To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
38open jobs
15organisations hiring
9violent events in 3 months
174deaths (estimate)
To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, is the world’s newest country. Home to a diverse array of mainly Nilotic ethnolinguistic groups that settled in the territory in the 15th through 19th centuries, South Sudanese society is heavily dependent on seasonal migration and seasonal fluctuations in precipitation. Modern-day South Sudan was conquered first by Egypt and later ruled jointly by Egyptian-British colonial administrators in the late 19th century. Christian missionaries helped spread the English language and Christianity in the area, leading to significant cultural differences with the northern part of Sudan, where Arabic and Islam are dominant. When Sudan gained its independence in 1956, the southern region received assurances that it would participate fully in the political system. However, the Arab government in Khartoum reneged on its promises, prompting two periods of civil war (1955-1972 and 1983-2005) in which as many as 2.5 million people died -- mostly civilians -- due largely to starvation and drought. The second Sudanese civil war was one of the deadliest since WWII and left southern Sudanese society devastated. Peace talks resulted in a US-backed Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, which granted the South six years of autonomy followed by a referendum on final status. The result of this referendum, held in 2011, was a vote of 98% in favor of secession.
Since independence, South Sudan has struggled to form a viable governing system and has been plagued by widespread corruption, political conflict, and communal violence. In 2013, conflict erupted between forces loyal to President Salva KIIR, a Dinka, and forces loyal to Vice President Riek MACHAR, a Nuer. The conflict quickly spread through the country along ethnic lines, killing tens of thousands and creating a humanitarian crisis with millions of South Sudanese displaced. KIIR and MACHAR signed a peace agreement in 2015 that created a Transitional Government of National Unity the next year. However, renewed fighting broke out in Juba between KIIR and MACHAR’s forces, plunging the country back into conflict and drawing in additional armed opposition groups. A "revitalized" peace agreement was signed in 2018, mostly ending the fighting and laying the groundwork for a unified national army, a transitional government, and elections. The transitional government was formed in 2020, when MACHAR returned to Juba as first vice president. Since 2020, implementation of the peace agreement has been stalled amid wrangling over power-sharing, which has contributed to an uptick in communal violence and the country’s worst food crisis since independence, with 7 of 11 million South Sudanese citizens in need of humanitarian assistance. The transitional period was extended an additional two years in 2022, pushing elections to late 2024.
presidential republic
The political and security situation remains unpredictable. Political tensions are high and the security situation across the country could deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably.
If the unstable security situation deteriorates, routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked. Juba airport may close or be inaccessible. Flights may be cancelled at short notice.
Regional developments may also affect international transport. For example, in 2019 and 2023, events in Sudan caused South Sudan’s airspace to close temporarily.
Dinka (Jieng) approximately 35-40%, Nuer (Naath) approximately 15%, Shilluk (Chollo), Azande, Bari, Kakwa, Kuku, Murle, Mandari, Didinga, Ndogo, Bviri, Lndi, Anuak, Bongo, Lango, Dungotona, Acholi, Baka, Fertit (2011 est.)
English (official), Arabic (includes Juba and Sudanese variants), ethnic languages include Dinka, Nuer, Bari, Zande, Shilluk
Christian 60.5%, folk religion 32.9%, Muslim 6.2%, other <1%, unaffiliated <1% (2020 est.)
Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).
low-income, oil-based Sahelian economy; extreme poverty and food insecurity; COVID-19 and ongoing violence threaten socioeconomic potential; environmentally fragile; ongoing land and property rights issues; natural resource rich but lacks infrastructure
12.2 MPopulation2025
21.7 %Urban population2025
$1,080GDP per capita2015
-10.8 %GDP growth2015
91.4 %Inflation2024
76.5 %Extreme poverty (international line)2016
12.4 %Unemployment2023
26.8 %Adult literacy2008
6.7 %Internet users2019
5.4 %Access to electricity2024
1,277,527internally displaced people2025
601,818refugees hosted2025
3,246asylum seekers2025
2,510,483refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025
60,600stateless people2025
Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.
South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF): Land Forces (includes Presidential Guard), Air Forces, Marine (Riverine) Forces, Reserve Forces; National (or Necessary) Unified Forces (NUF)Ministry of Interior: South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) (2025)
Party names as coded by UCDP, July – September 2026. "Government of …" refers to State forces.
| Actor | Events | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Government of South Sudan | 1 | 2 |
| SPLM/A - IO | 1 | 2 |
| Apuk Giir | 1 | 1 |
| Marial Wau | 1 | 1 |
| Abang | 1 | 1 |
| Malual Dinka | 1 | 1 |
Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.
UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan due to the risk of armed violence and criminality.
See more about safety and security in South Sudan.
The political and security situation remains unpredictable. Political tensions are high and the security situation across the country could deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably.
If the unstable security situation deteriorates, routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked. Juba airport may close or be inaccessible. Flights may be cancelled at short notice.
Regional developments may also affect international transport. For example, in 2019 and 2023, events in Sudan caused South Sudan’s airspace to close temporarily.
