South Sudan eVisa – Quick Answer:
The South Sudan eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible travellers – including UK citizens – to apply for a tourist or business visa entirely online via evisa.gov.ss. The standard single-entry eVisa costs $100 (plus a ~$26 processing surcharge), requires a valid passport, a passport-style photo, and a yellow fever certificate. Applications are typically processed within 3-7 working days. Once approved, download the eVisa PDF, save it to your phone, and print a colour copy before departing for Juba International Airport.
This article was first published in January 2026 and last updated in September 2026. South Sudan visa policies change frequently – we review and update this guide every 90 days or whenever the evisa.gov.ss portal announces changes. How we verify this information: All fees, processing times, and document requirements are cross-checked against the evisa.gov.ss portal, the South Sudanese Ministry of Interior, and recent applicant reports. For UK government travel advice, see the FCDO travel guidance for South Sudan.
The South Sudan eVisa is an electronic travel authorisation applied for entirely online via evisa.gov.ss. It costs a $100 base fee plus a ~$26 processing surcharge (total ~$126) for a single-entry tourist visa. UK citizens require a valid passport, a yellow fever certificate, and a passport-style photograph to complete the application.
Standard processing takes between 3 to 7 working days, excluding weekends. Once approved, applicants must download the PDF document, save it to their smartphone, and print a colour copy to present upon arrival at Juba International Airport or designated land borders.
While British tourists can still obtain a traditional visa by visiting the embassy in London, the digital route offers a more convenient alternative for those living outside the capital. This guide covers the complete South Sudan eVisa application process, document specifications, and essential post-arrival obligations, including the mandatory 5-day police registration.
What Is the South Sudan eVisa?
The South Sudan eVisa is a government-issued digital travel authorisation applied for entirely online at evisa.gov.ss, replacing traditional paper visas for eligible nationalities including UK citizens.
The South Sudan eVisa functions as a mandatory prerequisite before boarding a flight or reaching a land border. It is strictly distinct from a visa on arrival, which is only available to specific nationalities. Applicants complete the entire application remotely, and upon approval, the system generates a downloadable PDF.
Travellers must print this PDF document in colour to present to immigration officers alongside their passport upon entry.
South Sudan eVisa vs. Embassy Visa – Which Should UK Citizens Choose?
In 2026, the South Sudan eVisa costs approximately $126 USD and is fully online, while the London embassy visa costs £35 but requires an in-person visit to Wimbledon, SW19.
For UK citizens residing outside London, applying for the South Sudan eVisa is highly recommended. It eliminates domestic travel expenses and saves time. For a detailed walkthrough, read our guide on how to get a South Sudan eVisa from the UK. The traditional paper visa requires a physical appointment at the embassy:
South Sudanese Embassy in the UKWimbledon, SW19
Phone: +44 (0)20 7483 9262
| Channel | Cost | Processing Time | Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Sudan eVisa | ~$126 USD | 3 to 7 working days | 100% online | No travel required | Higher total fee |
| Embassy Visa | £35 | ~3 working days | In-person visit | Lower base cost | Requires trip to London |
Who Needs a South Sudan eVisa and Who Is Exempt?
UK citizens require a South Sudan eVisa, while nationals of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda enter visa-free and citizens of Burundi and Rwanda can obtain a visa on arrival.
The South Sudan eVisa mandates that most international travellers, including British passport holders, secure their digital travel authorisation before departing in 2026. Immigration rules divide nationalities into three specific access categories.
| Zone | Countries | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free | Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda | No visa required |
| Visa on arrival | Burundi, Rwanda | Obtain at border crossing |
| eVisa-required | United Kingdom and other eligible nations | Apply online in advance |
South Sudan eVisa Visa Types Explained
South Sudan offers a single-entry South Sudan eVisa ($100 base fee), a 3-month multiple-entry eVisa ($200), a 6-month multiple-entry eVisa ($350), and a transit visa. If you are unsure which option suits your trip, see our guide on which South Sudan eVisa type you need. The single-entry option covers standard visits, while multiple-entry options suit travellers needing border access over extended periods. The transit visa permits short layovers en route to a third destination.
| Visa Type | Validity | Base Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Entry | Single entry | $100 |
| Multiple-Entry | 3 Months | $200 |
| Multiple-Entry | 6 Months | $350 |
| Transit | Short layover | Not specified |
Courtesy and Diplomatic Visas
The South Sudan eVisa system accommodates government and diplomatic travel. These specific authorisations require the submission of a Note Verbale during the application process and are issued with a gratis fee structure.
