Malakal

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the South Sudan page at Yoogo.

South Sudan uses the South Sudanese pound (SSP). ATMs are largely unavailable outside Juba, so travellers should bring sufficient US dollars in cash, which are widely accepted alongside local currency. Card acceptance is limited to a small number of hotels and upmarket establishments in the capital.

South Sudan has experienced significant conflict since independence and the security situation varies considerably by region and time. Most governments advise against all or all but essential travel to large parts of the country; check your government's official travel advisory before planning any visit.

Road infrastructure is extremely limited, and many routes become impassable during the rainy season due to flooding and mud. Internal flights operate between Juba and a handful of regional towns, and are often the only reliable way to reach areas outside the capital. Motorcycle taxis and minibuses serve short distances within cities.

The dry season from December to March is generally considered the most favourable period for travel, with roads more passable and wildlife easier to spot around water sources. The wet season from June to November brings heavy rainfall that can render rural routes impassable, though bird watching is particularly rewarding during this period.

English is the official language and is widely spoken in Juba and among educated South Sudanese, making it the most practical choice for travellers. Juba Arabic, a widely understood pidgin, is also useful in the capital and surrounding areas. Outside urban centres, over 60 indigenous languages are spoken, with Dinka and Nuer having the largest number of speakers.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travellers aged nine months or over, and you will need to present it on arrival. Malaria is present throughout the country year-round, so antimalarial medication is strongly recommended alongside insect repellent. Consult a travel health clinic at least six to eight weeks before departure to discuss typhoid, hepatitis, and other recommended vaccines.

Tipping is not a formal obligation, but it is warmly appreciated and meaningful given that local wages are very modest. Guides, drivers, and hospitality staff will value a discretionary tip at the end of a trip or stay. There is no fixed convention on amounts, so use your own judgement.