The U.S. Department of State issued a revised Travel Advisory for South Sudan on March 8, 2025, maintaining a Level 4 – Do Not Travel status due to ongoing security threats. Non-emergency U.S. personnel have been ordered to depart Juba, and the advisory underscores the prevalence of crime and armed conflict in the region, particularly affecting foreign nationals and journalists.
On March 8, 2025, the Department of State revised its Travel Advisory for South Sudan, emphasizing an Ordered Departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel in Juba. The advisory remains at Level 4, which indicates a do Not Travel status due to heightened security risks. This new advisory supersedes the previous notice dated July 31, 2023.
The updated advisory highlights significant threats present in South Sudan, calling attention to high incidences of crime, including kidnapping and armed conflict. A country summary details that ongoing violence is fueled by disputes among political and ethnic factions, with easy access to weapons greatly exacerbating the situation.
In addition to armed conflict, South Sudan experiences a worrying rate of violent crime, encompassing carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings, notably in urban areas like Juba. Foreign nationals have faced extreme violence, including rape and armed robbery.
Journalistic activities in South Sudan are highly perilous, requiring proper authorization from the South Sudanese Media Authority to avoid illegal status. Journalists often encounter harassment, and many have tragically lost their lives while covering the ongoing conflicts in the region.
The updated Travel Advisory for South Sudan serves as a critical warning regarding the severe security issues faced by both residents and foreign nationals. The Ordered Departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel highlights the ongoing dangers associated with crime and armed conflict, reaffirming the necessity of heeding travel warnings. Journalistic work remains particularly hazardous, necessitating strict adherence to local regulations to ensure safety.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
