South Sudan

Rivalry between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar has escalated into armed clashes and army offensives since March 2025, spreading through Greater Upper Nile and threatening a return to nationwide civil war. The United Nations warns of a clear and present danger of relapse.

South Sudan's violence stems from militias, armed groups and ethnic conflict rather than classic terrorism, but attacks on civilians, aid workers and the United Nations are widespread and deadly. The practical effect for travellers is similar to a high terrorism threat.

Kidnapping occurs, including of aid workers and along roads outside Juba, and armed groups and criminals abduct for ransom and leverage. Arbitrary detention of critics, journalists and perceived opponents is also a documented risk amid the political crisis.

Armed robbery, carjacking, cattle raiding and looting are common, particularly outside Juba and after dark, and aid compounds have been breached and robbed. Policing is minimal and weapons are widespread.

Conflict, road ambushes, illegal checkpoints, poor roads and flight disruption make travel extremely dangerous, and several regions are effectively off-limits. Air travel is the only viable means to many areas, and airports and borders can close suddenly.

Healthcare is minimal, with scarce facilities and medicines, and the country faces malaria, cholera, measles and acute malnutrition amid a collapsing economy. Serious cases require international evacuation, and travellers must hold appropriate cover and carry their own supplies.

South Sudan is ethnically diverse and predominantly Christian and animist, with ethnic identity highly politicised and central to the conflict. Ethnic and political topics are extremely sensitive, and travellers should be discreet, defer to trusted local guidance and avoid taking sides.

Same-sex relationships are criminalised and face severe legal penalties and strong social hostility. LGBT travellers face serious risk and should exercise absolute discretion, including over digital content.

South Sudan remains heavily contaminated by landmines and unexploded ordnance from decades of conflict, with new contamination from ongoing fighting. Travellers must stay on established, cleared routes, never enter uncleared ground, and heed all local and demining warnings.

The transitional government under President Kiir is fracturing, with First Vice President Machar detained and on trial, the peace agreement collapsing, and elections scheduled for December 2026 amid warnings of renewed war. Consular support is extremely limited, and travellers should not rely on it.

Connectivity is limited and unreliable outside Juba, the authorities monitor communications and can disrupt the internet during unrest, and sensitive content carries risk. Travellers should practise strict digital hygiene.