South Sudan Transit Visa: Requirements, Fees and How to Apply

A South Sudan transit visa allows travelers passing through the country to stay for up to 72 hours without obtaining a full entry visa. If you have a layover in Juba or need to cross South Sudan en route to another destination, understanding the transit visa rules can save you time, money, and last-minute stress at the airport.

What Is a South Sudan Transit Visa?

A transit visa is a short-stay permit that allows foreign nationals to pass through South Sudan territory without entering under a standard tourist or business visa. It is designed for travelers who have a connecting flight, are crossing by land to a neighboring country, or need to briefly stop in South Sudan before continuing their journey.

Unlike a full entry visa, the transit visa does not authorize extended stays, employment, or any activity beyond transit. You must hold a valid onward ticket or proof of travel to a third country.

Who Needs a Transit Visa for South Sudan?

Most foreign nationals need some form of visa to enter South Sudan. Whether you need a dedicated transit visa or can use another visa type depends on your nationality and travel itinerary.

You likely need a transit visa if:

• You have a layover in Juba International Airport and need to leave the transit area
• You are crossing South Sudan by land between two neighboring countries
• Your connecting flight departs more than 24 hours after arrival
• You do not qualify for visa-free entry or visa on arrival

You may not need a transit visa if:

• You are a citizen of Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda (visa-free entry)
• You are a citizen of Burundi or Rwanda (visa on arrival available)
• You hold a diplomatic, official, or service passport (visa on arrival for all nationalities)
• You remain in the international transit area of the airport and do not pass through immigration

For the full list of visa-exempt nationalities, see our guide on South Sudan visa-free countries.

Transit Visa vs. Other South Sudan Visa Types

If your stay will exceed 72 hours or you plan to conduct any business or tourism activities, apply for the appropriate visa type instead. Our South Sudan tourist visa and South Sudan business visa guides cover those options in detail.

How to Apply for a South Sudan Transit Visa

Option 1: Apply Online via eVisa

The South Sudan eVisa portal is the fastest and most convenient way to obtain a transit visa. The entire process is completed online before you travel.

Step-by-step process:

1. Visit the official South Sudan eVisa website
2. Create an account or log in
3. Select “Transit Visa” as your visa type
4. Fill in your personal details, passport information, and travel itinerary
5. Upload a recent passport-size photograph and a scan of your passport bio page
6. Provide proof of onward travel (flight booking or bus ticket to a third country)
7. Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card
8. Submit your application and wait for processing

Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. For a full breakdown of the application process, see our South Sudan visa application guide.

Option 2: Apply at a South Sudan Embassy

If you prefer to apply in person or cannot access the online portal, you can visit a South Sudan embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Bring the following documents:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Completed visa application form
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Proof of onward travel
• Visa fee payment (varies by embassy)

Check our South Sudan visa application form guide for help filling out the paperwork correctly.

Required Documents for a Transit Visa

To apply for a South Sudan transit visa, you will need:

• Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity from the date of entry
• Passport-size photograph taken within the last 6 months, with a white background
• Onward travel proof such as a confirmed flight ticket, bus booking, or travel itinerary showing your departure from South Sudan
• Visa for the next destination if required (e.g., if you are transiting to Uganda, you may need to show your Ugandan visa)
• Completed application form filled out accurately with no errors
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate as South Sudan requires proof of vaccination for travelers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic zones

For a complete document checklist, refer to our South Sudan eVisa requirements page.

South Sudan Transit Visa Fees

The transit visa fee is generally lower than the standard tourist or business visa fee. Fees may vary depending on your nationality and where you apply.

Fees are subject to change. Always confirm the current fee on the official eVisa portal or with the embassy before applying. For a detailed cost breakdown of all visa types, see our South Sudan eVisa fee guide.

Processing Time

Transit visa applications are typically processed within 3 to 5 business days when submitted through the eVisa portal. Embassy applications may take longer, depending on the specific mission and your nationality.

Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date to account for any delays. For more details, read our South Sudan visa processing time article.

Key Rules and Restrictions

• No employment allowed. A transit visa does not authorize any work or business activity in South Sudan.
• No extension possible. Transit visas cannot be extended. If you need more time, you must apply for a different visa type before your transit visa expires. See South Sudan visa extension for options.
• Overstay penalties. Staying beyond the permitted transit period may result in fines, detention, or a ban on future entry.
• Yellow fever certificate. This is mandatory for travelers arriving from or transiting through endemic countries. Carry the original certificate, not a photocopy.
• Multiple transit entries. If you need to transit through South Sudan more than once, you may need to apply for a new transit visa each time, depending on the validity granted.
• Airside transit. If you remain in the international transit zone of Juba Airport and do not pass through immigration, you may not need a transit visa. Confirm this with your airline before traveling.

Common Transit Routes Through South Sudan

South Sudan is landlocked and bordered by six countries. Common transit scenarios include:

• Juba to Kampala (Uganda) by air or road
• Juba to Nairobi (Kenya) by air
• Juba to Khartoum (Sudan) by air or road
• Juba to Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) by air
• Overland transit between Uganda and Sudan through South Sudan

If you are transiting by land, check border crossing hours and confirm that the crossing point is open, as some land borders may have restricted hours or temporary closures.

Tips for a Smooth Transit

1. Apply early. Submit your transit visa application at least 2 weeks before your travel date.
2. Print your eVisa. Carry a printed copy of your approved eVisa even if you have a digital version on your phone.
3. Keep documents handy. Have your passport, onward ticket, and visa readily accessible at immigration.
4. Check transit rules with your airline. Some airlines have their own transit document requirements beyond the country’s visa rules.
5. Verify your itinerary. Ensure your connecting flight or onward travel falls within the 72-hour transit window.
6. Get travel insurance. While not always mandatory for transit, having coverage is strongly recommended. See our South Sudan travel insurance guide.

FAQs About South Sudan Transit Visa