South Sudan eVisa Documents Checklist
The South Sudan eVisa application process requires British tourists to provide a passport valid for 6 months with 2 to 6 blank pages, a 2×2-inch photograph, a yellow fever certificate, and a Letter of Invitation (LOI). For a detailed breakdown of formats and sizes, review the South Sudan eVisa required documents checklist.
- Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity from the entry date and 2 to 6 blank pages (uploading scans of up to 6 pages prevents portal errors).
- Yellow Fever Certificate: Mandatory for all travellers over 12 months old. A WHO medical waiver letter is accepted at Juba International Airport for exempt individuals.
- Photograph: A recent 2×2 inches (5×5 cm) square format photo.
Photo and Document Upload Technical Specs
The South Sudan eVisa system on evisa.gov.ss enforces strict file limitations. Every uploaded document must be a compressed JPG or PDF file not exceeding a maximum size of 293 KB per file.
The Letter of Invitation (LOI) – When It Is Needed
The portal lists the Letter of Invitation as optional, but immigration authorities practically require it. Applicants can obtain a free LOI by booking accommodation at Juba hotels, such as the River Camp Hotel, prior to submission.
How to Apply for the South Sudan eVisa – Step by Step
The South Sudan eVisa requires applicants to create an account at evisa.gov.ss, complete a 10-page online form, upload documents under 293 KB, pay by debit card, and download the approved PDF.
The South Sudan eVisa system strictly prohibits any post-payment modifications, requiring travellers to verify all inputted data meticulously before submission.
Step 0 – Account Creation
Register on the application portal using a valid email address.
Steps 1-4 – Applicant Details
Input personal information, travel dates, and passport data. UK citizens must select GBR as nationality.
Steps 5-7 – Document Upload
Attach passport bio-data page scan, square photograph, and yellow fever certificate (JPG/PDF, max 293 KB each).
Step 8 – Payment and Download
Pay the non-refundable fee using a Visa or Mastercard debit card and download the approved eVisa PDF.
South Sudan eVisa Fees, Payment, and Processing Time
A single-entry South Sudan eVisa costs a $100 base fee plus a ~$26 surcharge (total ~$126), payable by debit card. To understand exactly how much a South Sudan eVisa costs for each category, check our fee breakdown.
Processing time: The official government policy states 72 hours (3 working days), excluding weekends. However, based on applicant reports and our monitoring of the portal, real-world processing typically takes 3 to 7 working days. We recommend submitting your South Sudan eVisa application at least 2 weeks before travel to account for potential delays. The fee is strictly non-refundable under all circumstances, including application rejections.
| Visa Type | USD Fee | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Entry | $100 (plus ~$26 surcharge) | No |
| Multiple-Entry (3 Months) | $200 | No |
| Multiple-Entry (6 Months) | $350 | No |
Which Cards Are Accepted?
The application portal prefers standard debit cards linked to Visa or Mastercard networks. Credit cards may function correctly if 3-D Secure authentication is active. American Express cards are generally not accepted.
Where Can You Enter South Sudan with an eVisa?
The South Sudan eVisa allows holders to enter the country via Juba International Airport (JUB) or five designated land border crossings, with the airport being the most reliable arrival point.
The South Sudan eVisa is accepted at the following authorised immigration checkpoints:
- Juba International Airport (JUB)
- Nadapal
- Kaya
- Nimule
- Majok Nyin Thiou
- Renk
Land border arrivals must undergo mandatory regional Ebola screening before proceeding to the immigration desk for passport control.
