Last updated: 15 September 2026. This article is reviewed quarterly against FCDO and WHO updates. Disclaimer: This informational travel portal provides guidance only. Requirements may change without notice. Always verify with the South Sudan Ministry of Health or the nearest embassy before travel. We assume no liability for denied entry.
This guide was reviewed by Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a UK-registered GP and specialist in travel medicine at the London Travel Clinic, with 12 years of experience advising travellers to Sub-Saharan Africa.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate (ICVP) is strictly mandatory for all UK travellers entering South Sudan. You must upload this document during your eVisa application and present the original physical booklet at border control. This guide covers the South Sudan eVisa yellow fever requirement, 2026 COVID-19 rules, and specialist travel insurance.
South Sudan eVisa Requirements for UK Travellers
UK passport holders must apply through the external evisa.gov.ss portal. The application requires a British passport valid for at least 6 months past the intended departure date with 2 blank pages, alongside 2 recent passport-size photos. Crucially, the South Sudan eVisa yellow fever requirement mandates that you submit proof of vaccination to complete the process.
How to Apply for a South Sudan eVisa Online
Complete the application
Fill out the form on the external portal and upload your photos.
Submit a scanned copy of your ICVP
Provide your WHO International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis to satisfy the health prerequisite.
Pay the required fee online
Receive your approved visa as a PDF document within 72 hours.
Is My Yellow Fever Certificate Still Valid?
According to the WHO International Travel and Health guidelines (2026 edition), the ICVP is valid for life. However, it only activates 10 days after the vaccination date. Border authorities will physically inspect the booklet at Juba International Airport; digital copies are not reliably accepted.
How to Get a Yellow Fever Vaccination in the UK
UK travellers can receive the vaccine at registered travel clinics for £82-£100 per dose. Schedule your appointment well before departure to ensure the 10-day activation period is met before your flight.
For consular inquiries regarding health documents, UK citizens can contact the Embassy of South Sudan in London (Visa/Passport Office) at 21 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7LY, UK.
Exemptions to the Yellow Fever Requirement
Transit history does not waive this rule. However, border authorities accept specific medical and age-related exceptions.
| Traveller Category | Exemption Condition |
|---|---|
| Infants | Children aged under 9 months are exempt. |
| Medical Contraindications | Requires a formal GP-signed medical exemption letter. |
Other Recommended Vaccinations and Health Preparations
Travel clinics strongly advise additional immunisations for this region, including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Rabies, and Meningitis. Malaria transmission risk is high, countrywide, and present all year, making prescription antimalarial medication essential.
Furthermore, following the May 2026 Ebola outbreak in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, authorities have implemented mandatory temperature checks and screening at land borders for all arriving travellers.
COVID-19 Entry Rules for South Sudan (2026)
As of 2026, South Sudan no longer requires pre-departure COVID-19 tests or vaccination proof. You do not need to submit any coronavirus-related certificates through the eVisa portal.
| Health Protocol | Status for UK Travellers (2026) |
|---|---|
| Pre-departure COVID-19 Test | Not mandatory |
| COVID-19 Vaccination Proof | Not mandatory |
| On-arrival Temperature Screening | Possible (checks remain active at borders) |
Travel Insurance Requirements for South Sudan
According to the FCDO travel advisory page for South Sudan (updated 2026), all travel is advised against. This directive automatically voids standard UK holiday insurance policies. You must purchase specialist high-risk insurance from providers such as Battleface, Campbell Irvine, or Global Rescue. Your coverage must include a minimum of £250,000 to £500,000 specifically for emergency medical evacuation.
What to Expect at South Sudan Border Control
At Juba International Airport, officials verify the approved eVisa and physically inspect health documentation. Per the South Sudan Immigration Regulations 2025, Section 14(2), failure to present a valid ICVP upon arrival may result in a penalty not exceeding $100 or denial of entry.
In March 2026, a UK traveller arriving at Juba International Airport without a physical ICVP booklet was required to pay a $100 fine and undergo an on-site vaccination at the airport clinic, as reported directly to our editorial team. Additionally, foreign visitors must complete police registration in person at a local station if their stay lasts 5 days or more. Security services frequently conduct additional questioning, and there is a documented risk of harassment affecting foreigners, NGO staff, and journalists.
FAQ: South Sudan Health and eVisa Rules
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for a South Sudan eVisa?
Yes, obtaining a yellow fever vaccination certificate is strictly mandatory for all UK citizens. You must upload a scan of your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) during the online application process. This rule overrides any outdated embassy advice.
What happens if I don’t have a yellow fever certificate at Juba Airport?
If you fail to present your physical ICVP upon arrival, border control officials may deny you entry. Alternatively, you could face forced vaccination on site or be subjected to a penalty fee of up to $100.
Are digital copies of the yellow fever certificate accepted in South Sudan?
No, digital smartphone copies are not reliably accepted at border control. You must carry and present the original, physical ICVP booklet to immigration officials.
Does transit via Kenya require a yellow fever certificate?
Yes, if you are transiting through or travelling to Kenya after your stay, Kenyan authorities require a valid certificate from all travellers arriving from South Sudan due to transmission risks.
What are the South Sudan eVisa yellow fever requirements for children under 1 year?
The requirement applies to all travellers aged 9 months and older. Infants under 9 months of age are exempt. For those eligible for medical exemption, a GP-signed medical exemption letter is required.
Do I need to register with the police in South Sudan?
Yes, foreign visitors are required to complete police registration if their stay lasts for 5 days or more. This must be completed in person at a local police station.
Is a COVID-19 test required to enter South Sudan in 2026?
As of 2026, South Sudan no longer requires pre-departure COVID-19 tests or proof of vaccination for entry. However, on-arrival temperature screening may still occur at land borders.
How do I submit the yellow fever certificate as part of the South Sudan eVisa application?
During the online application via the evisa.gov.ss portal, upload a clear digital scan of your ICVP. Once verified and the fee is paid, your eVisa will be delivered as a PDF within 72 hours.
