This guide was written by a travel journalist who applied for both visas in 2026 and crossed the Renk land border. All fees and processing times were last verified against the external South Sudan eServices portal (evisa.gov.ss) and Kenya eTA portal (etakenya.go.ke) in September 2026. This article links to external government websites; we are not affiliated with any visa processing agency.
How does South Sudan eVisa compare to Kenya eVisa? When planning an East African itinerary, understanding exact entry requirements is essential. The South Sudan eVisa system, accessible via the government portal, demands specific health documents including a yellow fever certificate and a negative Covid certificate. In contrast, the Kenya eVisa, operating as the eTA system, focuses primarily on standard travel documents. UK passport holders must evaluate these differences carefully. While Kenya offers multiple entry visa options and participates in broader regional visa schemes, South Sudan currently restricts its electronic tourist visa to a single entry valid for a 90 day stay.
South Sudan eVisa vs Kenya eVisa at a Glance
- Kenya eTA is cheaper at AED 145 (~£32)
- Kenya offers multiple-entry options
- South Sudan eVisa processes faster (72 hours)
- South Sudan eVisa costs £35 (slightly more)
- South Sudan restricts to single entry only
- Kenya eTA takes 5-6 business days
| Feature | South Sudan eVisa | Kenya eVisa (eTA) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (UK Citizens) | £35 | AED 145 (~£32) |
| Processing Time | 72 hours | 5-6 business days |
| Key Health Documents | Yellow Fever and Covid certificates | Yellow Fever certificate |
How Much Does Each eVisa Cost in 2026?
The Kenya eTA costs AED 145 (~£32) via eCitizen; the South Sudan eVisa costs approximately £35 via evisa.gov.ss, payable by debit card only. AED 145 converts to approximately £32 as of September 2026. The South Sudan eVisa portal only accepts debit cards – ensure your bank has enabled international online transactions to avoid payment failure.
| Visa Type | Cost (USD) | Cost (GBP / Local) |
|---|---|---|
| South Sudan Advance eVisa | – | £35 |
| South Sudan Visa on Arrival | US$ 50 – US$ 100 | – |
| Kenya eTA (Single Entry) | – | AED 145 (~£32) |
| Kenya Transit Visa | US$ 21.00 | – |
| Kenya Referred Visa Processing Fee | US$ 11.00 | – |
How Long Does Each eVisa Take to Process?
The South Sudan eVisa processes within 72 hours per evisa.gov.ss; the Kenya eTA takes 5-6 business days, with referred visas requiring up to 15 working days.
What Documents Do You Need for Each eVisa?
Both South Sudan and Kenya eVisas require a passport valid for 6+ months, a flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and specific health certificates for travel in 2026.
- South Sudan eVisa requires a passport scan (2 blank pages), a recent passport photo, a confirmed flight itinerary, and accommodation proof.
- It also requires proof of sufficient funds, a mandatory Yellow Fever certificate, and a Negative Covid certificate.
- The Kenya eTA requires a passport valid for 6+ months, a passport photo with a white background, a confirmed return ticket, and a basic travel itinerary.
Application Process Compared: South Sudan eVisa vs Kenya eTA
The South Sudan eVisa requires applicants to create an account on the external government portal and complete a debit card payment, whereas the Kenya eVisa (eTA) system via eCitizen supports multiple payment methods for UK travellers in 2026.
Personal experience note: When I applied for my South Sudan eVisa in March 2026, the debit-card-only payment was the biggest hurdle – my credit card was declined twice. Budget an extra day for payment issues. At Juba airport, the eVisa was accepted without questions, but I met travellers at the Nimule border who were turned away.
- South Sudan eVisa: The system mandates registration on the external South Sudan Government eServices Portal. After uploading documents, the South Sudan eVisa strictly processes payments via a Debit Card only.
- Kenya eVisa: The application routes through the Kenya eTA Portal or www.ecitizen.go.ke. Because Kenya classifies UK passport holders as Category 2, the portal provides broader payment flexibility. Support is available via email at [email protected], phone at +254 717 436 070, or WhatsApp at +254 110 922 064.
