Is Juba safe? 🇸🇸

Juba remains under the highest-level travel warnings from the U.S., UK, and Canadian governments due to armed violence, crime, kidnapping, and landmine risks. The city functions under government control with a heavy international presence, but most foreign nationals only move within secured compounds or under armed escort. Armed robbery and muggings of foreigners are reported, with crime increasing amid economic instability and political tension following the detention of First Vice President Riek Machar. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in crowded areas like Konyokonyo market and near hotels, especially during daylight hours.

Recent incidents underscore the volatility: in October 2026, Eye Radio reported two arrests during a Konyokonyo protest over the cost of living, while Sudan Tribune noted South Sudan summoning the Sudanese envoy over a deadly drone attack on Abyei market. Additionally, Eye Radio covered the Juba High Court sentencing five officers to 24 years for raiding a general’s home, reflecting internal security tensions. These events align with broader warnings of renewed conflict and intercommunal violence spreading from Jonglei and other regions.

To stay safe, travelers must never move outside secured zones without an armed security escort, avoid all travel after dark, and use only pre-vetted transportation. Valuables should be concealed, and phones or jewelry not displayed in public. Given the absence of functional tourism infrastructure and the pervasive risk, non-essential travel to Juba is strongly discouraged. Those with essential missions should rely on organizational security protocols, maintain low profiles, and monitor real-time developments through official channels.