South Sudan visa options for United Kingdom passport holders

Visa types & longer-stay routes for South Sudan

Rules are written for foreign nationals who require a visa to enter South Sudan; citizens of a few East African/neighbouring states (e.g. Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Egypt and some EAC members) are visa-exempt or get visa-on-arrival and follow different rules.

• Most nomadsTourist

  Tourist eVisa (single-entry visitor visa)

  Up to 90 days (about 3 months) per the most common single-entry visa; verify on issue.

  Insurance

  Required. No national travel-insurance mandate was found, but South Sudan has very limited medical facilities, so comprehensive cover with medical evacuation is strongly advised. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals visiting for tourism, family or short visits who are not visa-exempt.

  Requirement

  Passport valid 6+ months with a blank page, return ticket and accommodation/address; apply online via the official portal (evisa.gov.ss), approvals typically in ~72 hours to a few days.

• Business

  Business eVisa

  Up to 90 days per visit on single-entry; multiple-entry business visas reportedly valid up to 180 days. Verify, as terms vary.

  Insurance

  Required. No insurance is legally mandated for the visa, but private medical cover with evacuation is strongly advised; yellow fever certificate required.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals attending meetings, conferences or short business engagements (not paid local employment).

  Requirement

  Passport valid 6+ months, invitation letter from a South Sudan host/company, plus the standard online application and fee; does not permit working for a local employer.

• Work

  Work permit / employment route

  Work permits are generally valid about 1 year and renewable; tied to the employment and a temporary residence permit.

  Insurance

  Recommendedverify. Health/character requirements apply and a medical examination may be requested. Employer-provided or private health cover is advisable given limited local healthcare.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals taking up paid employment with a registered South Sudan employer.

  Requirement

  Confirmed job offer from a registered company, employer-led work-permit application through the Ministry of Labour (employer must show the role cannot be filled by a national), plus a valid entry visa; passport valid 1+ year. Permits are issued in-country, not at Juba airport.

• Study

  Student visa

  Tied to the duration of the study programme; details are limited, verify with the institution and immigration.

  Insurance

  Recommendedverify. No explicit insurance mandate was found, but private health cover is strongly advised.

  Good for

  International students accepted into a South Sudan educational institution.

  Requirement

  Letter/proof of admission and enrolment, evidence of financial means, valid passport and the standard visa application; yellow fever certificate required.

• Residence

  Temporary residence permit

  Typically valid 1 year and renewable annually (an 'ordinary residence permit' is reported as renewable in 2-year periods). There is no clear employment-based permanent-residence route.

  Insurance

  Recommendedverify. No statutory insurance requirement was confirmed, but comprehensive private health and evacuation cover is strongly advised.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals staying long-term (e.g. tied to employment, family or long projects).

  Requirement

  Valid entry visa and grounds for residence (e.g. work permit/employer sponsorship or family ties); applied for in-country via the Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Immigration. Documentation is strict; verify current procedure.

• Transit

  Transit visa

  Generally issued for periods not exceeding 72 hours.

  Insurance

  Recommendedfor any travel through South Sudan; no transit-specific insurance mandate was found.

  Good for

  Travellers passing through South Sudan en route to another destination.

  Requirement

  Valid passport, onward ticket/proof of onward travel, and the standard visa application; yellow fever certificate required.

Figures are approximate and change frequently; always verify current rules, fees and health rules with the official portal (evisa.gov.ss) or a South Sudan embassy before travel. Last checked: 2026-06.

Last verified June 2026

United Kingdom → South Sudan: frequently asked

Do United Kingdom passport holders need a visa to visit South Sudan?

e-Visa. Apply for a visa online before travelling. Always confirm with the official source before booking.

Can a United Kingdom passport holder live or work long-term in South Sudan?

Yes, via a long-stay visa. South Sudan has 6 documented visa types covering work, study, residence and — where it exists — digital-nomad routes.

Do I need travel insurance for South Sudan?

Entry to South Sudan never includes health cover, so travel medical insurance is strongly recommended. Several South Sudan visas also require proof of insurance before they're granted.