Sydsudan

Översikt

South Sudan faces an array of complex challenges, which create a volatile local security environment. Violence remain particularly by rebel groups that are not signatories to the peace deal on September 2018 between President Salva Kiir and main opposition leader Riek Machar. More than 10,000 people have been killed across five of South Sudan's ten states in the civil war that started in Juba in December 2013 between Dinka troops loyal to the government and Nuer troops loyal to the former Vice President Machar.

A significant risk of crime often reported in Juba, especially petty and opportunistic theft. The country has a high level of gun ownership, which signifies that use of firearms is a common occurence in robberies and carjackings.

Protests are unlikely, however are possible in the issue of policy decisions regarding South Sudan by foreign actors.

Road condition in South Sudan is severely damaged especially during the rainy season. Only 100km of roads in the country are paved, all located in and around the capital. Public transportation is available, however often unreliable and unsafe.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for South Sudan. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to South Sudan. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required on arrival from all travellers 9 months of age and older.

Risk of malaria is present throughout South Sudan, including urban areas. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

Sleeping Sickness occurs southern Sudan, mostly in Western and Equatoria Provinces. Travellers going on safari and rural areas should avoid getting bitten by tsetse flies.

The risk of African Tick-Bite fever is present in South Sudan. Travellers who participate in outdoor activities in rural regions of endemic areas should take measures to prevent tick bites.

Schistosomiasis is highly endemic in the Upper Nile region. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

HIV/AIDS is a significant problem in South Sudan, affecting many communities. HIV prevalence in South Sudan is estimated at 2.7%, with approximately 150,000 to 200,000 people living with HIV/AIDs.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to South Sudan. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in South Sudan.

You are advised to obtain comprehensive medical insurance, including provisions for evacuation in case of medical emergency. In this regard, travellers are advised to confirm that their insurance company will perform this service in South Sudan, as some companies that claim to service the world may not actually service South Sudan for logistical or security reasons.

Pass

All travellers require a passport that is valid for at least six months.  At least one blank page in the passport is necessary to gain entry.

Visum

Visas are necessary ahead of visiting South Sudan. Visas are usually valid for one month and should be applied for at your local South Sudan consulate. Extensions must be applied for at the Interior Ministry in Juba.

For business visas, a letter from your employer or sponsoring company on company letterhead, introducing yourself, indicating your employment status/position held in the company, clearly stating the purpose of visit to South Sudan, and requesting a South Sudan visa is required.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is needed to apply for a visa and also for entry to South Sudan. It will often be required for exiting the country, such as from Kenya and Ethiopia.