South Sudan has been placed on the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list due to escalating violence, armed conflict, and crime, along with Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, Libya, Ukraine, the Central African Republic, and Haiti. This new advisory directly impacts South Sudan’s fragile tourism sector, leading to reduced flights, diminished travel insurance options, and decreased foreign investment. The advisory further reflects a broader trend of rising global instability affecting tourism across multiple regions.
On March 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of State added South Sudan to its high-risk “Do Not Travel” list, alongside Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, Libya, Ukraine, the Central African Republic, and Haiti. This designation results from escalating violence, armed conflict, crime, and kidnappings, essentially removing South Sudan as a travel destination. The implications for its fragile tourism sector are significant, leading to reduced flights, unavailable travel insurance, and a decline in foreign investment.
The ongoing global instability marked by conflicts, kidnappings, and terrorism poses security concerns that adversely affect tourism. South Sudan has faced longstanding political instability and ethnic violence, and the advisory has prompted the U.S. to order non-emergency personnel to leave the country, indicating further deteriorating security.
The advisory highlights a surge in violent crime, including incidents of carjackings, armed robberies, and kidnappings. The prevalence of armed groups and easy access to weapons among civilians exacerbate these risks. Notably, foreign nationals, especially journalists, face heightened dangers, with legal reporting restrictions and risks of violence against those covering conflicts.
Potential tourism attractions in South Sudan, including wildlife and cultural experiences, are rendered unrealistic under the current advisory. Tour operators focused on these niches are likely to experience a collapse in bookings, while airlines may suspend flights, complicating travel logistics further.
Tourism-related businesses, including hotels and transportation services, will face severe operational difficulties. Foreign investment is typically deterred by countries on the “Do Not Travel” list, stalling any future tourism development in South Sudan.
Visitors to South Sudan typically comprise aid workers and journalists, yet the advisory heightens risks for all demographics. Consequently, organizations may curtail or cease operations in the region due to safety concerns.
South Sudan’s addition to this travel advisory list aligns with broader trends of countries grappling with significant risks impacting tourism. Countries like Yemen and Venezuela face terrorism and high crime rates, while Russia has increased hostility towards U.S. travelers, and Libya, Ukraine, the CAR, and Haiti experience severe instability.
In summary, with the addition of South Sudan to the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list, the global tourism landscape faces new hurdles due to rising risks from conflict and crime. This erodes travel confidence, pushing the tourism industry to adapt to increasingly dangerous conditions worldwide. Travelers and businesses must reassess their strategies as these nations seek stability amid ongoing volatility.
In conclusion, the U.S. Department of State’s designation of South Sudan, along with several other nations, as a “Do Not Travel” zone marks a significant setback for the tourism sector both locally and globally. Amid escalating conflicts and crime, the advisory halts potential tourism growth and investment. As global instability persists, affected countries must navigate the challenges of attracting visitors while ensuring safety and security in an increasingly volatile environment.
Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com
