(JUBA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has published a detailed update on the visa types available for foreign nationals wishing to enter South Sudan, alongside the launch of a new government eServices Portal designed to simplify applications and access to public services. The visa policies and digital services are aimed at improving transparency, convenience, and compliance with immigration laws. The latest information is valid as of July 2025.
Foreigners travelling to South Sudan are required to obtain an appropriate visa depending on the purpose of their visit. Most applicants are encouraged to apply through South Sudanese embassies or consulates in their countries of residence. For those living in countries without a South Sudanese diplomatic mission, applications can be made through the nearest embassy or through the eVisa platform at https://www.eservices.gov.ss.
South Sudan issues several categories of visas:
| Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Single Entry Visa | Issued for business or tourism to persons from countries requiring a visa. |
| Multiple Entry Visa | Issued depending on travel purpose, usually for frequent business travellers. |
| Transit Visa | For travellers passing through South Sudan, valid for up to 72 hours. |
| Courtesy Visa | For diplomats and government officials, free of charge (gratis). |
Diplomats and foreign officials using diplomatic, official, or service passports must submit an official letter, known as a Note Verbal, from their government or organisation. Courtesy visas are granted without charging a visa fee.
The process of applying for a visa requires several documents and steps. Applicants must complete a visa form, attach a copy of the passport’s bio-data page, submit a recent passport-sized photograph, and include a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Additionally, the passport must be valid for at least six months and have a blank page for the visa.
All applicants must submit their forms in person, and processing time is generally seven working days, excluding weekends and public holidays. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval. Applicants will be notified via SMS or email when their visa status changes. Passports can be collected in person or by a delegate with a written authorisation, proof of identity, and a receipt of payment.
Visa applications must also include:
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An invitation letter from a company, organisation, or individual in South Sudan, explaining the visit purpose.
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A copy of the registration certificate of the inviting entity.
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For personal or family visits, an entry permit from the Immigration Department is required.
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A confirmed return ticket and proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel booking) for tourists.
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Bank statements proving the applicant has enough funds for the stay.
South Sudanese nationals holding foreign passports are also required to apply for entry visas before travelling home.
To ease access to public services, South Sudan has launched an eServices Portal, designed by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Postal Services. The portal provides a single account login system that offers access to immigration, business registration, customs, civil registry, and soon-to-be-added services such as passport applications, national ID cards, and birth certificates.
Users can pay visa fees and other charges using mobile money, debit and credit cards, or through local bank online payments. Once applications are completed, users can receive downloadable permits in PDF format, and track the progress of their application via automated updates.
South Sudan eServices Portal Overview
| Portal Features | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Single Sign-On | One account to access all government services. |
| Online Forms and Submissions | Submit and track applications from any location. |
| SMS/Email Alerts | Instant updates on the application process. |
| Digital Payments | Mobile money and card payments accepted. |
| Printable Permits | Receive downloadable permits in PDF format. |
South Sudan Visa Fees
Visa fees vary depending on visa type and duration. At the official exchange rate of $1 = 4,600 SSP (as of June 2025), a fee of 100 USD would equal approximately 460,000 SSP.
South Sudan’s immigration authorities under the Ministry of Interior, through the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration, have further clarified the visa eligibility and fees structure for visitors from across the world. This comes alongside the ongoing rollout of the official Government eServices Portal, which allows users to apply for visas and other services online.
All visa applications are managed under the South Sudan National Police Service, which oversees the Department of e-Visa and Immigration Services. The department handles all immigration and passport services for foreign nationals and South Sudanese citizens, including visa issuance, nationality, and travel documentation.
Travellers can now verify whether they require a visa to enter South Sudan, and how much it will cost, using the country eligibility tool provided on the official portal. The system provides a detailed list of countries and applicable visa fees for single and multiple entries, valid for 3 or 6 months.
Here is a simplified summary of the standard visa fees based on duration of stay, as converted to South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) using the official exchange rate of $1 = SSP 4,600 as of July 2025:
| Visa Type | USD Fee | Equivalent in SSP |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry Visa | $100 | SSP 460,000 |
| 3 Month Multiple Entry | $200 | SSP 920,000 |
| 6 Month Multiple Entry | $350 | SSP 1,610,000 |
Some regional exceptions apply. For example:
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Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo nationals benefit from lower visa fees, with single-entry visas costing as low as USD 50 (SSP 230,000).
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Egypt and Tanzania citizens are completely exempted from visa fees and entry requirements under bilateral agreements.
Meanwhile, travellers from the United States are charged USD 160 for a single entry visa (SSP 736,000) and USD 500 for a 3 month multiple entry visa (SSP 2,300,000). The 6 month multiple entry visa is currently not available for US nationals.
The full list of countries and fees can be found on the Visa Eligibility Page, where users can check their status and begin the application process. The platform requires users to create an account at https://accounts.eservices.gov.ss/login before submitting their visa applications.
The Ministry of Interior has reiterated that all applicants must comply with visa documentation requirements and allow a minimum of seven working days for processing.
They have also cautioned that submitting a visa application does not automatically guarantee approval. Applicants must ensure that all information and documents provided are accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejection.
The Government of South Sudan has expressed its commitment to streamlining travel, documentation and cross-border movement while maintaining national security.
The digitisation of services is part of a wider reform under the Ministry of Information Communication Technology & Postal Services to ensure transparency and ease of access for both citizens and foreign residents.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on the most recent official information from the Government of South Sudan as of July 2025. Visa regulations, fees, and exemptions are subject to change. Always consult the nearest South Sudan embassy or the official eServices Portal for up-to-date travel and immigration requirements before your journey.
