Travel Alert: U.S. Updates South Sudan Advisory — “Health” and “Unrest” Risks Added (Nov 13, 2025)
· Ahmad Latif · Healthy Travel Blog
The U.S. Department of State renewed its Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for South Sudan on November 13, 2025, keeping the highest warning level while adding two new risk indicators: health and unrest.
What Changed—and Why It Matters
Although the overall level remains Do Not Travel, the inclusion of health and unrest underscores deteriorating conditions affecting traveler safety and access to care. The advisory warns of limited U.S. consular capacity in-country, strict curfews and armored-vehicle movement requirements for U.S. government personnel, and restrictions on walking in Juba due to serious crime threats.
Key Risks Highlighted
Unrest
Armed conflict persists, with fighting among political and ethnic groups and widespread availability of weapons. Cattle raids continue to spark violence nationwide. Journalists face harassment, and reporting without authorization from the South Sudanese Media Authority is illegal and highly dangerous.
Crime
Violent crime—including carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings—is common across South Sudan, including the capital, Juba. Foreign nationals have been victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes.
Kidnapping
Criminal groups have kidnapped individuals for ransom or to coerce actions by third parties; locals are most frequently targeted, but the risk extends to foreigners operating in-country.
Landmines
Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a danger. While many areas are marked, unmarked hazards still cause casualties each year—particularly in rural zones and along travel routes.
Health
Medical services are extremely limited. Routine and emergency care may be unavailable, and even minor conditions can necessitate medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense. Robust medical and evacuation insurance is strongly advised.
If You Are Already in South Sudan
- Have an independent emergency evacuation plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Avoid known landmine areas and heed signage warning of unexploded ordnance; remember that many hazards are unmarked.
- Monitor local media, stay alert, and be ready to adjust travel plans quickly.
- Prepare key documents (e.g., will, insurance beneficiaries, power of attorney) and establish a proof‑of‑life protocol with family.
- Ensure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage specific to South Sudan.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts and embassy contact in emergencies.
- Review the State Department’s Country Security Report and the CDC Travel Health Information for South Sudan before any movement.
Bottom Line
South Sudan remains one of the world’s highest‑risk destinations for travelers. Given the combined threats—security, health, landmines, and limited consular support—non‑essential travel should be avoided entirely, and essential travel should proceed only with robust risk management and evacuation planning.