What Is a South Sudan Business Visa?
A South Sudan business visa allows foreign nationals to enter South Sudan for commercial activities such as meetings, conferences, trade negotiations, and investment projects. It costs $100 for single entry via the eVisa portal at evisa.gov.ss.
The South Sudan business visa is one of several visa categories offered by the Republic of South Sudan. It is designed specifically for professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and company representatives who need to conduct business within the country. Unlike a tourist visa, the business visa requires additional documentation – most notably a letter of invitation from a host organization in South Sudan.
You can apply for a business visa through two channels: the online eVisa portal at evisa.gov.ss, or in person at a South Sudanese embassy. The eVisa route is faster and more convenient for most applicants, while the embassy route is necessary for US citizens and those who prefer direct processing.
For a full overview of all visa categories, see our South Sudan eVisa guide.
South Sudan Business Visa Fees
The South Sudan business visa costs $100 for single entry (90-day validity) and $120 for multiple entry (180-day validity) via the eVisa portal. US citizens pay $160 at the embassy. East African Community nationals enter free.
The fee structure for a South Sudan business visa depends on your nationality and the type of entry you need. Here is a complete breakdown:
| Visa Type | Entry Type | Fee | Validity | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business | Single Entry | $100 | 90 days | 30-90 days |
| Business | Multiple Entry | $120 | 180 days | 90 days per visit |
Nationality-based fee differences:
| Nationality Category | eVisa Fee | Embassy Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Most nationalities | $100 | $100 |
| US passport holders | $100 | $160 |
| East African Community + Egypt | Free | Free |
| Bordering African countries | $100 | $50 |
| UK passport holders | $100 | 35 GBP |
The eVisa fee is paid online by credit or debit card during the application process. Embassy fees must be paid by money order payable to “The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan.” All fees are non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome.
For a detailed comparison of all visa fees, visit our South Sudan eVisa Fee breakdown.
South Sudan Business Visa Requirements
To get a South Sudan business visa, you need a valid passport with 6+ blank pages, two passport photos (2×2 inches), a letter of invitation from your South Sudan host company, a business letter from your employer, and proof of yellow fever vaccination.
The complete list of required documents for a South Sudan business visa application:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Minimum 6 blank pages, valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival date |
| Passport Photos | Two (2) recent photos, 2×2 inches (5×5 cm), white background |
| Letter of Invitation (LOI) | From host company in South Sudan, on company letterhead, stating business purpose |
| Business Letter | From your employer, explaining the nature and purpose of your trip |
| Yellow Fever Certificate | Proof of valid yellow fever vaccination |
| Application Form | Completed and signed (one-sided printing required for embassy applications) |
| Proof of Departure | Round-trip airline tickets or itinerary |
Key points about the letter of invitation:
The LOI is the most critical document for a business visa application. It must be printed on the host company’s official letterhead and signed by a company representative. The letter should clearly state the purpose of your visit (business meetings, trade negotiations, investment discussions, etc.), your planned dates of stay, and the host company’s contact details.
If you are applying via the eVisa portal, a scanned copy of the LOI is accepted. For embassy applications, the original or a certified copy may be required.
For the complete document checklist across all visa types, see our South Sudan eVisa Requirements page.
How to Apply for a South Sudan Business Visa Online
Apply for your South Sudan business visa at evisa.gov.ss by creating an account, selecting “Business” as your visa type, uploading documents under 293KB each, paying $100 by credit card, and submitting. Processing takes 3-7 business days.
The step-by-step process for applying through the eVisa portal:
Step 1: Create an Account
Visit evisa.gov.ss and register with your email address. You will receive a confirmation email to activate your account.
Step 2: Select Business Visa
Choose “Business” as your visa type from the available categories. Select single entry ($100) or multiple entry ($120) based on your travel plans.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the 10-page online form with your personal details, passport information, travel dates, and host company details in South Sudan.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of your passport, photos, letter of invitation, business letter, and yellow fever certificate. Each file must be 293KB or smaller. Compress larger files before uploading.
Step 5: Pay the Fee
Pay the visa fee by credit or debit card. The payment is processed securely through the portal.
Step 6: Submit and Wait
Submit your application and wait for processing. You will receive email updates on your application status. Most business visas are processed within 3-7 business days.
