South Sudan Visa Free Countries – Complete 2026 Guide for Passport Holders
If you hold a South Sudanese passport and are planning your next trip, knowing exactly which countries welcome you without a visa can save time, money, and hassle. As of 2026, South Sudanese citizens enjoy visa-free or simplified entry access to over 40 destinations worldwide, including 18 countries that require no visa at all, 5 that offer visa on arrival, and more than 60 that provide convenient eVisa options.
This guide covers every visa-free destination for South Sudanese passport holders, along with visa-on-arrival countries, eVisa-eligible destinations, passport ranking data, regional travel agreements, and important restrictions you need to know before booking your flight.
If you are planning inbound travel to South Sudan instead, check the South Sudan eVisa guide for application steps and requirements.
Overview of South Sudan Passport Travel Access
The South Sudanese passport provides access to a growing number of international destinations. According to the Henley Passport Index, South Sudan ranks 91st globally in 2026, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 41 countries and territories.
South Sudan’s travel access has improved steadily since the country gained independence in 2011, particularly through regional agreements with East African Community (EAC) member states and bilateral visa waiver arrangements with partner nations.
Here is a summary of travel access for South Sudanese passport holders:
| Access Type | Number of Countries |
|---|---|
| Visa-Free | 18 |
| Visa on Arrival | 5 |
| eVisa Available | 62 |
| Total Accessible | 85 |
Visa-Free Countries for South Sudanese Citizens
The following 18 countries allow South Sudanese passport holders to enter without obtaining a visa in advance. Entry requirements such as passport validity and maximum stay duration vary by destination.
| Country | Region | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Barbados | Caribbean | 90 days |
| Benin | West Africa | 90 days |
| Botswana | Southern Africa | 90 days |
| Burundi | East Africa | 90 days |
| Dominica | Caribbean | 21 days |
| Gambia | West Africa | 90 days |
| Haiti | Caribbean | 90 days |
| Kenya | East Africa | 90 days |
| Malaysia | Southeast Asia | 30 days |
| Micronesia | Pacific | 30 days |
| Palestine | Middle East | Varies |
| Rwanda | East Africa | 90 days |
| Singapore | Southeast Asia | 30 days |
| Suriname | South America | 90 days |
| Tanzania | East Africa | 90 days |
| Uganda | East Africa | 90 days |
| Vanuatu | Pacific | 30 days |
| Zambia | Southern Africa | 90 days |
Key Highlights
- East African Community (EAC) access: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi all grant visa-free entry to South Sudanese citizens under regional agreements. This makes intra-East African travel particularly straightforward.
- Southeast Asian destinations: Both Malaysia and Singapore allow visa-free stays, offering excellent connectivity for business and leisure travellers heading to Asia.
- Caribbean options: Barbados, Dominica, and Haiti provide visa-free access, with Barbados offering a generous 90-day stay.
Visa on Arrival Countries
Five additional countries offer South Sudanese passport holders a visa on arrival at the port of entry. This means you do not need to apply in advance, but you will need to complete paperwork and pay a fee upon landing. For travellers heading the other direction, see our guide to South Sudan visa on arrival options.
| Country | Region | Maximum Stay | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire) | West Africa | 90 days | Varies |
| Mauritania | West Africa | 30 days | Varies |
| Seychelles | East Africa | 90 days | Free (entry permit) |
| Sri Lanka | South Asia | 30 days | ~$35 USD |
| Zimbabwe | Southern Africa | 90 days | ~$30-55 USD |
What to Bring for Visa on Arrival
When travelling to a visa-on-arrival destination, carry the following documents:
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates
- Proof of return or onward travel (flight ticket)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Passport-sized photographs (two recent photos)
- Sufficient funds to cover your stay (bank statements or cash)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required by many African countries)
eVisa Destinations for South Sudanese Citizens
Beyond visa-free and visa-on-arrival options, South Sudanese passport holders can apply for electronic visas (eVisas) to over 60 countries. An eVisa lets you complete the entire application process online, avoiding trips to embassies or consulates. You can also apply for a South Sudan eVisa online if you are visiting South Sudan itself.
