South Sudan Tourist Visa: Complete Guide to Requirements and Fees

What Is a South Sudan Tourist Visa?

A South Sudan Tourist Visa is a short-term entry permit that allows foreign nationals to visit South Sudan for leisure, sightseeing, and cultural travel. You can apply for it online through the official eVisa portal at evisa.gov.ss or at a South Sudanese embassy.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, opened its borders to international tourists seeking unspoiled landscapes, wildlife reserves, and rich cultural heritage. The tourist visa is one of five visa types available through the South Sudan eVisa system, alongside business, work, student, and transit visas. Whether you plan to explore the Boma National Park, visit the Sudd wetlands, or experience Juba’s growing urban scene, you will need a valid tourist visa before arrival.

How Does the South Sudan Tourist Visa Work?

The tourist visa is issued as a single-entry permit valid for up to 90 days from the date of issuance. A multiple-entry option, valid for 180 days, may also be available depending on your nationality and the embassy or consulate processing your application.

When you arrive in South Sudan, you present your approved visa (printed or on a mobile device) to the immigration officer at the port of entry. Verification typically takes about five minutes. After clearance, you are free to travel within the country for the duration of your visa.

Entry points where the tourist visa is accepted:

If you are entering by land from Uganda, Nimule is the busiest and most accessible crossing. From Kenya, Nadapal serves as the primary overland route into Eastern Equatoria.

South Sudan Tourist Visa Requirements

To apply for a South Sudan Tourist Visa, you need a valid passport, passport photos, a yellow fever certificate, hotel booking, return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. Business visitors may need an invitation letter instead of a hotel reservation.

Here is the full document checklist:

Important note on passports: The South Sudan Embassy in Washington, D.C. requires passports to be valid for at least 180 days (6 months) from the date of arrival. Always check the latest requirements with the embassy in your country, as enforcement can vary.

Document upload size limit: If you apply through the evisa.gov.ss online portal, each uploaded document must be 293 KB or smaller. Scan your documents at a low resolution or compress them with an image editor before starting your application.

Yellow Fever Certificate

South Sudan requires proof of yellow fever vaccination from all incoming travelers. You must carry the original yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) and present it at immigration. This requirement is strictly enforced at Juba International Airport and land border crossings alike.

If you have not been vaccinated, visit a travel health clinic at least 10 days before departure. Yellow fever vaccination provides lifelong protection according to the World Health Organization.

South Sudan Tourist Visa Fees

The tourist visa fee ranges from $0 to $100 USD depending on your nationality. East African Community nationals and Egyptians enter free of charge, while most other nationalities pay $100.

These fees are set by the South Sudanese Embassy in Washington, D.C. and may differ slightly at other embassies worldwide. The fee structure follows a reciprocity principle for some nationalities, meaning the cost mirrors what that country charges South Sudanese citizens.

For a complete breakdown of fees across all visa types, see our guide to South Sudan eVisa fees.

How to Apply for a South Sudan Tourist Visa

You can apply for a South Sudan Tourist Visa online through evisa.gov.ss or in person at a South Sudanese embassy. The online process takes about 15 minutes and approval typically comes within 3 to 7 working days.

Option 1: Apply Online (eVisa)

1. Create an account at evisa.gov.ss
2. Fill out the application form with personal details, travel dates, and accommodation information
3. Upload required documents (passport scan, photo, yellow fever card, hotel booking, return ticket)
4. Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card
5. Wait for processing — typically 3 to 7 working days
6. Download your approved visa as a PDF from your eVisa account
7. Print or save the PDF on your mobile device for presentation at the port of entry

The eVisa system is managed by the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration under the Ministry of Interior. It replaced the traditional embassy-only process and is available 24/7 from anywhere in the world.

Option 2: Apply at a South Sudanese Embassy

If you prefer to apply in person or if the eVisa system is temporarily unavailable for your nationality, you can visit the nearest South Sudanese embassy or consulate. In the United States, the Embassy of South Sudan is located in Washington, D.C.

