How To Get a South Sudan Tourist Visa in Washington DC, USA [Tourist Visa for South Sudan]

Considered the newest or youngest country in the world, due to the fact that it gained independence in 2011, South Sudan surely has interesting facts that surround the whole country. It is located in Central Africa and Juba is its capital.

South Sudan is known for its wildlife and nature reserves that a lot of people should see! Unfortunately, it is not easy to go to this country as it requires a visa for US citizens who wish to go here.

In this article, we put all the information that you might need upon applying for a South Sudan Tourist Visa.

Facts about South Sudan

Language

The official language in South Sudan is English. Some of the indigenous languages spoken in the country include Dinka, Nuer, Bari, and Zande.

Currency

South Sudanese pound

Religion

The majority of the South Sudanese are Muslims, with around 97% of the country’s population.

Why is South Sudan separated from the other part of Sudan?

Due to the conflict between the Northern government and Southern Sudan, It split into two countries in 2011 because the people of the South voted for their independence.

The end of the second civil war

The year 2005 was the end of the second civil war in Sudan after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan and The Sudan People's Liberation Army was signed. Six years after that, South Sudan gained its independence making it the youngest and newest country in the world.

Main requirements in applying for South Sudan Tourist Visa

1. Passport (Valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival in South Sudan)

2. A completed and signed application form. It should be printed out on four different papers as printed on both sides of the paper will not be accepted.

3. Two passport-sized photos.

4. An official letter from your organization or an invitation letter addressed to the Embassy of South Sudan from your organization in South Sudan explaining the purpose of your travel.

5. For those using mail services: A self-addressed return envelope with sufficient prepaid postage (you can use UPS, USPS, or FedEx).

Visa Fee:

For American passport holders: $160 USD

Note: Visa fees are non-refundable.

Mode of payment: Money order payable to “The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan”.

Note: The Counselor Section of the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan requires all travelers who send a Money order to write payable to “The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan”.

Processing time: Visa can be issued within 5 business days.

Important Notes

The Embassy only grant single-entry visas for ordinary passport holders at this time.
Multiple-entry visas are only granted to diplomatic and officials.
If you wish to extend your stay in South Sudan, then you should make a request addressed to, and handled with South Sudan Ministry of Interior, Directorate of Nationality, Passports, and Immigration prior to the expiration of your VISA.
The application of the visa will not be processed if the applicant has incomplete requirements. So make sure that you check all your requirements before you apply for a visa.

If you have a follow-up or a request for additional information you can contact them thru:

Tel: +1 (202) 293 7940
Email: info.ssdembassy@gmail.com

Embassy in the United States

Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan
Address: 1015 31st Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, D. C. 20007
Contact number:
Tel: +1 (202) 600 2238
Fax: +1 (202) 644 9910
Email: consularofficedc@gmail.com

Office hours:
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM (Monday-Friday)

Frequently Asked Questions on Applying for a South Sudan Tourist Visa

1. When should I apply for a visa?

Since the processing time only takes for up to 5 business days, it is advisable to apply for a visa a month or weeks before your departure.

2. Is it safe to travel to South Sudan?

At this point in time, it not safe to travel to South Sudan due to crimes, kidnapping, and armed conflicts. It is advised to not go to borders as this place is highly dangerous. If you still want to travel to South Sudan, The US government provided precautionary measures before your trip such as; photography in public places is controlled and you need to have an authorization from the Ministry of Information before taking any photographs or video in public – including while inside a vehicle, leave your expensive or valuable things behind, and a lot more. For more details about the things that you should remember before traveling to South Sudan, read them here.

3. Should I get travel insurance before heading to South Sudan?

It is highly recommended to get travel insurance when you decide to go to South Sudan.

4. How to get there?

The main airport in South Sudan is Juba International Airport. Unfortunately, there aren’t any direct flights from the US to South Sudan. To see cheap and available flights going to South Sudan, visit Skyscanner.

5. When is the best time to visit South Sudan?

South Sudan is the perfect place for people who are summer fanatic! This country has a mostly dry season. Between April and May are the rainy days in the country but not too much. November is usually the start of the dry season. But actually, any time of the year is ok to visit South Sudan.

6. Will I have a hard time communicating with the locals?

Definitely no, South Sudanese speak English since it’s their official language. So you don’t have to worry and you don’t have to bring any translation app to communicate with the locals.

7. Why should I visit South Sudan?

Despite the ongoing conflict in the country, South Sudan still has plenty to offer for people who chose to go to this African country. Some of the few places that you shouldn’t miss seeing here are the Juba Safari and river, and the Wau cathedral. With its boasting wildlife and nature reserves, travelers would really enjoy exploring this country.

So if you’re in for an adventure and want to know more about this interesting country, then you shouldn’t miss the chance to go here and experience what South Sudan has for its future visitors!