Once approved, the eVisa is sent to your email. Print a copy to present at your port of entry.
South Sudan Business Visa at the Embassy
US citizens and applicants who prefer in-person processing can apply at the South Sudan Embassy in Washington D.C. The embassy charges $160 for US citizens and processes visas within 10 business days.
The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Washington D.C. accepts visa applications by mail or in person. Here is the embassy application process:
- Download and complete the visa application form (one-sided printing only)
- Gather all required documents (passport, photos, LOI, business letter, yellow fever certificate)
- Obtain a money order payable to “The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan”
- Include a self-addressed return envelope (UPS, USPS, or FedEx) with prepaid postage
- Mail or deliver your package to the embassy
Embassy contact details:
– Website: ssembassydc.org
– Processing time: 10 business days
– Payment: Money order only (no personal checks or cash)
– The embassy only issues single-entry visas for regular passports. Multiple-entry visas are reserved for diplomatic and official passport holders.
South Sudan Business Visa Validity and Duration
A single-entry South Sudan business visa is valid for 90 days with a maximum stay of 30-90 days. A multiple-entry visa is valid for 180 days, allowing multiple entries with up to 90 days per visit.
Understanding the difference between validity and maximum stay is important:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Validity | The window of time during which you can enter South Sudan |
| Maximum Stay | The longest you can remain in the country per entry |
For a single-entry business visa, you must enter South Sudan within 90 days of the visa issuance date. Once you enter, you can stay for up to 30-90 days (at the discretion of the immigration officer). If you leave the country, the single-entry visa is used and you would need a new visa to re-enter.
A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and leave South Sudan as many times as needed within the 180-day validity period. Each entry allows a stay of up to 90 days. This option is ideal for business travelers who need to make multiple trips within a six-month period.
Where Can You Enter South Sudan?
You can enter South Sudan through Juba International Airport (JUB) or five land border crossings: Nadapal, Kaya, Nimule, Majok Nyin Thiou, and Renk. The eVisa is accepted at all official entry points.
South Sudan has the following official ports of entry:
| Port of Entry | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Juba International Airport (JUB) | Air | Juba (capital) |
| Nadapal | Land | Kenya-South Sudan border |
| Kaya | Land | Uganda-South Sudan border |
| Nimule | Land | Uganda-South Sudan border |
| Majok Nyin Thiou | Land | Sudan-South Sudan border |
| Renk | Land | Sudan-South Sudan border |
Juba International Airport is the primary entry point for most business travelers. It receives flights from Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Kampala, Khartoum, and other regional hubs. Airlines serving Juba include Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Uganda Airlines, and Sudan Airways.
If you are entering by land, confirm that your chosen border crossing is open before traveling. Some crossings may close temporarily due to security conditions or seasonal flooding.
South Sudan Business Visa vs Tourist Visa
The business visa requires a letter of invitation from a host company and costs the same as a tourist visa ($100 single entry). The tourist visa requires accommodation proof instead of a business letter and LOI.
Choosing the right visa type depends on the purpose of your visit. Here is a side-by-side comparison:
| Factor | Business Visa | Tourist Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Meetings, conferences, trade, investment | Sightseeing, leisure, cultural visits |
| Fee (Single Entry) | $100 | $100 |
| Fee (Multiple Entry) | $120 | $120 |
| Letter of Invitation | Required from host company | Not required |
| Business Letter | Required from employer | Not required |
| Accommodation Proof | Optional | Required |
| Yellow Fever Certificate | Required | Required |
| Validity | 90 days (single) / 180 days (multi) | 90 days (single) / 180 days (multi) |
| Max Stay | 30-90 days | 90 days |
When to choose a business visa: If your trip involves attending meetings, signing contracts, visiting factories or project sites, participating in conferences, or conducting any form of commercial activity, you should apply for a business visa. Immigration officers may ask about the purpose of your visit upon arrival, and having the correct visa type avoids complications.
When to choose a tourist visa: If you are visiting South Sudan purely for leisure, visiting friends or family (without business activities), or sightseeing, a tourist visa is the appropriate choice. It requires fewer documents since you do not need a business letter or LOI from a host organization.
South Sudan Business Visa for US Citizens
US citizens pay $160 for a South Sudan business visa at the embassy in Washington D.C. The eVisa option at evisa.gov.ss costs $100. US passport holders must apply with a passport valid for at least 6 months.
