On March 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of State updated its Travel Advisory for South Sudan, maintaining a Level 4 – Do Not Travel recommendation due to increased security threats, including crime and armed conflict. Non-emergency personnel have been ordered to depart from Juba, highlighting significant risks to safety in the country.
The U.S. Department of State revised its Travel Advisory for South Sudan on March 8, 2025, indicating an Ordered Departure of non-emergency personnel from Juba. The advisory maintains its Level 4 status – “Do Not Travel” – replacing the previous advisory issued on July 31, 2023. This reassessment comes in light of ongoing security threats within the country.
Travel to South Sudan is strongly discouraged due to prevalent crime, kidnapping risks, and armed conflict. The Department of State emphasizes that these security issues necessitated the withdrawal of non-emergency U.S. government staff, highlighting the dangerous conditions faced by individuals in the region.
Armed conflicts persist involving various political and ethnic factions, with a high availability of weapons among the population. Additionally, cattle raids frequently lead to violent confrontations across the nation. Reports of violent crime, which include carjackings, shootings, and kidnappings, are alarmingly common, particularly in Juba where foreign nationals have faced heinous crimes such as sexual assault and armed robbery.
Journalists intending to report within South Sudan must obtain the necessary documentation from the South Sudanese Media Authority, as doing so without permission is deemed illegal. The environment for journalists is perilous, with numerous reports of harassment and violence, including fatalities while covering the conflict.
The updated Travel Advisory from the Department of State stresses that travel to South Sudan is highly discouraged due to significant security threats, including armed conflict and rampant violent crime. The advisory highlights the dangers faced by both local and foreign individuals, particularly emphasizing the plight of journalists in the region. Travelers are urged to heed the guidance and remain informed about the risks associated with South Sudan.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