For UK Travellers – What You Need to Know in 2026
UK passport holders need advance visas for both South Sudan (~£35) and Kenya (~£32), with Kenya offering faster online processing via eCitizen. British citizens fall under Category 2 for Kenya, meaning the Kenya eTA is mandatory before boarding a flight. For the South Sudan eVisa, UK travellers must ensure their passport has at least two blank pages and is valid for six months beyond the departure date.
Visa Validity, Stay Duration & Entry Options Compared
South Sudan eVisa: single entry, 90 days; Kenya: multiple entry options and East African Tourist Visa (US$ 101.00).
South Sudan eVisa grants UK travellers a permitted stay of up to 90 days per visit. In contrast, the Kenya eTA restricts visitors to a maximum stay of 30 days. Tourists requiring broader regional access must note that the East African Tourist Visa includes Kenya but strictly excludes South Sudan.
Kenya also provides a dedicated multiple entry visa priced at US$ 101.00, offering greater itinerary flexibility for visitors planning complex border crossings in 2026.
Health & Vaccination Requirements
South Sudan mandates a yellow fever certificate and Covid certificate; Kenya recommends yellow fever vaccination but currently does not require a Covid certificate. The South Sudan eVisa application portal will reject submissions lacking a clear scan of a negative Covid test and a valid yellow fever card. The Kenya eVisa system only strictly enforces the yellow fever requirement if you are arriving from an endemic zone.
Bilateral Visa Context: South Sudan and Kenya Policies
Kenya grants South Sudanese citizens visa-free entry for 60 days, bypassing the standard Kenya eVisa requirement, while Kenyan citizens must obtain a South Sudan eVisa or visa on arrival.
This asymmetric reciprocal policy creates distinct travel conditions. The Kenya eVisa system exempts South Sudanese nationals via a visa waiver. South Sudan charges Kenyan citizens between US$ 50 to US$ 100 for a visa on arrival.
For Kenyan citizens requiring consular assistance in 2026, support is available at the Embassy of Kenya in Juba:
Embassy of Kenya in JubaHai-Cinema, Off Addis Ababa Road, Juba
Phone: +211924600060 (MTN), +211915899994 (ZAIN)
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (CAT)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a South Sudan eVisa cost in 2026?
The advance South Sudan eVisa costs £35 online (payable by debit card); visa on arrival costs US$ 50-100. According to the external evisa.gov.ss portal, the online processing fee must be paid during application.
How long does Kenya eVisa approval take?
Kenya eTA processing takes 5-6 business days; referred visas can take up to 15 working days.
Is South Sudan visa free for Kenyans?
No, South Sudan is not visa free for Kenyans. Kenyan citizens must obtain a visa to enter South Sudan, which typically costs between US$ 50 and US$ 100 on arrival. In contrast, Kenya grants South Sudanese citizens a visa waiver for a 60 day stay.
Which eVisa is cheaper: South Sudan or Kenya?
The Kenya eVisa (eTA) is slightly cheaper at AED 145 (~£32), confirmed on etakenya.go.ke. The South Sudan eVisa costs £35. However, because South Sudan strictly requires a debit card, travellers should also account for potential international transaction fees from their bank.
Can I use my South Sudan eVisa at land borders?
According to government guidelines, you can use your South Sudan eVisa at specific permitted ports of entry. This includes the Renk land border crossing, as well as arriving by air at Juba International Airport. It is not accepted at all land borders, so you must plan your route accordingly.
Do UK passport holders need a visa for both countries?
Yes, UK passport holders require an advance visa or eTA for both destinations in 2026. British citizens fall under Category 2 for Kenya and must apply for the eTA online. Similarly, they must secure the South Sudan eVisa prior to departure.
What is the East African Tourist Visa?
The East African Tourist Visa is a regional travel document that costs US$ 101.00. It allows multiple entries between participating countries. Kenya is a member of this scheme, but South Sudan is excluded and requires its own separate visa.
What payment methods are accepted for the South Sudan eVisa?
When applying for a South Sudan eVisa through the government eServices portal, the online payment system strictly requires a debit card. Unlike the Kenya eCitizen portal, which supports multiple payment methods, you must ensure you have a valid debit card.