Some of the most popular eVisa destinations include:
| Country | Region | eVisa Duration | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | South Asia | 30-60 days | 3-5 days |
| Turkey | Europe/Asia | 30 days | 1-3 days |
| Ethiopia | East Africa | 30-90 days | 1-3 days |
| Djibouti | East Africa | 31 days | 1-3 days |
| Gabon | Central Africa | 90 days | 3-5 days |
| Georgia | Caucasus | 90 days | 5 days |
| Cambodia | Southeast Asia | 30 days | 3 days |
| Bahrain | Middle East | 14-90 days | 3-5 days |
| Colombia | South America | 90 days | 5 days |
| Cuba | Caribbean | 30 days | 5-7 days |
| DR Congo | Central Africa | 30 days | 3-5 days |
| Ghana | West Africa | 30 days | 5-7 days |
How to Apply for an eVisa
The eVisa application process is straightforward:
- Visit the destination country’s official eVisa portal (or the South Sudan eVisa portal at evisa.gov.ss for inbound travel)
- Create an account and fill in the application form
- Upload required documents (passport scan, photo, travel itinerary)
- Pay the visa fee online (credit or debit card)
- Receive your eVisa approval by email
- Print the approval letter and present it on arrival
For a detailed walkthrough of the inbound application process, see the South Sudan visa application guide.
South Sudan Passport Ranking in 2026
The South Sudanese passport is ranked 91st globally according to the Henley Passport Index. While this places it in the lower tier of passport rankings, the country has made notable progress in expanding travel access since independence.
Key passport ranking facts:
- Global rank: 91st out of 199 passports
- Visa-free/VOA access: 41 countries and territories
- Improvement trend: South Sudan has gradually added visa-free agreements since 2011
- Regional strength: Strongest access within East Africa through EAC membership
Compared to its regional neighbours, South Sudan’s passport offers similar access levels to countries like Eritrea and Somalia, though it lags behind stronger African passports such as Kenya (ranked 67th) and Uganda (ranked 76th).
Understanding the South Sudan eVisa fees can also help you budget for trips that require a visa.
Regional Travel Agreements
South Sudan’s membership in regional organisations plays a significant role in expanding travel access for its citizens.
East African Community (EAC)
As a member of the EAC, South Sudanese citizens benefit from visa-free travel to fellow member states. The EAC promotes free movement of persons, and member countries have committed to removing visa requirements for citizens of other member states. Current EAC members offering visa-free access include:
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- Burundi
African Union (AU)
The African Union’s Free Movement of Persons protocol aims to grant visa-free access to all AU member states for citizens of other member states. While full implementation is still in progress, South Sudan has signed bilateral visa waiver agreements with several African nations beyond the EAC bloc.
Bilateral Agreements
South Sudan maintains bilateral visa waiver arrangements with countries outside Africa, including Malaysia and Singapore. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) continues to negotiate additional agreements to expand travel access for South Sudanese citizens.
Important Travel Restrictions
United States Entry Ban
In April 2025, the United States revoked all existing visas for South Sudanese passport holders and banned the issuance of new visas. This means South Sudanese citizens cannot currently travel to the United States on their national passport. If you hold dual nationality with another country, you may still be able to travel to the US using your other passport.
Schengen Area (Europe)
South Sudanese citizens still require a visa to enter all 27 Schengen Area countries. The EU has not granted visa-free access to South Sudan, and a Schengen visa application must be submitted at the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit (or your main destination if visiting multiple Schengen states).
United Kingdom and Canada
Both the UK and Canada require South Sudanese passport holders to obtain a visa before travel. Applications can be made through their respective embassy websites.
Common Passport Requirements
Regardless of your destination, most countries require:
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date
- At least two blank pages in your passport for stamps
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (for many African and Asian destinations)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for South Sudan?
Yes. US citizens must obtain a visa to enter South Sudan. They can apply through a South Sudanese embassy or consulate, or use the South Sudan eVisa portal at evisa.gov.ss. A passport valid for at least six months and a yellow fever vaccination certificate are required.
How many visa free countries does South Sudan have?
South Sudanese passport holders can travel to 18 countries completely visa-free as of 2026. An additional 5 countries offer visa on arrival, and over 60 countries provide eVisa options. In total, South Sudanese citizens have some form of travel access to approximately 85 destinations worldwide.
Can South Sudanese citizens travel to the USA?
No. As of April 2025, the United States has revoked all South Sudanese visas and banned new visa issuance for South Sudanese passport holders. South Sudanese citizens with dual nationality may still travel to the US using their other passport.
Which African countries can South Sudanese citizens visit without a visa?
South Sudanese citizens can visit several African countries without a visa, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Benin, Botswana, Gambia, and Zambia. Additional African countries such as Ivory Coast, Mauritania, Seychelles, and Zimbabwe offer visa on arrival.
How strong is the South Sudan passport?
The South Sudanese passport ranks 91st globally on the Henley Passport Index, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 41 countries and territories. While this is among the lower-ranked passports, the country continues to negotiate new agreements to expand travel access for its citizens.
What documents do I need to travel with a South Sudanese passport?
You need a passport valid for at least six months, a yellow fever vaccination certificate (for most destinations), proof of accommodation, a return or onward flight ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. For eVisa destinations, you also need the approved eVisa printout.
