Fly to South Sudan

The Republic of South Sudan is a landlocked country. In the east it is bordered by Ethiopia, and in the southeast by Kenya. Uganda is located in the south and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) lies in the southwest. To the west is the Central African Republic (CAR) and in the north you will find Sudan. South Sudan has only recently become independent and used to be part of Sudan.

The capital of South Sudan is Juba and is found in the south of the country.

The population of South Sudan is around 13 million people and is expected to continue to grow. 

You’ll more than likely need a visa to enter South Sudan, very few countries’ citizens can obtain a visa on arrival. Visas can be obtained through any South Sudan Diplomatic missions.

A visa for African and Asian passports costs USD50, Europeans pay USD100 and American citizens pay USD160.

Ensure your passport has at least 6 months’ validity from your arrival date, at least 2 blank pages for official stamps and a copy of your travel itinerary showing return flight dates and details. Check with your South Sudan diplomatic mission for any other requirements.

English is the official language of South Sudan, but there are more than 60 different indigenous languages. Juba Arabic is a form of pidgin Arabic that is also spoken by many.

A few Juba Arabic words:

• Ita kweis? = Are you well?
• Ana kweis, ma bataal = I am well, not bad
• Salaam taki = Hello (literally, your peace)
• Shukran  = Thank you
• Ai = Yes
• La’ = No

In South-Sudan the estimate is that around 60% of the population is Christian, 6% are Muslim and around 33% practice a traditional African religion, although some think about 85% adhere to indigenous beliefs.

When photographing people, always ask permission first and agree on payment if required.

Sanitation is not up to first world standards. It is strongly advised that all travellers to the region consult with their doctor and are up to date with their travel vaccines.

Yellow fever vaccination and proof thereof is mandatory for travellers coming from yellow fever endemic countries and countries with active yellow fever transmission outbreaks.

The key to good health:

• Get vaccinated
• Eat and drink safely (bottled water as an example)
• Avoid touching live animals
• Avoid exchanging body fluids
• Take anti-malarial meds where required
• Prevent bug bites with lotions and long sleeves / trousers especially in the evenings
• Reduce your exposure to germs by washing your hands

There is no thriving souvenir market in South Sudan at the moment. You will find some people selling homemade jewellery or other trinkets, as well as a few women’s cooperatives creating and selling things like baskets, beads, crochet work and t-shirts.

Please be very weary of what you are buying. Do not buy things made of ivory, coral, shells, rhino horn, tortoise shell, rare hardwoods or wild animal hides. In South Sudan you can still get things made of these materials and it is very important not to buy them.

If you are not sure what the souvenir you are buying is made off and if it is legal, then don’t buy it. Not only it is illegal to buy certain items, but it is also illegal to transport those items out of the country and you can get in a lot of trouble.

When looking around for souvenirs, try to find out where things are made locally, usually by women’s groups, and buy directly from them. A great way to support the people and show them that tourism brings jobs and money to the communities.