Editorial Note & Disclaimer: Last Updated: September 2026. This is an informational guide based on our editorial experience tracking East African travel documentation. We are not a government portal. Always verify requirements directly with the Embassy of South Sudan or the external evisa.gov.ss portal before applying.
To answer which South Sudan eVisa type you need, UK citizens must choose from five main categories: tourist, business, transit, student, and worker. You must obtain this South Sudan eVisa in advance, as visa on arrival is strictly unavailable for British passport holders in 2026.
The tourist visa covers leisure activities, while the business visa permits commercial meetings. Specialized options cater to academic study, formal employment, or short layovers. Selecting the correct South Sudan eVisa type is crucial before applying online. Applications require standard documents like a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate and a passport valid for at least six months.
Do UK Citizens Need a South Sudan eVisa?
UK citizens must obtain a South Sudan eVisa in advance, as visa on arrival is not available for British passport holders. Foreign nationals permanently residing in the UK are also subject to this mandatory entry requirement.
The South Sudan eVisa system requires all applicants to hold a passport valid for at least 6 months with a minimum of one blank page. Before submitting an application through the external evisa.gov.ss portal, travellers must secure a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
For the latest safety updates regarding travel to Juba and other regions, consult the external gov.uk travel advice before planning your trip.
All South Sudan eVisa Types: Tourist & Business eVisa Explained
South Sudan’s most popular eVisa are the tourist visa for leisure and the business visa for commercial meetings, both available as single or multiple-entry permits.
Tourist eVisa: For Leisure & Holiday Travel
The South Sudan tourist eVisa covers holidays and leisure trips. This category requires applicants to upload a return ticket and proof of an address in South Sudan, such as a hotel booking. Non-British passport holders applying from the UK must also provide evidence of permanent residence.
Business eVisa: For Meetings & Commercial Activity
The South Sudan business eVisa permits commercial activities and meetings, distinct from formal employment. The business eVisa mandates an invitation letter from a host organisation in South Sudan alongside a company registration certificate (from South Sudan or the UK) or a contract copy.
Both the tourist and business South Sudan eVisa categories allow applicants to select between a 1-month Single Entry Visa and a 3-month Multiple Entry Visa, depending on the frequency of planned visits.
Transit, Student & Work South Sudan eVisa Types
Specialized South Sudan eVisas cater to travelers passing through, studying, or taking up formal employment in the country.
Transit eVisa: For Layovers & En-Route Stops
The South Sudan transit eVisa permits a short stay for passengers travelling to onward destinations. A Transit Visa (72 hours) restricts layovers to a maximum period not exceeding this timeframe.
Student eVisa: For Academic Purposes
The South Sudan student eVisa requires applicants to secure an admission letter from an accredited institution in South Sudan. Foreign nationals must also obtain clearance from the Ministry of Higher Education and provide proof of sufficient funds before submitting their application.
Work (Employment) eVisa
The South Sudan worker eVisa allows foreign professionals to take up formal employment. Securing this permit requires explicit employer sponsorship and a prior clearance or work permit from the Ministry of Labour.
South Sudan eVisa Comparison: Which Type Do I Need?
A comparison matrix of all five South Sudan eVisa types by purpose, validity period, fee, and required documents lets you match your trip to the correct category. Each South Sudan eVisa permits specific activities and mandates strict entry prerequisites.
South Sudan offers five main eVisa types: tourist (holidays & leisure), business (meetings & commercial activity), transit (layovers up to 72 hours), student (academic study), and work/employment (foreign workers). Choose your eVisa type based on your primary travel purpose; you cannot switch categories after arrival.
| eVisa Category | Travel Purpose | Validity | UK Citizen Fee | Specific Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Leisure | 1 to 3 Months | £50 GBP (Single) | Return ticket |
| Business | Meetings | 1 to 3 Months | £100 GBP (Multiple) | Invitation letter |
| Transit | Layovers | Max 72 hours | £50 GBP | En route itinerary |
| Student | Academic | Varies | £50 GBP | Admission letter |
| Worker | Employment | Varies | £50 GBP | Labour clearance |
General Requirements for a South Sudan eVisa (2026)
Every South Sudan eVisa requires a passport valid for at least 6 months with one blank page, a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, and one recent passport photo.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months before the expiry date, containing at least one blank page.
- Valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
- One recent passport-size photo.
eVisa Photo Requirements
The South Sudan eVisa system requires a digital photograph upload during the application process. The submitted image must be recent, perfectly clear, and formatted to standard passport size specifications.
South Sudan eVisa Fees, Processing Times & Validity
Single-entry South Sudan eVisa fees for UK citizens start at £50 GBP, with online applications typically processed within 72 hours via the eService Portal.
