South Sudan Visa Requirements in 2026: Types, Process, and Fees

(SOUTH SUDAN) South Sudan requires nearly all foreign visitors to hold a visa before they arrive, and the country’s E-visas system is now the fastest way to get one. If you apply through the official portal, approvals commonly come in 2–5 business days, but you still need time to gather documents and correct mistakes.

In 2026, the most important decision is whether you qualify for a visa exemption, a visa on arrival, or an advance visa. Citizens of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Egypt can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Nationals of Rwanda and Burundi can get a visa on arrival in Juba. Holders of UN ID cards and diplomatic, service, or official passports may enter visa-free after Ministry of Foreign Affairs clearance.

Everyone else should plan to apply in advance and stick to approved entry points. South Sudan’s e-visa approval authorizes entry at Juba International Airport and five designated land borders. Arriving through an unauthorized route risks refusal at the border, even with an approval email in hand.

What the e-visa system covers in 2026

South Sudan launched E-visas in 2020, and the system now handles most visitor categories. The main options are:

• Tourist e-visa — for leisure travel; usually issued for up to 90 days as a single entry.
• Business e-visa — for meetings and conferences; typically up to 90 days, with single- or multiple-entry options.
• Transit e-visa — for short stopovers; often 7–14 days, tied to an onward ticket.
• Work visa — for employment; requires sponsorship and closer review.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the shift to an online process has reduced the need for in-person embassy visits for straightforward tourism and business trips, but it has not removed document checks.

Quick takeaway

The e-visa is fast but document-driven: plan documents carefully, apply in advance, and enter only through approved points.

Timeline: what to do, and when to do it

Start early even if processing is quick. A realistic planning window is 2–4 weeks before travel, because document problems and payment issues create delays.

1. Week 4–3 before departure

– Confirm which visa category fits your purpose.
– Check passport validity.

1. Week 3–2

– Scan documents.
– Submit the application through the official e-visa portal.

1. Week 2–1

– Monitor email for the PDF approval.
– Print copies and prepare arrival documents.

1. Travel week

– Carry originals, follow entry rules, and be ready for questions at the border.

Step 1: Confirm eligibility and entry plan

Before you start the online process, confirm you’re entering at an approved location and that your travel purpose matches the visa you select.

• Tourism covers sightseeing and personal travel.
• Business covers meetings and short professional activities — not paid work.
• Employment requires a work authorization path and an employer sponsor.

If you travel frequently, consider whether you need a multiple-entry visa for 3 or 6 months. That option reduces repeat applications, but border officers still expect a clear reason for each trip.

Step 2: Gather and scan documents the way officers expect

South Sudan’s system is digital, but the review is still document-based. Prepare files in JPEG or PDF format and keep them readable.

Documents required for most applicants
– A passport bio page scan.
– Two passport photos (2×2 inches, white background).
– A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry, with two blank pages.
– Yellow fever vaccination certificate, shown on the international card page.

Add-ons by visa type
– Tourist: itinerary, hotel booking, and a short personal letter explaining the trip.
– Business: company invitation or support letter with dates, contacts, and purpose.
– Transit: onward ticket to a third country, proof of funds, and any visa needed for the final destination.
– Work: employer sponsorship and job details.

One detail causes avoidable refusals: apply and travel on the same passport, because e-visas are linked to the passport number you enter.

Step 3: Submit the application through the official portal

South Sudan’s government portal guides you through a simple sequence: select the visa type, enter personal details, upload documents, and pay the fee. Use the official link below to create an account, submit your packet, and track status:

• South Sudan e-visa application portal and eligibility checker

After submission, you receive updates by email. When approved, you’ll get a PDF document. Print it and save a digital copy where you can reach it offline.

When an embassy visit still matters

E-visas work best for clean, short visits, but an embassy application remains common for work cases and for travelers who need extra letters or clearances.

• Expect paper forms, original signatures, and longer processing times.
• Plan for at least one follow-up request from the mission directly.
• For employment, the South Sudanese sponsor usually prepares supporting paperwork describing the role, location, and length of stay.
• Officers look for consistency between the sponsor letter, passport details, and travel dates.

Applicants also benefit from keeping a simple “border pack” in one folder:
– Printed approval
– Invitation or itinerary
– Proof of funds
– Yellow fever card

Present documents calmly and answer only what’s asked. In Juba, officers routinely compare the printed PDF to the digital record.

If you qualify for a visa exemption, carry evidence of nationality and watch the 90-day limit. If you rely on visa on arrival, keep cash and extra copies ready, because airport systems and staffing can change without notice.

Step 4: Pay fees with a clear budget in mind

Visa fees are non-refundable once you submit. Costs vary by visa type, validity, and whether you use a facilitator.

Examples for U.S. citizen tourist e-visas arranged through a service provider in 2026:

Embassy-based applications often take longer, commonly 1–2 weeks, and may be used for complex cases such as work sponsorship.

Step 5: Prepare for arrival checks and stay compliant

Border formalities in South Sudan are strict and practical. Bring your passport, printed e-visa, yellow fever card, and supporting documents such as hotel details and a return or onward ticket. Officers may confirm your purpose of travel and where you will stay.

• Overstaying creates serious problems, including fines and removal.
• If you expect to remain beyond the visa’s stay period, plan for residency or permits after entry.
• U.S. State Department advisories note that dual nationals entering on a U.S. passport need a 5-year residency permit for longer stays.

Health and security realities that affect visa planning

South Sudan remains a difficult operating environment. The U.S. State Department rates the country Level 4: Do Not Travel due to crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping risks. That warning changes how you should plan logistics, not just paperwork.

Health rules also shape entry:
– Yellow fever proof is mandatory.
– Travelers should plan malaria prevention and basic medical contingencies.
– As of early 2026, there are no COVID-19 entry mandates noted in this guide, but requirements can change quickly at airports and borders.

Common mistakes that slow approvals

Small errors create most delays, especially for first-time visitors using E-visas. Watch for these common patterns:

• Uploading blurry scans or cropped passport pages.
• Using a photo that does not match the 2×2 inch format.
• Selecting tourism for an activity that looks like paid work.
• Entering a passport number incorrectly, then traveling with the correct passport.
• Assuming an email approval allows entry through unofficial roads or crossings.

Applicants who treat the online process like a document filing system — rather than a short interview on paper — move faster and face fewer questions at arrival.