US citizens have two application routes for a South Sudan business visa:
Option 1: eVisa ($100)
Apply online at evisa.gov.ss. This is the more affordable and faster option. Processing takes 3-7 business days. You receive the eVisa by email and present a printed copy at the port of entry.
Option 2: Embassy ($160)
Apply at the South Sudan Embassy in Washington D.C. The higher fee is based on the principle of reciprocity – the US charges South Sudanese nationals $160 for a visa, so South Sudan charges US citizens the same amount. Processing takes 10 business days and requires a money order payment.
For most US business travelers, the eVisa option is recommended. It saves $60 and is processed faster. However, if you prefer direct communication with the embassy or have a complex application, the embassy route is available.
For detailed embassy information and contact details, visit our South Sudan eVisa Requirements page.
South Sudan Business Visa for East African Community Nationals
Nationals of East African Community member states (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan) and Egyptian citizens can enter South Sudan for free. No visa fee is required, though you still need to fulfill entry requirements.
The East African Community (EAC) free-entry policy applies to both business and tourist travel. If you hold a passport from one of the EAC member states, you do not need to pay a visa fee. However, you should still carry:
- A valid passport
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Proof of your travel purpose (business letter or invitation for business travelers)
Egyptian nationals also benefit from free entry to South Sudan under a separate bilateral agreement. This applies regardless of the purpose of travel.
Tips for a Successful Business Visa Application
To avoid delays, prepare your letter of invitation early, ensure your passport has at least 6 blank pages, compress all uploaded documents to under 293KB, and apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date.
Here are practical tips based on common application issues:
- Start early: Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure. Embassy processing alone takes 10 business days, and the eVisa takes 3-7 business days. Factor in potential delays.
- Letter of invitation quality: The LOI must be on official company letterhead, signed by a company representative, and clearly state the business purpose. Vague or incomplete letters are the most common reason for application delays.
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended arrival date AND have at least 6 blank visa pages. Amendment pages at the back of your passport do not count as visa pages.
- Photo specifications: Two passport photos, 2×2 inches (5×5 cm), taken within the last 6 months, with a white background. No glasses, headphones, or earbuds.
- Yellow fever vaccination: Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination and is valid for life.
- File size limits: The eVisa portal enforces a strict 293KB file size limit per document. Use an online PDF compressor or image resizer to meet this requirement before starting your application.
- Single vs multiple entry: If you plan to leave and re-enter South Sudan during your trip (e.g., visiting neighboring countries), choose the multiple-entry visa. It costs only $20 more and saves you from applying for a new visa each time.
FAQs About South Sudan Business Visa
How much does a South Sudan business visa cost?
The South Sudan business visa costs $100 for single entry and $120 for multiple entry via the eVisa portal. US citizens pay $160 at the embassy. East African Community nationals and Egyptians enter free of charge.
How long does it take to get a South Sudan business visa?
The eVisa is processed within 3-7 business days. Embassy applications take 10 business days. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your travel date to account for potential delays.
Can I apply for a South Sudan business visa online?
Yes, you can apply online at evisa.gov.ss. The online application process takes approximately 30 minutes and requires uploading documents under 293KB each. The fee is paid by credit or debit card.
Do I need a letter of invitation for a South Sudan business visa?
Yes, a letter of invitation from your host company in South Sudan is required. The letter must be on official company letterhead, signed by a company representative, and state the purpose of your business visit.
Can US citizens get a South Sudan business visa?
Yes, US citizens can apply for a South Sudan business visa either online at evisa.gov.ss for $100 or at the embassy in Washington D.C. for $160. The eVisa option is cheaper and faster.
What is the difference between a single-entry and multiple-entry business visa?
A single-entry visa ($100) allows one entry within 90 days. A multiple-entry visa ($120) allows unlimited entries within 180 days, with up to 90 days of stay per visit. Choose multiple entry if you plan to leave and re-enter South Sudan.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for South Sudan?
Yes, a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers entering South Sudan, regardless of visa type. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before your trip, as the certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination.
What happens if my South Sudan business visa application is rejected?
Visa fees are non-refundable. If your application is rejected, you can reapply with corrected or additional documentation. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete forms, missing invitation letters, and insufficient passport validity.
