Safety and Security

The Juba International Airport will be closed for construction every weekend from 00:00 Saturday through 23:59 Sunday from August 22, 2015 through at least April 2016. There will be no flights in or out of Juba on weekends during this period. Emergency departures by air from Juba on weekends for medical or other reasons are not possible. The U.S. Embassy has no ability to fund or provide logistical assistance for U.S. citizens who need to leave Juba for any reason during the closure of the airport.

On December 15, 2013, violence erupted in Juba within the Presidential Guard Force of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). During the days and weeks that followed, elements of government security forces conducted targeted ethnic killings and attacks across the city. These events led to armed conflict between government forces and rebel forces in several states across the country and triggered ethnic violence that targeted civilians. This conflict is ongoing in several parts of the country, including Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile States. The U.S. Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to South Sudan.

Extreme care should be exercised in all parts of the country, and particularly in the states of Jonglei, Upper Nile and Unity where armed clashes continue.  Care should also be exercised along the disputed border areas between South Sudan and Sudan and also along the border between South Sudan and Uganda where clashes in September led to the displacement of several thousand people.  Clashes between ethnic groups are common country-wide. The “Lord’s Resistance Army” – a Ugandan rebel group – has operated along South Sudan’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Government of South Sudan has limited capacity to deter crime or provide security to travelers, especially outside the capital city of Juba.

The U.S. Embassy in Juba has implemented measures to protect U.S. government personnel living and working in South Sudan. These include requiring U.S. government personnel to travel in armored government vehicles, and to obtain advance permission for travel outside of Juba. Currently, family members of U.S. government personnel are not permitted to reside in South Sudan. Similar measures are followed by UNMISS, many other embassies, and many non-governmental organizations with operations in South Sudan.

Land mines remain a hazard in South Sudan, especially outside of Juba. Visitors should travel only on main roads, unless a competent de-mining authority has marked an area as clear of mines. 

The Embassy’s ability to provide consular services outside of Juba, including emergency assistance, is severely limited. Many areas of South Sudan are extremely difficult to access, and travel in these areas is sometimes hazardous. The conflict which began in December 2013 has led to extreme insecurity in several areas in the country. Less than 300 kilometers of paved roads exist in the country, which is the size of France. The infrastructure is extremely poor, and medical care is not always available or is very basic. 

 To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook .
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, including the Travel Warning for South Sudan, as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Juba on Twitter and visit the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and check some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: High unemployment and continuous severe economic downturn have encouraged criminal activity. Following an increase in security-related incidents in Juba and the current insecurity due to the ongoing civil conflict, the U.S. Embassy has imposed a curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to better ensure the safety of its personnel. U.S. Embassy personnel are also only allowed to travel throughout the city in armored vehicles and are not allowed to utilize public transportation. You should try to avoid crowded public areas and public gatherings, and avoid traveling alone if possible. Report all incidents of crime to the South Sudanese police and the U.S. Embassy.

Carjackings and banditry occur in South Sudan.  Travel outside of Juba is not advised but if necessary, should be undertaken with a minimum of two vehicles so that there is a backup in case of mechanical failure or other emergency. 

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may be breaking local law. 

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. Embassy currently can offer only very limited emergency services to U.S. citizens in South Sudan. Due to the draw down in personnel in Juba, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi [Tel.: 254 (20) 363 6451 or 254 (20) 363 6170, e-mail: Kenya_acs@state.gov] is available to assist U.S. citizens in South Sudan; in an emergency, contact the U.S. Embassy in Juba (Daytime phone: +(211) 912-105-188; After Hours: +(211) 912-105-107). We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.