Embassy application requirements:

• Completed and signed visa application form (printed single-sided)
• Physical passport valid for at least 6 months with unused pages
• Two passport-sized photos (2×2 inches)
• Official letter or invitation from your host organization in South Sudan
• Money order payable to “The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan”
• Self-addressed prepaid return envelope (UPS, USPS, FedEx) for mail applications

Allow at least 7 working days after submission before checking on your application status. All applicants must submit applications in person, though someone else can collect the passport with a letter of authorization.

For step-by-step instructions on the full application process, read our requirements guide.

Processing Time for the South Sudan Tourist Visa

Online eVisa applications are typically processed within 3 to 5 working days. Embassy applications may take 7 to 14 working days depending on the mission and nationality.

Processing times can vary during peak travel seasons or holidays. The South Sudanese government sometimes updates visa eligibility lists — a recent update exempted certain nationalities previously subject to visa requirements. Always check the latest information before applying.

Tips to avoid delays:

• Ensure all uploaded documents are clear and under the 293 KB file size limit
• Double-check that your passport has at least 6 blank pages
• Submit bank statements that clearly show your name and sufficient balance
• Apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before your planned departure date

Visa on Arrival in South Sudan

South Sudan offers a visa on arrival option at Juba International Airport and select land border crossings for nationals of certain countries. However, the availability of visa on arrival can change without notice, and immigration officials may require you to have pre-approved documentation.

To avoid unexpected issues at the border, the South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that all travelers apply for their visa in advance through the eVisa system or at an embassy. For the most current information on visa-on-arrival eligibility, see our dedicated guide to the South Sudan visa on arrival policy.## Tips for Traveling to South Sudan on a Tourist Visa

South Sudan is a developing country with limited infrastructure. Plan ahead, get vaccinated, carry cash in USD, and register with your embassy upon arrival.

Health and Safety

• Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. Other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningitis, and rabies.
• Malaria is prevalent throughout South Sudan. Carry antimalarial medication and use insect repellent, especially during the rainy season (May to October).
• Medical facilities are extremely limited outside Juba. Carry a basic first-aid kit and any prescription medications you need.
• Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.

Money and Currency

• The official currency is the South Sudanese Pound (SSP), but US dollars are widely accepted for larger transactions.
• ATMs are scarce and unreliable. Carry sufficient cash in small USD denominations.
• Credit cards are accepted only at a few high-end hotels in Juba.

Communication and Connectivity

• Mobile coverage is available in Juba and major towns through providers like MTN and Zain.
• Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival for affordable data and calls.
• Wi-Fi is available at major hotels in Juba but can be slow and intermittent.

Cultural Etiquette

• South Sudan is a culturally diverse country with over 60 ethnic groups. Photography of government buildings, military installations, and airports is prohibited.
• Dress modestly, especially outside Juba. Lightweight, breathable clothing is suitable for the hot climate.
• Learning a few basic phrases in Arabic or Juba Arabic (the local creole) is appreciated by locals.

What to See in South Sudan on a Tourist Visa

South Sudan offers unique experiences for adventurous travelers:

• Boma National Park — One of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves, home to migrating white-eared kob, tiang, and Mongalla gazelle. The park hosts one of the world’s largest animal migrations.
• The Sudd — A vast wetland formed by the White Nile, the Sudd is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the world and a haven for birdwatchers.
• Nimule National Park — Located near the Uganda border, this park features elephants, hippos, and crocodiles along the Nile.
• Juba — The capital city offers a growing restaurant scene, local markets, and historical sites including the John Garang Mausoleum.
• Bandingilo National Park — Contains large populations of white-eared kob and other antelope species.

South Sudan Tourist Visa vs Other Visa Types

For more details on the business visa specifically, see our South Sudan business visa guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About the South Sudan Tourist Visa