landscape, particularly as airlines are anticipated to decrease flights, travel insurance will likely be unavailable, and foreign investment in the hospitality sector will diminish.

The advisory highlights the severe security concerns present in South Sudan, which has long been plagued by political instability, ethnic violence, and ineffective governance. On March 8, 2025, the U.S. government ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel from the country, signifying a continued deterioration of safety conditions, which further exacerbates the challenges facing tourism.

Moreover, South Sudan faces various types of violent crime, including carjackings, armed robberies, and kidnappings. With armed groups operating throughout the region, civilians have easy access to weapons, which heightens the risk of sudden, violent encounters. Foreign nationals, especially journalists, are at increased risk as reporting without authorization is illegal, with many facing harassment or worse as they attempt to cover the ongoing conflicts.

Although South Sudan has potential for niche markets such as wildlife tourism and cultural experiences, the current travel advisory renders any tourism recovery highly improbable. The few operators that had been focused on adventure tourism or wildlife experiences within the country are likely to experience a drastic decline in bookings as the risks outweigh travel incentives.

The tourism-related businesses, including hotels, transport services, and tour guides, are likely to face significant operational challenges, threatening their sustainability. The designation of South Sudan on the
Do Not Travel
list tends to deter foreign investors, complicating initiatives for future tourism development within the country.

Historically, visitors to South Sudan have predominantly included aid workers, journalists, and business professionals. The U.S. advisory indicates that even these groups now face substantial risks of violence and kidnappings, prompting organizations to reconsider or completely halt their operations in South Sudan.

South Sudan’s placement on the U.S.
Do Not Travel
list aligns it with other nations beset by severe security risks, hampering their tourism and business sectors. Countries like Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, Libya, Ukraine, CAR, and Haiti face unique, yet similarly dire conditions that severely affect travel activities.

Continued conflict and terrorism make Yemen one of the world’s most perilous places; operations by terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS eliminate any possibility for tourism. In Venezuela, soaring crime rates, arbitrary detentions of U.S. citizens, and economic collapse create an environment exceedingly hostile to travelers. Likewise, the geopolitical landscape in Russia, compounded by ongoing conflict, heavily discourages tourism through significant travel restrictions.

Overall, the increasing number of countries on the U.S.
Do Not Travel
list illustrates a declining global security situation that complicates travel and tourism for numerous regions. The rise in conflicts and political instability is resulting in an environment where entire countries may be off-limits, forcing both travelers and businesses to rethink their strategies and expectations as these vulnerable nations seek a path towards stability.

The inclusion of South Sudan on the U.S.
Do Not Travel
list highlights significant global security concerns resulting from violence and instability. This decision portends dire consequences for the tourism sector in South Sudan, exacerbating existing challenges and limiting opportunities for recovery or growth. The current geopolitical landscape necessitates careful evaluation by travelers and businesses while affected nations grapple with the realities of reduced tourism and international engagement.

Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com