Republic of South Sudan

The US Department of State continues to warn of the risks of travel to the Republic of South Sudan. It strongly recommends avoiding all travel to the states in the border region between Sudan and South Sudan (Upper Nile, Unity and Western Bahr el Ghazal states in South Sudan; Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states in Sudan, and the Abyei Special Administrative District). 

Although fighting between Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) has declined since spring 2012, the potential for troop buildups along the border and renewed fighting remains. In addition to sporadic clashes in the border region, there are armed militia forces that engage in violent clashes with SPLA forces in various areas of South Sudan, particularly in Jonglei State. These clashes can flare up with little warning and may exacerbate ethnic tensions throughout the country, leading to further violence.

The risk of violent crime is high in Juba. In addition to the risk of criminality, US citizens have been subject to arrest and detention without cause and there have been allegations of physical abuse by South Sudanese security services.