About South Sudan

South Sudan travel warnings: 

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/republic-of-south-sudan-travel-warning.html

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-sudan

Latest travel info 9/11/17: within South Sudan, getting around is best by plane. This is due to the high amount of road-crimes that are committed. Also good to know that Upper Nile, Unity, North-East of Jonglei, Duk County within Jonglei, surroundings of Waat, Rumbek, Torit, Mundri, Maridi and the southern part of Central Equatoria currently are indicated at 'high risk'-level. Travelling within the regions is not advised.
 
Born in July 2011, South Sudan is the world’s youngest nation.  Consisting of almost 650,000 sq kms (250,966 sq. miles), South Sudan shares borders with the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda. Approximately 11 million people live in South Sudan, over 60% of them under 25, spread over 10 states. 

CAPITAL  Juba

INTERNATIONAL TEL CODE  +211

CURRENCY   South Sudanese Pound. Check today's current rate     Take US dollars to exchange. Other currencies will not be changed.

CULTURE

South Sudan’s largest ethnic group is the Dinka (36%), followed by the Nuer (16%), with other smaller ethnic groups making up the rest of the population. The two main religions are Animist and Christian. The official languages are English and Arabic. Many people understand and speak Arabic due to the previous links with the north.

CLIMATE

There are two main seasons: wet and dry, each lasting approximately six months. Temperatures are usually hot throughout the year and can go over 40C in some areas, but are highest at the end of the dry season.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

• 1 Jan                             New Year’s Day
• 9 Jan                             Peace Agreement Day
• Varies                            Good Friday
• Varies                            Easter Monday
• 1 May                            Labour Day
• 9 July                            Independence Day
• 30 July                          Martyrs Day
• 1 Dec                            World AIDS Day
• 25 Dec                          Christmas Day
• Varies                            Id al fitr
• Varies                            Eid al Adha

 VISAS

Visas should be obtained in advance from South Sudanese embassies.

 AIRPORT

The international airport for most arrivals is in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. On arrival passengers must get their passports stamped and visas checked before collecting their luggage. The arrivals hall is small and usually crowded and can appear chaotic. Be prepared. The departures hall is often overcrowded and very hot depending on the time of day. Again, patience is essential. Ensure you have water and an easy to eat snack with you in case your flight is delayed. Taking photographs at the airport could get you into trouble.  

TRAVEL TIPS

Check: http://www.unocha.org/south-sudan/  for useful information. The media pack contains  Guidelines for Visiting Journalists but some of the information may be useful for all visitors.

Rules and regulations regarding foreigners in South Sudan may change depending on the security situation.  Use a trusted South Sudanese ‘fixer’ to help you get around and make sure you have the telephone number of your embassy or consulate in case of need.

When driving always give way to military vehicles.