Is Juba safe? 🇸🇸

Juba, South Sudan, is not safe for travelers. Multiple governments, including the U.S. State Department, UK FCDO, and the Government of Canada, maintain 'Do Not Travel' advisories for the entire country, including its capital. These advisories are based on significant risks of armed violence, criminality, and a volatile political and security situation that can deteriorate rapidly. The composite safety index for South Sudan is critically low, reflecting severe challenges in governance, rule of law, and political stability.

The situation on the ground in Juba is characterized by rising crime, exacerbated by political instability, a worsening economic crisis, and a lack of effective security capacity. While Juba functions under government control and has an international presence, the risk of crime is described as common, and there's a possibility of sudden security deterioration linked to national crises. Overland travel outside Juba is particularly dangerous due to armed criminality, roadblocks, and the risk of ambushes. The dossier also highlights ongoing issues such as sexual violence in conflict and abusive crackdowns, underscoring a pervasive lack of safety and security.

Given these extreme risks, any travel to Juba should be avoided. If travel is absolutely unavoidable for mission-critical reasons, it is imperative to have comprehensive security escorts, a well-rehearsed emergency plan that does not rely on government assistance, and to strictly avoid any travel at night. Be aware of potential scams, particularly those involving corruption or demands from officials. The health infrastructure is minimal, and access to essential services can be severely impacted by seasonal flooding.