South Sudan Travel Safety

Road safety

Road conditions are extremely poor. Many roads are sand tracks. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required except in some urban areas such as Juba and Malakal, especially during the rainy season (March to November). Landmines pose a threat, especially outside of Juba. Only experienced and fully equipped travellers should undertake desert travel. Basic equipment should include a shovel, metal ramps for heavy sand, a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, spare fuel and water supplies. Roadblocks are common. You should have your identity and vehicle documents readily available.

Public transportation

Public transportation is limited outside of major urban areas. Only top-of-the-line buses should be used. Most other buses are irregularly scheduled, poorly maintained and very badly driven. Fatal accidents involving buses are routine, and have increased in the past few years.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the South Sudan, incidents of attacks and sexual assault against foreign women, including rape and murder might occur. Be extremely vigilant at isolated places and while dealing with strangers. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Female visitors and residents should take care when walking or travelling alone even during daylight hours. Exercise a very high degree of caution during travel.

Crime

There is widespread violent crime, including kidnappings, armed robbery, carjackings and compound invasion, throughout South Sudan. The current economic crisis has led to a significant increase in the number of crimes involving guns. The security risk is especially high in Juba, which has seen regular outbreaks of violence and lawlessness and increasing numbers of carjackings and home/compound invasions. Armed invasions of the compounds of international Non-Governmental Organizations are frequent. Crime usually rises in the run-up to Christmas and New Year, Foreigners have been victims of many crimes, including rape. Law enforcement personnel have limited capacity to deter crime.

Kidnapping

Several kidnappings have occurred in South Sudan. They are mainly targeting workers in the oil and aid sectors, working in remote and contested areas. Exercise caution at all times.

Culture

By Western standards, the Republic of South Sudan is a traditional, conservative society. Women should dress conservatively (no short skirts, bare arms or low necklines), men and women should not wear shorts in public and should be extremely discreet when swimming.

LGBT

The laws of South Sudan prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face lengthy imprisonment. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to South Sudan. Society is socially conservative.