Consular assistance to British nationals is severely limited in South Sudan. In person consular assistance is not available.
FCDO continues to advise against all travel to South Sudan. If you choose to remain in South Sudan, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government. This includes the ability to leave the country or to shelter in place, if you judge that to be the safer choice. Make sure to keep all travel documentation up to date, stock up on essential supplies, and monitor the local situation.
You should not assume that FCDO will be able to provide assistance to leave the country in the event of serious unrest or crisis.
If there is civil disorder, stay somewhere safe and limit your movements as much as possible. Avoid all protests, political rallies and large gatherings, and follow the instructions of local authorities and security services.
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow FCDO:
Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.
By month: July 6 · August 2 · September 1
| Region | Events | Deaths | Civilians | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warap | 5 | 153 | 9 | new |
| Jonglei | 2 | 3 | 0 | ▼ down |
| Unity | 1 | 17 | 0 | stable |
| West Bahr-al-Ghazal | 1 | 1 | 0 | new |
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in South Sudan, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
The political and security situation remains unpredictable. Political tensions are high and the security situation across the country could deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably.
If the unstable security situation deteriorates, routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked. Juba airport may close or be inaccessible. Flights may be cancelled at short notice.
Regional developments may also affect international transport. For example, in 2019 and 2023, events in Sudan caused South Sudan’s airspace to close temporarily.
FCDO continues to advise against all travel to South Sudan. If you choose to remain in South Sudan, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government. This includes the ability to leave the country or to shelter in place, if you judge that to be the safer choice. Make sure to keep all travel documentation up to date, stock up on essential supplies, and monitor the local situation.
If there is civil disorder, stay somewhere safe and limit your movements as much as possible. Avoid all protests, political rallies and large gatherings, and follow the instructions of local authorities and security services.
There is a high risk of serious crime such as robbery and assault in Juba and other urban areas, particularly at night and on public transport. There are drive-by robberies by individuals or groups on motorbikes.
There are regular attacks by armed groups and accidents on the Juba-Nimule road, the main supply route from Uganda into South Sudan.
Criminals in South Sudan are often armed.
It is extremely difficult for businesses and non-governmental organisations to work in South Sudan. Although the number of aid workers killed in targeted attacks has fallen in recent years, South Sudan remains one of the most dangerous environments in the world for aid workers. There are incidents of criminal kidnapping, violence, intimidation and arbitrary detention.
Checkpoints operated by soldiers or other armed men are common in and around Juba, particularly after dark. Armed men at checkpoints have been known to demand money from drivers and abuse people, especially women. Roadblocks can create volatile and dangerous situations and are often put up after sunset, so it advisable not to travel after dark.
Armed conflict, including violence targeting civilians is common throughout South Sudan. Fighting often starts quickly and unpredictably. Follow instructions from local authorities.
On 4 March 2025, there were reports of intense fighting in Nasir, Upper Nile State.
On the 16 and 17 January 2025, there was sporadic gunfire and looting across major towns, including in areas of Juba city.
To keep yourself informed of the latest developments, follow and contact FCDO travel on X, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
There is a risk from landmines or unexploded cluster bombs in some areas of South Sudan.
Affected states include:
Most areas with unexploded weapons have been marked and signposted, but there may still be small, previously unidentified hazardous areas in remote places.
Be cautious near areas with unexploded weapons or where there was previously heavy fighting. Do not enter marked areas with landmines or other explosives. Do not touch any suspicious objects (even to move them to a safer place).
Consular support is severely limited in South Sudan. The British Embassy in Juba does not have a consular section. If you are in South Sudan and need urgent help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya.
If you decide to travel to South Sudan, make sure you carefully consider the threats and have reasonable, proportionate mitigation measures in place. Most international organisations in South Sudan employ a security manager to help keep employees safe.
Police can ask to see photo ID. Always carry a colour copy of your passport with you.
There are severe penalties for using or trafficking drugs in South Sudan, including the death penalty and life imprisonment.
Do not take photographs close to government buildings, military installations, bridges, airports, public utilities (including petrol stations) and other sensitive areas. Plainclothes public security officers operate in Juba and across South Sudan.
Same-sex relationships are not culturally accepted. Same-sex sexual activity between men is illegal and punishable by a prison sentence of up to 14 years. LGBT+ travellers are at risk of discrimination and violence.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
International credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, although some of the newer hotels and supermarkets are starting to.
ATMs are hard to find, and it is often not possible to use international cards. You can use your credit or debit card to withdraw money in some supermarkets. Bring large denomination US dollars (clean, unblemished notes dated 2017 onwards). Dollars are acceptable currency in many places, but shops and restaurants are likely to refuse notes that are marked in any way.
It is extremely dangerous to drive in South Sudan due to armed robbery, violent attacks and poor driving standards.
Driving standards are well below those in the UK and other European countries. Very few roads are surfaced and maintained, particularly outside Juba. Residential areas usually have dirt roads. Road traffic accidents are common, particularly on the Juba-Nimule road.
