South Sudan is an African country that has only recently gained its status as an independent country.
South Sudan is a breakaway region of Sudan, and it shares its borders with Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic.
This country has been owned by many countries throughout its history, like the Egyptians, Ottomans, British and Sudanese.
After many decades of ethnoreligious conflict with Sudan, South Sudan legally gained independence on 9 July 2011.
Even though it is an extremely dangerous country and tourists are discouraged from visiting, Safaris to Boma National Park and Nimule National Park are a sight to see.
You can visit this park to see the greatest migration of mammals on the earth.
Since South Sudan is located near the Equator in the tropics, its landscape is breathtaking, with much of the country being covered in tropical rainforest, with enormous swamps and grassland regions.
The White Nile also passes through the country, making South Sudan truly an African gem when it comes to natural beauty.
Warnings & Dangers in South Sudan
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
South Sudan is not safe at all and many governments are advising their citizens against traveling here because of the current conflicts that left a mark on South Sudan. This country is dangerous and if you're currently in South Sudan, make plans to leave as soon as the opportunity presents itself.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
You should know that South Sudan's traffic is operating on roads that are basically dirt tracks that during the rainy season turn into mud tracks. The only paved roads South Sudan has been in major cities like Juba and Rumbek. It isn't safe nor easy to get around South Sudan.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Pickpockets are active in South Sudan, and both petty and violent crime is rife. Non-violent petty theft and fraud like pickpocketing, theft of items from vehicles, and fraudulent currency exchanges are common throughout South Sudan to Avoid carrying too much cash and keep in mind that expensive watches, jewelry, and cameras will make you look like an easy target for pickpockets and opportunists.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
There are a number of natural disasters that South Sudan is susceptible to, like floods, drought, heatwaves, disease outbreaks and earthquakes.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Muggings are extremely common in South Sudan, so it is recommended that you take extra care on the streets of South Sudan, if you absolutely must leave your accommodation. Avoid going out at night altogether.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Terrorist attacks in South Sudan are possible and the greatest threats are in the areas close to the border with Sudan. Although there haven't been any attacks recently, you should remain vigilant at all times.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Scams are the least of your problems while you are in South Sudan, but you should know that there are scams here and they are widespread, as a fraudulent exchange of money. Be wary of people trying to distract you in order to steal from you and of taxi drivers overcharging you for a ride. We advise you to be extremely careful when handling money and around ATMs
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
South Sudan is definitely not safe for solo female travelers. You are advised, if it is absolutely necessary that you leave your accommodation at night, to go out accompanied by someone. Be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public.
So... How Safe Is South Sudan Really?
South Sudan is not safe at all and many governments are discouraging their citizens from visiting this country.
Safety in South Sudan dramatically decreased in July 2016, as the fighting started.
If you are currently in South Sudan, you should consider leaving as soon as the situation presents itself.
Ever since August 2012, Sudan and South Sudan have been fighting near the areas along the border between the two countries and crossing over from one country into the other is extremely dangerous.
If you are approaching this area, you need to be extremely careful, as there are risks that you might get killed or seriously injured.
Do not cross the gated and secured the border into Sudan under any circumstance.
Islamist groups like Janjaweed also operate in the country.
The presence and activity of Islamist groups in the country make the situation extremely tense, so if you’re traveling to South Sudan, do not approach the region along the border with Sudan!
You should also know that homosexuality is illegal in South Sudan.
Anyone involved in homosexual activities can be sentenced to up to 10 years of imprisonment, though the penalty for women and lesbian acts is not known.
Stay away from South Sudan if you are a member of the LGBTQ community.
How Does South Sudan Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| South Sudan | 10 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Czech Republic | 88 |
| Latvia | 80 |
| Cyprus | 75 |
| Slovenia | 87 |
| Bulgaria | 80 |
| Vietnam | 73 |
| Portugal | 57 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most countries do need a visa in order to visit South Sudan. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of your staying in South Sudan. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency
South Sudanese pound is the official currency in South Sudan. ATMs and credit cards are not accepted in Sudan because of the US sanctions so you should bring your money in cash.
