South Sudan
Last update 27 October 2025Travel advice
Risk index
Level 4: Avoid all travels (except in case of extreme necessity)
4
Select passport type
Bulgarian citizens can only travel to South Sudan with visas.
Republic of South Sudan
The Republic of Bulgaria does not maintain a functioning embassy in Juba.
Bulgarian citizens residing temporarily or permanently in South Sudan may address consular matters to the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Addis Ababa, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Address: Bole KK, Kebele 04/06/07, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; P.O. Box 987
Tel.: +251 91 125 2514
Emergency (after working hours): +251 91 125 2514
Working hours: 09:00 – 17:30
Consular hours: 09:00 – 13:00 (by prior appointment via email)
E-mail: Embassy.AddisAbaba@mfa.bg ; bul.addis@gmail.com
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/ethiopia
Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Brussels
Address: Av. des Gaulois 20, 1040 Etterbeek, Brussels
Tel.: +32 2 280 23 55
Email: contact form available on the embassy’s official website
Website: https://southsudanembassy.be/en
General information
Security Level:
All travel to South Sudan is strongly discouraged.
South Sudan remains an active conflict zone. The overall security situation is highly unpredictable, with an ongoing risk of armed clashes and terrorist activity.
The situation may deteriorate rapidly, potentially leading to the closure of routes into and out of South Sudan, rendering departure impossible for an extended period. In the event of civil unrest or conflict, seek immediate shelter in a secure location.
Anti-personnel mines and unexploded ordnance pose a danger throughout the country. Visitors are strongly advised to travel only on major, clearly demarcated demined roads.
Juba is a rapidly developing city with a significant disparity in living standards between expatriates and the local population. Avoid going out at night unless absolutely necessary, and refrain from walking after sunset. Firearms are widespread and easily accessible; armed crime is common.
There is a heavy law enforcement presence in Juba, particularly at night, when vehicle and passenger checkpoints are frequently established.
Healthcare:
Prior to departure, ensure that you have comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering all overseas medical expenses, including medical evacuation/repatriation, repatriation of remains, and legal costs.
Verify that your policy covers all planned activities and that your insurer provides a 24-hour assistance hotline.
Medical facilities in South Sudan do not meet European standards.
Exercise particular caution regarding food hygiene, including the consumption of fresh fruits and salads. Drink only bottled water, or boiled water as a last resort.
Malaria is widespread throughout South Sudan. If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately for testing and/or treatment.
There is a risk of poliomyelitis infection; ensure that you are vaccinated at least eight weeks prior to travel.
HIV/AIDS is widespread—take appropriate precautions to avoid exposure.
According to WHO data, monkeypox and yellow fever are also present in the country.
Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory, and an International Certificate of Vaccination is required for entry.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination may also be requested upon arrival.
For up-to-date information on required and/or recommended vaccinations and health risks, contact your local Regional Health Inspectorate.
Local Legislation and Customs:
Local laws apply to all visitors and must be strictly respected.
Visitors are urged to observe and respect the country’s conservative norms, customs, and traditions.
Photography in South Sudan requires a special permit issued by the Ministry of Information.
Photography of military sites, police officers, soldiers, industrial facilities, government buildings, and infrastructure (roads, bridges, dams, airports, etc.) is strictly prohibited.
Unauthorized photography may result in confiscation of equipment and legal penalties.
The use and trafficking of narcotics are strictly prohibited under South Sudanese law, with severe penalties, including the death penalty.
The import and use of plastic bags are banned; visitors may be required to surrender such items upon entry. Homosexual conduct is criminalized in South Sudan and subject to harsh penalties.
Customs Regulations:
Strict regulations govern the import and export of goods. All items that may be restricted, taxed, or prohibited, including cash, must be declared upon arrival.
Road Travel:
Driving in South Sudan is on the right-hand side of the road.
Road conditions are generally poor.
A local or international driving permit (in addition to a Bulgarian one) is required.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Vehicle doors should remain locked, and windows should be kept raised at all times.
Practical Advice:
Local emergency number: 999
Always carry a copy of the passport identification page and visa, keeping the original in a safe place.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or displaying valuables such as jewelry or watches.
Do not show money in public, and avoid using ATMs after dark, especially when alone. Remain alert and check your surroundings for potential threats.
While traveling, keep vehicle doors locked and bags and phones out of sight.
Do not keep your bank card, travel tickets, and cash together—store backup funds and valuables separately in a secure place.
Currency:
Local currency: South Sudanese Pound (SSP)
Information about the banking system and exchange rates is available at the Bank of South Sudan: https://boss.gov.ss/
South Sudan’s economy is cash-based, and bank cards are generally not accepted.
Carry sufficient hard currency, preferably new-issue U.S. dollars (2017 or later).
Travel papers and visas
A visa is required to enter South Sudan.
Applications may be submitted through the official e-visa portal: https://www.evisa.gov.ss/
Travelers staying in South Sudan for five days or longer must register at the local police station.
Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure and contains at least five blank pages for stamps and visas.
Border authorities may request proof of a return or onward ticket.
Consular service
Document Authentication and Legalization
To be recognized in Bulgaria and used before Bulgarian institutions, documents issued by the authorities of South Sudan must be legalized as follows:
- Certification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan;
- Certification by the Embassy of South Sudan in Brussels;
- Final certification by the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Brussels.
Once legalized, the documents must be translated into Bulgarian by a licensed translation agency in Bulgaria and further certified by the Legalization and Certification Department, Consular Relations Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Issuance of Travel Documents
In cases of lost, stolen, or damaged passports, the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Addis Ababa may assist Bulgarian citizens in obtaining an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) from the embassy of another EU Member State located in Juba.