After You Arrive – South Sudan eVisa Post-Arrival Obligations
The South Sudan eVisa requires holders to present a colour-printed copy at immigration and complete mandatory registration at a local police station within 5 days of arrival.
The South Sudan eVisa travel experience relies entirely on cash. Visitors must bring clean, undamaged US Dollars (USD) dated 2006 or later, as international debit and credit cards remain completely useless for local transactions.
Extending Your Stay Beyond 30/90 Days
Travellers requiring a visa extension must apply in person at the government headquarters in Juba before their current authorisation expires. Learn more about how to extend your South Sudan eVisa and avoid overstay penalties.
South Sudan Ministry of InteriorAirport Road, Juba
Phone: +211 (0)926 388 499
Email: [email protected]
What Happens If You Overstay?
Remaining in the country after the visa expires incurs daily fines and requires formal processing at the immigration office to obtain an exit clearance.
Travelling with Children: South Sudan eVisa Rules for Minors
The South Sudan eVisa mandates that each travelling child holds a separate travel authorisation linked to their own passport, applied for via a dedicated account on evisa.gov.ss.
The South Sudan eVisa portal does not permit dependents to be added to a parent’s application. Applicants must prepare an unabridged birth certificate and a letter of parental consent when applying for a minor. To verify current 2026 border requirements for children, contact the diplomatic mission directly:
South Sudanese Embassy in the UKWimbledon, SW19
Phone: +44 (0)20 7483 9262
South Sudan eVisa FAQ
Can I apply for a South Sudan eVisa online?
Yes, the entire application process for the South Sudan eVisa is conducted 100 percent online via the evisa.gov.ss portal. Travellers must create an account, complete a 10-page form, upload required documents under the 293 KB file size limit, and pay the fee digitally. There is no need to visit an embassy unless you prefer the traditional paper visa route.
Do UK citizens need a visa for South Sudan?
Yes, as of 2026, UK citizens must obtain a visa in advance to enter South Sudan. You can either apply for a South Sudan eVisa online, which costs approximately $126 and takes 3 to 7 working days, or obtain a standard paper visa from the embassy in London for £35, which requires an in-person visit.
How long does a South Sudan eVisa take to process?
The official government policy states processing occurs within 72 hours. However, based on applicant reports, real-world processing typically takes 3 to 7 working days. Weekends are excluded from this timeframe, so it is highly recommended to submit your South Sudan eVisa application at least two weeks before your intended date of travel.
What are the common reasons a South Sudan eVisa is rejected?
Applications are often delayed or rejected due to incorrect document uploads, such as exceeding the 293 KB file size limit or failing to provide a square 2×2 inch photograph. Additionally, missing a yellow fever certificate or lacking a Letter of Invitation, which is heavily scrutinised despite being marked optional, can cause issues.
How can I fix South Sudan eVisa application errors after submission?
Once you have submitted your application and paid the fee, there is a strict policy allowing no post-payment edits or amendments. You must triple-check all entered data and uploaded documents before finalising the payment. If a critical mistake is made, you will likely need to submit and pay for a completely new application.
Is the South Sudan eVisa fee refundable if my application is denied?
No, all South Sudan eVisa fees are strictly non-refundable. Whether you apply for a single-entry visa at $100 or a multiple-entry visa, the payment covers the processing service. If your application is rejected or you cancel your trip, the government will not issue a refund under any circumstances.
What are the South Sudan visa-free countries?
Nationals of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are exempt from visa requirements and can enter South Sudan visa-free. Citizens from other countries, such as Burundi and Rwanda, are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival. UK citizens do not qualify for these exemptions and must secure a South Sudan eVisa beforehand.
Can I use a credit card to pay for my South Sudan eVisa?
While the application portal strongly prefers debit cards (Visa or Mastercard), credit cards may work if they are processed via 3-D Secure authentication. However, American Express cards are generally not accepted. Ensure your bank authorises international transactions before attempting to pay the non-refundable processing fee.
About the Author: This guide was written by a travel documentation specialist with 8+ years of experience researching African visa policies. They have personally applied for and obtained 15+ eVisas for African countries, including South Sudan, and verify all information against official government sources quarterly.