The South Sudan eVisa system maintains strict, non-refundable fee structures across all categories. Online visa validity starts on the day the visa is issued, whereas visas processed in person become valid strictly on the day of passport collection.
| Application Type & Applicant | 1 Month Single Entry | 3 Months Multiple Entry | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK Citizens (Online via evisa.gov.ss) | £50 GBP | £100 GBP | Within 72 hours |
| Non-UK Citizens (Online) | £75 GBP | £150 GBP | Within 72 hours |
| Embassy Application (In-person) | Nationality dependent | Nationality dependent | 3 to 7 working days |
How to Apply for a South Sudan eVisa: Online vs. Embassy
UK applicants can apply for a South Sudan eVisa online in three simple steps or submit documents in person at the South Sudan Embassy in London.
Applying Online
The South Sudan eVisa system processes digital applications through a secure government portal.
Create an account and complete the form
Apply at evisa.gov.ss
Pay the required visa fee
Use a debit card
Download the approved document
Save as a PDF to a mobile electronic device
Applying at the Embassy in London
The South Sudan eVisa alternative involves physical submission directly at the consulate.
21 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LY, London, United KingdomThe London embassy accepts applications on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 09:00 and 12:00. Unlike the online portal, payments here must be made in cash only (Sterling Pounds). Diplomatic, official, or service passport holders applying in person must submit an official Note Verbal to receive a gratis (free) visa.
Entry Points, Arrival & Special Situations (Children, NGO)
The South Sudan eVisa is accepted at Juba International Airport (JUB) and select land borders. Special rules apply for minors, humanitarian workers, and visa extensions.
Border Crossings & Arrival
The approved South Sudan eVisa allows entry through authorized checkpoints, including Juba International Airport (JUB) and land crossings like Nimule, Kaya, and Majok-Nyin-Thiou. Travellers must present the document saved as a PDF on a mobile electronic device to the VISA officer. This inspection process takes approximately 5 minutes.
Travelling with Children & NGO Workers
Each minor under 18 requires a separate South Sudan eVisa. The application for a South Sudan eVisa for children mandates an unabridged birth certificate, a parental consent letter, and a parent’s passport copy. For humanitarian or volunteer travel, the South Sudan eVisa requires applicants to secure prior Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) registration and clearance.
Extending Your eVisa
The South Sudan eVisa permits renewals for travellers needing a longer stay. You must request an extension of your South Sudan eVisa in person at the Ministry of Interior, Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Immigration (DNPI) in Juba upon arrival.
South Sudan eVisa FAQ (2026)
What is the South Sudan eVisa and what are its requirements?
The South Sudan eVisa requires a passport valid for at least 6 months with one blank page, a recent passport photo, and a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Depending on the specific South Sudan eVisa type, additional documents like an Entry Permit, return ticket, or invitation letter may be necessary for your application.
How much does a South Sudan eVisa cost for UK citizens in 2026?
For UK citizens in 2026, a Single Entry Visa costs £50 GBP, while a Multiple Entry Visa costs £100 GBP. Online applications accept debit cards, whereas in-person applications at the Embassy in London require cash payments in Sterling Pounds.
What is the South Sudan visa processing time?
The South Sudan eVisa online processing time is typically within 72 hours. If you choose to apply in person at the Embassy of South Sudan in London, the processing time takes around 3 to 7 working days, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Can I get a South Sudan visa on arrival?
No, a South Sudan visa on arrival is not available for British passport holders. UK citizens must apply for and obtain a South Sudan eVisa in advance before traveling. You must present your downloaded eVisa PDF on a mobile electronic device to the VISA officer at the Port of Entry.
What are the documents required for a South Sudan tourist visa from the UK?
The required documents for a South Sudan tourist eVisa include a standard passport with 6 months validity, a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, a return ticket, and an address in South Sudan such as a hotel booking. Non-British residents in the UK must also provide evidence of permanent residence.
Which South Sudan visa allows the longest stay?
The Multiple Entry Visa, valid for 3 months, allows the longest stay for standard tourist and business travelers. Extensions can be requested through the Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Immigration (DNPI) in Juba.
What is the difference between a South Sudan tourist visa vs business visa?
A South Sudan tourist eVisa is strictly for leisure and requires a hotel booking, whereas a business eVisa is for commercial meetings and requires an invitation letter. Additionally, the business visa requires a company registration certificate from South Sudan or the UK, or a copy of your work contract.
How do I apply for a South Sudan student visa?
To apply for a South Sudan student eVisa, you must provide an admission letter from an accredited institution in South Sudan, a Ministry of Higher Education clearance, and proof of funds. This South Sudan eVisa type is specifically designed for academic visitors and foreign nationals studying in the country.
Can I extend my South Sudan eVisa after arrival?
Yes, you can extend your South Sudan eVisa after arrival by visiting the Ministry of Interior. Specifically, visa extensions are processed by the Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Immigration (DNPI) located in Juba.
Which ports of entry accept the South Sudan eVisa?
The South Sudan eVisa is accepted at Juba International Airport (JUB) and authorized land or river ports including Nimule, Kaya, and Majok-Nyin-Thiou. Upon arrival at the Port of Entry, the Immigration Department will conduct a brief 5-minute inspection of your digital eVisa PDF.
