Safety in South Sudan: what overland travellers should know

Our summary of the country advice published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Viaggiare Sicuri) on 31 May 2026.

Safety

All travel discouraged — The ministry advises against going to South Sudan at all. Given the further progressive deterioration in security across the whole country, it asks Italians still there to consider leaving as soon as they can.
Internal conflict — The country has been in internal conflict since 2013. The peace agreement of 12 September 2018 cut violent clashes between government forces, the opposition and local militias significantly, but security remains precarious and political tensions are latent; large-scale fighting could plausibly resume in some areas and possibly in the capital. Armed clashes, including violence against civilians and aid workers, are frequent throughout the territory and can start suddenly and unpredictably.
Regions to avoid — Travel is absolutely discouraged to Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria and Upper Nile, and to Western and Central states, along with the entire border strip with Sudan for at least 50 km, Abyei and the "14 miles" area included. Avoid the borders with the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo as well, and Morobo on the Ugandan border where new fighting has broken out. Do not travel towards the northern regions at all, use maximum caution in Malakal, and stay alert in the eastern regions bordering Ethiopia and in Juba itself.
Spillover from Sudan — The war in Sudan has serious consequences in the border areas, with armed groups infiltrating and growing numbers of refugees crossing into South Sudan. Occasional tension between the two countries has increased military activity near the border.
Armed groups and firearms — South Sudanese armed forces are heavily present in the main urban centres, while outside them irregular armed groups operate and at times set off widespread violence. Light firearms are very widely held, which the ministry lists as a risk factor in itself. Armed forces of some African countries are also in the country.
Crime and photography — Crime has risen sharply in Juba and in the provinces, foreigners included. Avoid crowds, and do not photograph the airport, institutional buildings, military installations or other sensitive infrastructure that could be seen as a strategic target.

Before you rely on this

This is our summary of advice written by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Italian travellers, published on 31 May 2026. We summarise in good faith, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate, current or complete, and we take no responsibility for decisions made on the basis of it. Rules change without notice and are applied by officials at the border, not by websites. Always read the original source and the travel advice your own government publishes for South Sudan before you travel. GuideMeet has no way of checking whether an individual guide meets any standard mentioned here — ask them directly.

Source: Viaggiare Sicuri — Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 31 May 2026. Last checked by GuideMeet on 2026-09-20.