At night there is almost no street lighting, and many vehicles have no lights. Motor vehicles share the road with pedestrians, donkey carts and rickshaw-style cabs.
Although drivers should have a licence and insurance, many do not. Make sure you have adequate insurance. Your insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in South Sudan. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP).
See information on driving abroad.
Public transport, including small buses, vans and motorbike taxis (‘boda-bodas’), is extremely unsafe. Drivers are reckless, traffic accidents are common and vehicles are in poor condition. There is also a high risk of mugging. Avoid public transport.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
During the rainy season from April to November, most roads outside of Juba become impassable. There is a risk of being cut off by floods in areas outside the capital, particularly in Unity, Warrap, Jonglei and Upper Nile states. There is also a risk of flash flooding.
57.7yearsLife expectancy2024
96.7per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024
692per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023
254.1per 1,000 people at riskMalaria (new cases)2024
0.04per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2022
39.7 %Basic drinking water access2024
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
South Sudan does not have an emergency medical public phone number. There are limited private ambulance services, but you will have to register with a private clinic first.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in South Sudan, including:
The risk of malaria in South Sudan is high. You can find more information about malaria on TravelHealthPro.
The South Sudanese Ministry of Health has issued a statement about the outbreak of cholera. You can find more information on cholera on TravelHealthPro.
Altitude sickness is a risk in Eastern Equatoria near the border with Uganda, where there are mountains of over 3,000 metres. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Health facilities are extremely limited throughout South Sudan. Many medical issues require medical evacuation to neighbouring hubs (Nairobi, Kenya, and Kampala, Uganda, are the most common). During the rainy season, flights are often forced to remain on the ground for hours. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any treatment abroad, medical evacuation and repatriation.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in South Sudan where some staff will speak English.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel against Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of South Sudan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in South Sudan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the South Sudanese Embassy in the UK.
To enter South Sudan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
You must have a visa to enter or travel through South Sudan.
You can:
If you want to extend your visa, contact the Ministry of the Interior in person:
Ministry of the Interior, Airport Road, Juba
Phone: +211 (0)926 388 499
Email: [email protected]
If you plan to work in South Sudan, see information on work permits from the Ministry of Labour.
You must register at a local police station if you’re in South Sudan for 5 days or more.
To enter South Sudan, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s South Sudan guide.
In May 2026, neighbouring countries (Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda) reported Ebola cases, including in areas close to the border with South Sudan (Western Equatoria State). If crossing a land border from DRC or Uganda into South Sudan, you may encounter health screening measures such as temperature checks and a request to provide a brief travel history.
At Juba International Airport, some airlines are now asking passengers departing the country to complete a health declaration form. Some countries have heightened health screening for travellers coming from South Sudan. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.
The UK’s Returning Workers Scheme has been activated, due to the outbreak of Ebola disease. Returning health and humanitarian workers should check the latest at UK’s Returning Workers Scheme before returning to the UK. Due to the proximity of South Sudan to affected areas, South Sudan is also covered by the scheme.
UK Health Security Agency has Ebola information for humanitarian or healthcare workers.
On rare occasions, some travellers have been asked to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination. You can get proof of vaccination:
South Sudan’s security services have harassed, detained and expelled foreign nationals, including non-governmental organisation staff and journalists, when they enter or leave Juba airport. These incidents are often linked to proof of yellow fever vaccination, and visa and work permit issues. Make sure you have the correct visa and any required work permit.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of South Sudan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Contact the South Sudanese Embassy in the UK for information.
Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.
Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.
Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:
See jobs in South SudanFunding ↗Tenders ↗Train in field security
Violence over the last 3 months, jobs and passages of official advice that mention the region.
2 events · 3 deaths
During the rainy season from April to November, most roads outside of Juba become impassable. There is a risk of being cut off by floods in areas outside the capital, particularly in Unity, Warrap, Jonglei and Upper Nile states. There is also a risk of flash flooding.
1 event · 17 deaths
During the rainy season from April to November, most roads outside of Juba become impassable. There is a risk of being cut off by floods in areas outside the capital, particularly in Unity, Warrap, Jonglei and Upper Nile states. There is also a risk of flash flooding.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
Central and Eastern Equatoria
No organised violence recorded over the period.
On 4 March 2025, there were reports of intense fighting in Nasir, Upper Nile State.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
During the rainy season from April to November, most roads outside of Juba become impassable. There is a risk of being cut off by floods in areas outside the capital, particularly in Unity, Warrap, Jonglei and Upper Nile states. There is also a risk of flash flooding.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
In May 2026, neighbouring countries (Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda) reported Ebola cases, including in areas close to the border with South Sudan (Western Equatoria State). If crossing a land border from DRC or Uganda into South Sudan, you may encounter health screening measures such as temperature checks and a request to provide a brief travel history.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
This briefing gathers public information to prepare a mission. It does not replace your organisation's security analysis, your security focal point's instructions or the country's authorities.