South Sudan has been added to the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list due to escalating violence and crime, leading to severe repercussions for its tourism sector. This advisory further reduces travel options and impacts local economies while reflecting a larger trend of instability affecting multiple countries globally. Tour operators and businesses face challenges as flight operations may decline, and tourism development in the region is threatened.
The U.S. Department of State has classified South Sudan as a high-risk destination by adding it to the “Do Not Travel” list alongside countries like Yemen, Venezuela, and Ukraine. This designation is due to escalating violence, armed conflict, rampant crime, and frequent kidnappings, effectively marking South Sudan as an unviable travel option, further shrinking the tourism landscape globally. As airlines may reduce services and foreign investments in hospitality dwindle, the tourism sector, which is already unstable, faces severe economic difficulties.
The advisory reflects a broader trend of increasing global instability where conflicts and threats impact travel and tourism across many regions. Although these advisories primarily serve security purposes, they trigger serious ramifications for local economies and tourism sectors. South Sudan has been facing ongoing political unrest, ethnic violence, and inadequate governance, leading to further government actions, such as the departure of non-emergency personnel ordered by the U.S. on March 8, 2025.
The current advisory highlights serious concerns of violent crimes, including carjackings, armed robberies, and kidnappings. The prevalence of armed groups and the accessibility of weapons increase the likelihood of sudden attacks. Moreover, foreign nationals, including journalists, encounter heightened risks, often facing dangers for reporting without government approval, which in severe cases leads to harassment or fatal consequences. This dire situation has effectively precluded South Sudan from any viable tourism opportunities.
Although the country has potential for wildlife tourism and cultural experiences, the existing advisory renders any recovery dependent on tourism implausible. Tour operators focused on adventure or wildlife in South Sudan will likely experience drastic declines in bookings. The potential reduction or suspension of flights will complicate travel logistics even further.
Consequently, tourism-dependent businesses such as hotels, transportation services, and tour guides face survival challenges. Countries classified on the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list typically discourage foreign investment, meaning that imminent tourism development projects could stall indefinitely. While aid workers and journalists represent a significant portion of South Sudan’s visitors, the advisory indicates that even they may be at heightened risk, prompting many organizations to reconsider or cease operations in the area.
With South Sudan joining a growing list of countries under stringent U.S. travel advisories, each grapples with unique yet severe risks that stifle tourism and business activity. Yemen remains exceptionally dangerous due to terrorism and civil unrest, while Venezuela suffers from high crime and arbitrary detentions of U.S. citizens. Meanwhile, Russia’s hostility towards U.S. travelers, coupled with ongoing conflict in Ukraine, reinforces the adverse travel climate. Countries like Libya and the Central African Republic face similar issues, including militia control and rampant violence, creating untenable conditions for tourism.
The escalating number of countries appearing on the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list signals a deteriorating global security environment. Key patterns indicate a shared landscape of conflict, crime, and instability, putting South Sudan—and other listed nations—at significant risk. Travelers and tourism businesses must meticulously reevaluate their strategies, while affected countries wrestle with finding solutions in a progressively volatile world.
The addition of South Sudan to the U.S. ‘Do Not Travel’ list highlights a growing trend of global insecurity, significantly affecting the tourism sector. Travelers face increased risks, while the already fragile local economies of these nations struggle for stability and recovery. The advisory signals a significant turn in global travel, compelling stakeholders to adapt in an era where many once accessible destinations become unsafe and untouchable for tourists.
Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com
