GETTING THERE
Arriving by plane
International flights to South Sudan are offered by Kenya Airways (KQ) from Nairobi, Ethiopian Airlines (ET) from Addis Ababa, Sudan Airways (SD) from Khartoum and Eagle Air Uganda (H7) from Entebbe.
Note on arriving by plane
A new international airport is currently being built in Juba.
Flight times
London-Juba: approx. 10 hours
Arrival by car
The land borders with Kenya and Uganda are open and there is a bus connection from Nairobi to Juba via Kampala.
Arrival by ship
Before South Sudan’s declaration of independence, there were slow, irregular boat connections from Kosti in the north to Malakal and Juba, which are expected to continue in the future, but air connections are more convenient.
ON THE GO
Traveling by plane
Domestic flights are the best way to get around in South Sudan. Feeder Airlines (Internet: http://feederairlines.com/) flies to Rumbek, Wau and Malakal. Southern Sudan Air Connection flies to Bentiu and Yambio.
On the way by car / bus
Bus: Minibuses that are no longer completely new run between Juba and the cities in the south. During the rainy season from May to October, roads can become impassable and certain places (such as Wau) can only be reached by plane.
Rental car: Rental cars can be rented in Juba.
Taxi: There are numerous taxis and motorcycle taxis in Juba, and their driving style is sometimes risky. Taxis do not have a meter, so agree on the fare in advance.
State of the roads
Outside of Juba there are hardly any paved roads. Country roads are in poor condition. Roads to the north are often not passable during the rainy season (May-October). There are no street lights.
For longer journeys you should take enough spare parts with you and only use vehicles that are absolutely roadworthy.
Regulations
Note: In the following (as in other sections of this country guide) it is assumed that South Sudan maintains the same legal system as Sudan despite its independence.
– The minimum age for drivers is 18 years.
– Top speeds: 130 km / h on motorways, 110 km / h on expressways, 50 km / h in urban areas and 90 km / h in rural areas.
– Speeding violations are punishable by heavy fines.
– Buckle up is mandatory on the front and rear seats.
– The use of a hand-held cell phone or car phone while driving is prohibited.
– The low beam must be switched on at all times.
documentation
Carnet de Passage, proof of funds and certificate from the responsible consular agency that the vehicle is roadworthy. International driver’s license recommended but not required.
TRAVEL WARNING
Current information
Warnings are issued against traveling to South Sudan, with the exception of the capital Juba. Unnecessary trips to Juba are not recommended. After the armed conflict in the capital Juba in mid-July 2016, the security situation in the capital has returned to normal. Combat operations continue to be reported from other parts of the country.
Travelers are strongly advised to contact the embassy in Dschuba before starting their journey in order to advise on the personal security measures required for a safe stay in the city and to be sure to enter themselves on the Federal Foreign Office’s crisis prevention list: external link, opens in new windowhttp: //elefand.diplo.de
Country-specific safety instructions
In the parts of Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, in the border areas with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Unity State and Upper Nile, armed clashes between the South Sudanese army and armed fighters from different ethnic groups continue to occur. With the exception of the capital Juba, warnings are still issued against traveling to South Sudan, a country located in Africa according to themeparktour.
The demarcation between Sudan and South Sudan is still unclear. Rebel groups from Sudan also operate in the border area between the two countries. This can lead to armed conflict in the border region with Sudan.
In the border area with Uganda, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, there are also attacks by marauding gunmen and criminals.
Avoid military installations, crowds, and demonstrations.
Travel over land
The infrastructure in South Sudan is inadequate in many ways. Supply shortages (including fuel shortages) are widespread. Therefore, careful planning of trips is very important. For example, trips outside of the greater area of the capital Juba are only possible to a limited extent due to a lack of infrastructure, especially during the rainy season from May to October, and due to security risks.
The risk of accidents when driving overland should not be underestimated because of the poor roads. Night driving should be avoided entirely. Gang attacks, but also arbitrary measures by the police or other security organs, must be expected.
It is not safe to cross the country either in north-south or east-west directions.
In many places in South Sudan outside the larger cities, there are dangers from violent tribal conflicts. When traveling overland in South Sudan, it is recommended to contact UNDSS beforehand and to follow their recommendations regarding police or military escort. In some parts of the country, violent tribal and other conflicts can endanger travelers who do not adhere to UNDSS guidelines.
There is also a significant risk from landmines.
