South Sudan
Summary
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in July 2011 as the outcome of a 2005 peace deal that ended Africa's longest-running civil war.
An overwhelming majority of South Sudanese voted in a January 2011 referendum to secede and become Africa's first new country since Eritrea split from Ethiopia in 1993.
The young state plunged into crisis in December 2013 amid a power struggle between the president and his former deputy whom he had sacked in July 2013
Fighting between government troops and rebel factions erupted, and within weeks the conflict had killed thousands and prompted more than 800,000 to flee their homes
A ceasefire signed on 9 May appears to be holding with a reduction in large scale fighting. However, there are continuing reports of sporadic fighting in parts of South Sudan. The security situation remains fragile.
As a consequence of the poor security situation The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises Irish Citizens against all travel to South Sudan.
South Sudan is accredited to the Embassy of Ireland in Addis Ababa Ethiopia and as such has limited ability to provide consular assistance.
Irish Citizens who reside and live in South Sudan should remain alert to the local security situation, monitor the media and stay in a safe location. A curfew remains in place in Juba between 11pm and 6am and in some other towns. If you’re outside Juba, you should exercise your own judgment, based on your knowledge of the local situation.
Commercial flights are operating from Juba airport. However, in the event of deterioration in the security situation, routes in and out may be blocked, the airport closed or inaccessible, and flights suspended at short notice.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to South Sudan. Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Irish citizens require a visa to visit South Sudan. For information on entry requirements for Sudan, please contact the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in London
It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.
We advise Irish citizens thinking of travelling to South Sudan to reconsider their need to do so.
Border with Sudan
We advise against all travel to the regions bordering Sudan (Upper Nile, Unity, Northern and Western Bar el Ghazal States). Parts of the border between Sudan and South Sudan have yet to be delineated, and the status of some armed groups along the border remains unresolved. This has led to intense fighting in disputed regions, as well as to aerial bombings. Inter-ethnic clashes occur without warning throughout the country, with violent tribal confrontations over land ownership and cattle raiding.
Jonglei State
We advise against all travel to Jonglei State. Frequent inter-communal violence over land ownership and cattle rustling has led to abductions and reprisal attacks. Hundreds of deaths have been reported and tens of thousands of people have been displaced due to clashes between the so-called "White Army" and Murle groups.
We advise against all travel to areas bordering the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
We advise against all but essential travel to all other areas of the country, including Juba. We advise Irish citizens thinking of travelling to South Sudan to reconsider their need to do so.
Banditry and crime are a growing problem, both in population centres and rural areas. There is widespread ownership of small arms across the population. There is a risk of terrorism in all parts of South Sudan.
Citizens living in or travelling to South Sudan should keep abreast of the latest security situation. As there is no Irish Embassy in South Sudan, they are advised to register locally with the British Embassy in Juba (as well as with the Embassy of Ireland in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia). They should be prepared for the possibility of needing to leave at short notice, and ensure that their visas, travel documents are up to date at all times.
Inter-ethnic clashes occur without warning throughout the country, with violent tribal confrontations over land ownership and cattle raiding.
We advise against all but essential travel to all other areas of the country.
Juba
Juba is a rapidly growing city with a huge disparity in wealth between foreigners and most of the local population. Small arms are common and travellers should be conscious that criminals may be armed. There is a risk of armed carjackings, particularly at night: movement at night time in Juba should be limited to essential travel only and visitors should avoid walking after dark.
If visiting a bank be aware of your surroundings and of any individuals that may be observing you. Those withdrawing or changing money may be targeted by armed robbers upon leaving. Be alert to the possibility of your vehicle being followed and vigilant upon exiting your vehicle. If confronted by armed persons, if it is safe to do so immediately, leave the area. If it is not safe to remove yourself from the threat then fully comply with demands without resistance.
There is a high security presence in Juba, especially at night, and particularly around road junctions and Government buildings. You will come across security checkpoints and you should be prepared to respond to these in a calm, patient and respectful manner.
Road safety
You are at high risk of involvement in traffic accidents when using public transport, as many vehicles are unsafe. The driving conditions and standards in South Sudan are well below Ireland. Very few roads are surfaced and maintained. At night, there is street lighting only on a few main roads and many motorbikes, cars and trucks have no lights.
Roads may consist of a rough track and in many areas, not even that in rainy season. Any journeys not following a major route or road should include a local guide with experience of the area.
Serious shortages of fuel can be expected whenever tensions between Sudan and South Sudan are high.
Air safety
Planes used by domestically owned and operated airline companies may be poorly maintained and may not meet International Civil Aviation Organization or other international safety standards.
Local Laws and Customs
It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you.　During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.
Extra marital relations　are not culturally accepted. Homosexuality is illegal.
There are severe penalties for drug trafficking in South Sudan.
All photography in South Sudan requires a formal photographic permit from the Government. A permit can be obtained by applying to the GoSS Ministry of Information. We advise against all photography close to Government Buildings, military installations, public utilities (including petrol stations), and other sensitive areas (e.g. bridges, airports etc.).
In October 2012 the Ministry of the Interior stipulated closing times of 11pm for bars and midnight for nightclubs within Juba city. Irish citizens are advised to be aware of these closing times as being in bars or nightclubs after these times may result in encounters with the police and possible arrests/detentions.
Natural Disasters and Climate
South Sudan suffers from both drought and flash flooding. If you are planning to travel overland to remote areas during the rainy season, you should note that flooding can make areas inaccessible by road.
Health
Before travelling to South Sudan, you should consult a doctor regarding necessary vaccinations.
In South Sudan, including in Juba, medical facilities are well below Western standards. Most serious medical problems would require a medical evacuation to Nairobi or Kampala. Visitors should be aware that during the rainy season flights are often forced to remain on the ground for hours. Therefore those with medical problems should carefully consider these limitations before travelling.
Water and food-borne diseases are common to South Sudan. These include salmonella, cholera, typhoid, shigella, giardia, hepatitis A and amoebiasis. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks
Insect-borne diseases are common is South Sudan and may include chloroquine resistant forms of plasmodium falciparum malaria, leishmaniasis and dracunculiasis. Nairobi flies are common during certain periods of the year, following heavy rains.
Cash & Banking
Credit/debit cards and travellers' cheques cannot be used in South Sudan. It is not possible to obtain cash against credit cards at banks and credit cards are not acceptable at hotels to settle bills. Neither is it possible to cash travellers' cheques through the local banking system in South Sudan. You should ensure that you have sufficient hard currency, preferably US Dollars, to cover expenses during your stay. You should note that businesses in South Sudan will generally not accept US dollars printed before 2006, or notes that have tears or are otherwise damaged. You should check therefore that the notes you bring with you are relatively new and in good condition.
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS
The Irish Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is accredited to South Sudan - contact details