Weather
South Sudan's climate is tropical, characterized by hot weather with seasonal rainfall: the heaviest rainfall hits the upland areas of the south and diminishes to the north. There are two main seasons in South Sudan: wet and dry.
Airports
Juba Airport is the busiest airport serving Juba, the capital city of South Sudan. It is located 5 km northeast of the city's central business district.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to South Sudan, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
South Sudan Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 37 | 38 | 37 | 36 | 34 | 32 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 |
| Low °C | 20 | 22 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 20 |
| High °F | 99 | 100 | 99 | 97 | 93 | 90 | 88 | 90 | 91 | 93 | 95 | 97 |
| Low °F | 68 | 72 | 75 | 73 | 73 | 72 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 72 | 70 | 68 |
South Sudan Is Very Dangerous You Shouldn’t Go To The Country
South Sudan’s safe!
Back in 2018 I went to South Sudan it was definitely a really safe if you stay in the areas the people are super nice and will do anything if you ask! This country really has a personality of its own and is definitely an amazing spot for photos! I’d actually say it’s one of the safest places on earth! Over all I’d say South Sudan was one of the best Trips of my life and wouldn’t wanted to miss a second of it!
I don't agree
It’s not one of the safest places on Earth. That’s a lie.
I do agree
The person above me can’t understand a joke when it’s clear as day.
r/woooosh
a joke? where is the joke? i dont find any fun in your “joke”
its ok
not all is safe but it has a nice culture and people
Here you have your first scammer
South Sudan is VERY Unsafe!!
If South Sudan is so safe, why was a friend of mine on a humanitarian mission beaten by border guards TODAY, 6-11-22 while trying to get back into Kenya?
He had no contraband, he had no weapons, he was only trying to help poor people in a poor country.
All of you who think people who think it is safe need to talk to the Kenya border police and ask how many people come back to Kenya haven been beaten by someone in authority in South Sudan.
The country is NOT a safe place if it’s own border police beat civilians for no reason!!!!
/
"Safety" is relative.
It’s safe if you “know people”. Am going back next week to visit friends.
Juba Is Well Secured
No
Nonsense
Are ya sure about that
no
NoNoNo
NoNoNoNo Juba Is Well Secured
Helo
Yes
are you sure?
Did you know some places are safe and some are not!! So it does not really mean it is 100% not safe.
Hey!! South Sudan is a great place and well Secured if you don’t think the same then your an idiot
its maybe safe but whoever said its the safest place on earth is a noob
It’s the safest place on earth
safest. place. on. earth.
I know you S Sudan
not really good and superrr poor but that no mean s sudan unsafe!
no jangweed
jangweed doesnt operate in South Sudan please get your facts right.
I dont know that much about their safety but there are issues with safety here and there
ITS BAD
South sudan
Bruhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. South Sudan is veryyyyyyy boring. This is very boring. Plz dont travel.
Half of you didnt actually go
Yes south Sudan is in a conflict but don’t post a review if you have not been to the country.
Beautiful
When I was living there last year I was amazed at how beautiful the country is. The animal diversity is incredible and the population are very very nice when meeting a traveller . I was in the country for 20 weeks and neither saw or heard any trouble or scams.Not sure why it has been rated as one of the most dangerous countries in the world. To be honest I have seen more trouble in Glasgow during any Friday or Saturday night.
Very Safe Country
Our country is very safe, and also very rich. We are so safe that security cameras aren’t a thing, as everyone is very honorable. We have no police as none are needed! It’s amazing and you should come. Solo woman? You won’t be raped! We respect women greatly. There is no greater place than South Sudan! Also, we have no COVID!
We are so safe that we do not require 4473 to purchase firearms and we trust every individual in this well safe society to purchase a rifle without a 4473 or a NICS background check
liar
south sudan is the poorest country in the world and the unheathiest and very dangerous
decent
As long you are in good secured areas you are ok
What
How is terror risk high if theres no attacks recently…
TERRIBLE PLACE DO NOT GO
Dangerous and
It is a much safer country than believed, on par with safe societies like Idaho or Montana USA!