The U.S. Department of State has added South Sudan to its highest-risk “Do Not Travel” list due to escalating violence and crime, diminishing its already fragile tourism sector. This decision reflects a wider trend of geopolitical instability affecting global tourism, forcing stakeholders to reassess travel plans and strategies in insecure regions.
On March 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of State designated South Sudan as a high-risk area under its “Do Not Travel” list. This addition follows similar classifications for Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, Libya, Ukraine, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Haiti. The escalating violence, crime, and kidnappings in South Sudan have made it an unviable travel destination, significantly affecting its fragile tourism industry.
The advisory stems from a rising trend of global instability, where armed conflicts and threats disrupt tourism in various regions. While these travel restrictions serve security purposes, they also have dire implications for local economies and worldwide travel patterns. South Sudan, plagued by political turmoil and ethnic conflict, faces a critical decline in security, necessitating the evacuation of non-emergency personnel by the U.S. on March 8, 2025.
Tourists are warned of violent crimes, including armed robberies and kidnappings, exacerbated by easy civilian access to firearms. Foreign nationals encounter additional risks, particularly journalists, who may face harassment or violence without the necessary permissions to report. Consequently, the advisory dismantles any hope for tourism recovery in South Sudan, which has potential for wildlife and cultural experiences.
The impact on adventure tourism and wildlife operators will be severe, likely resulting in plummeting bookings. Air traffic patterns may also shift as airlines consider reducing or suspending flights, complicating travel logistics further. Businesses dependent on tourism, including hotels and local guides, confront potential collapse as foreign investments dwindle as well.
Currently, visitors to South Sudan largely consist of aid workers, journalists, and business professionals. However, the heightened risks posed by recent advisories may compel these organizations to withdraw from operations entirely, limiting economic and humanitarian efforts in the region.
The membership of South Sudan in the expanding list of countries with strict U.S. travel advisories underscores a pervasive security crisis, impacting tourism and business viability. Other nations on this list, such as Yemen – plagued by terrorism and civil conflict – and Venezuela – characterized by arbitrary detentions and crime – similarly face crippling conditions for tourism.
The latest U.S. travel advisory relegates South Sudan to the volatile category of high-risk destinations, alongside Yemen, Venezuela, and several others. This shift signals a bleak outlook for global tourism, as ongoing conflicts and crime push national borders out of reach for travelers. The tourism sector and local economies in these nations must confront an increasingly dangerous landscape as they strive for recovery amidst rising instability.
Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com
