Visa Free Countries for South Sudan: A Comprehensive Guide
South Sudanese citizens have access to a number of countries that allow visa-free entry or offer visas on arrival. This comprehensive guide explores the visa-free destinations, visa requirements, and travel considerations for South Sudanese passport holders.
Current Visa-Free Access for South Sudanese Passport Holders
As of 2024, South Sudanese citizens have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 46 countries and territories. This ranking places the South Sudanese passport 95th in terms of global mobility according to the Henley Passport Index[1].
Visa-Free Destinations
South Sudanese citizens can enjoy visa-free access to the following countries and territories:
Africa
- Benin: 90 days visa-free
- Botswana: 90 days visa-free
- Burundi: Visa-free (duration unspecified)
- Gambia: Visa-free (duration unspecified)
- Kenya: 3 months visa-free
- Rwanda: 6 months visa-free
- Tanzania: 90 days visa-free
- Uganda: 6 months visa-free
Caribbean and Americas
- Barbados: 90 days visa-free
- Dominica: 21 days visa-free
- Ecuador: 90 days visa-free
- Haiti: 3 months visa-free
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: 3 months visa-free
- Suriname: 90 days visa-free
Asia and Oceania
- Malaysia: 30 days visa-free
- Micronesia: 30 days visa-free
- Palau: 30 days visa-free (free visa on arrival)
- Samoa: 60 days visa-free
- Singapore: 30 days visa-free
Other Territories
- Cook Islands: 31 days visa-free
- Niue: 30 days visa-free
- Palestine: Visa-free (arrival by sea to Gaza Strip not allowed)
Visa on Arrival and eVisa Options
In addition to visa-free destinations, South Sudanese passport holders can obtain visas on arrival or eVisas for several countries, expanding their travel options:
Visa on Arrival
- Bahrain: 14 days
- Bolivia: 30 days
- Cambodia: 30 days
- Cape Verde: Duration unspecified
- Comoros: 45 days
- Egypt: Duration unspecified
- Ethiopia: 90 days
- Ghana: 30 days
- Guinea-Bissau: 90 days
- Madagascar: 60 days
- Maldives: 30 days (free visa on arrival)
- Mauritania: Duration unspecified
- Mozambique: 30 days
- Nepal: 90 days
- Seychelles: 3 months (free visitor’s permit on arrival)
- Sierra Leone: 30 days
- Somalia: 30 days
- Sri Lanka: 30 days
- Timor-Leste: 30 days
- Tuvalu: 1 month
eVisa Options
- Albania
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Bhutan
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Democratic Republic of the Congo: 7 days
- Côte d’Ivoire: 3 months
- Djibouti: 90 days
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon: 90 days
- Guinea: 90 days
- Iran: 30 days
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan: 60 days
- Lesotho
- Mongolia: 30 days
- Papua New Guinea: 60 days
- Qatar
- Saint Kitts and Nevis: 30 days
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Sri Lanka: 60 days
- Togo: 15 days
- Vietnam
- Zambia: 90 days
- Zimbabwe: 3 months
Travel Considerations for South Sudanese Citizens
When planning international travel, South Sudanese passport holders should keep the following considerations in mind:
Passport Validity
Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Ensure your passport meets this requirement before booking any international travel.
Travel Insurance
While not always mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended for international trips. Some visa-free destinations may require proof of travel insurance upon entry.
Return Tickets and Sufficient Funds
Even for visa-free entry, immigration officials may ask for proof of onward travel (return tickets) and evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
Length of Stay
Adhere strictly to the permitted length of stay for each visa-free destination. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future travel restrictions.
Purpose of Visit
Visa-free access is typically granted for tourism or short business trips. If you plan to work, study, or engage in other activities, you may need to apply for a specific visa.
Improving South Sudan’s Passport Power
The South Sudanese government continues to work on improving the country’s passport power through diplomatic efforts and bilateral agreements. Factors that could contribute to increased visa-free access include:
- Economic development and increased international trade
- Improved political stability and international relations
- Enhanced security measures in passport issuance and border control
Tips for South Sudanese Travelers
Research thoroughly: Always check the latest visa requirements before traveling, as policies can change.
Plan ahead: For countries requiring visas, apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
Carry necessary documents: Keep copies of your passport, visa (if applicable), and other important documents.
Respect local laws and customs: Familiarize yourself with the laws and cultural norms of your destination to avoid any issues during your stay.
Stay informed: Register with the South Sudanese embassy or consulate in your destination country for updates and assistance if needed.
Research thoroughly: Always check the latest visa requirements before traveling, as policies can change.
Plan ahead: For countries requiring visas, apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
Carry necessary documents: Keep copies of your passport, visa (if applicable), and other important documents.
Respect local laws and customs: Familiarize yourself with the laws and cultural norms of your destination to avoid any issues during your stay.
Stay informed: Register with the South Sudanese embassy or consulate in your destination country for updates and assistance if needed.
Visa Application Process for Restricted Countries
For countries where visas are required, South Sudanese citizens typically need to follow these steps:
Gather required documents: This usually includes a valid passport, passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, and financial means.
Complete the application form: Ensure all information is accurate and matches your passport details.
Pay the visa fee: Fees vary by country and visa type.
Submit the application: This can be done in person at the embassy, through a visa application center, or online for countries offering eVisas.
Attend an interview: Some countries may require a visa interview as part of the application process.
Wait for processing: Processing times vary, so apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
Gather required documents: This usually includes a valid passport, passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, and financial means.
Complete the application form: Ensure all information is accurate and matches your passport details.
Pay the visa fee: Fees vary by country and visa type.
Submit the application: This can be done in person at the embassy, through a visa application center, or online for countries offering eVisas.
Attend an interview: Some countries may require a visa interview as part of the application process.
Wait for processing: Processing times vary, so apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
Future Outlook for South Sudanese Passport Holders
As South Sudan continues to develop its economy and international relations, there is potential for increased visa-free access in the future. Travelers should stay informed about new agreements and changes in visa policies that may affect their travel plans.
Special Considerations for Dependent and Disputed Territories
South Sudanese travelers should be aware of specific visa requirements for dependent and disputed territories:
- Hong Kong: eVisa required
- Macau: Visa on arrival available
- Northern Cyprus: Visa not required
- Somaliland: Visa on arrival available (30 days for 30 US dollars)
- Taiwan: Visa required
For other territories, such as those belonging to the United Kingdom, France, or the United States, specific visa requirements may apply. Always check the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.
Conclusion
While the South Sudanese passport currently offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 46 countries and territories, there are still many destinations that require advance visa applications. South Sudanese citizens should carefully research visa requirements, plan ahead, and ensure they have all necessary documents before embarking on international travel. As the country’s global position evolves, South Sudanese passport holders may see expanded travel opportunities in the years to come.
By staying informed about visa policies, respecting local laws and customs, and planning trips carefully, South Sudanese travelers can make the most of their current visa-free access while looking forward to potential improvements in global mobility in the future.
Citations: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_South_Sudanese_citizens [2] https://www.guideconsultants.com/all-passports/south-sudan-passport-visa-free-countries-list/ [3] https://getgoldenvisa.com/passport/south-sudan [4] https://visaguide.world/visa-free-countries/south-sudanese-passport/ [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_South_Sudanese_citizens