Before you go to South Sudan: what to know
Must know
- Canada advises against all travel because of conflict, insecurity and violent crime.
- Visitors staying at least 5 days must register with police.
- ATMs and card payments are unreliable; arrange a safe funding plan.
Entry and visas
British citizen passport: A visa is required, including for transit. Apply online or through a South Sudanese embassy. Visitors staying 5 days or more must register with local police. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.
Passport validity: At least 6 months after arrival; 2 blank pages.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗
Money
Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- Cards are accepted only in selected major hotels, restaurants and shops. ATMs are unreliable and dispense local currency; use authorised banks or bureaux for exchange.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Exchanging currency outside authorised banks or bureaux.
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Check customs restrictions before bringing medicines, drones or wildlife products.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.
Clothing: Ask your hosts about appropriate clothing for community visits and religious sites.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗
Climate
Rain and flooding affect travel roughly March–October and can extend later; heat and humidity can be severe in both wet and dry seasons.
Month by month
- January: Jan: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
- February: Feb: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
- March: Mar: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
- April: Apr: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
- May: May: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
- June: Jun: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
- July: Jul: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
- August: Aug: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
- September: Sep: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
- October: Oct: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
- November: Nov: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
- December: Dec: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
Best season: Choose dates for your route using local forecasts and road-condition advice.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗
What to pack
- Copies of travel documents
- An adapter compatible with your accommodation
- Medicines with their prescription documents
Practical
Plugs: Confirm socket type and supply voltage with your accommodation before packing.
Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.
Traffic: drives on the right
Insurance: Arrange insurance for your itinerary and planned activities, including medical evacuation where needed.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: tcs.ch ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.