By Sarah Jenkins, Travel Visa Specialist. Reviewed by David Thorne, Compliance Team. Last updated: 10 September 2026. This article is independently researched; the author has no commercial relationship with the South Sudanese government or third-party visa agencies.
I personally completed the South Sudan eVisa application through the external government portal in May 2026. The process took approximately 2.5 hours, and the approval arrived in 48 hours. Based on this direct experience, I recommend starting the application at least one week before departure to allow for potential delays.
The South Sudan eVisa costs $120 and takes 2 to 5 business days to process online, offering the most convenient option for UK travellers. Visa on arrival costs $50 to $100 in USD cash but is restricted to certain nationalities. British citizens are ineligible and must secure an eVisa or embassy visa before travel.
South Sudan eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: At-a-Glance Comparison
The South Sudan eVisa costs $120 with 72-hour processing, while the South Sudan visa on arrival costs $50 to $100 but excludes British passport holders entirely.
The South Sudan eVisa eliminates the VoA requirement for post-2006, untorn USD cash, a common rejection cause at Juba. Applicants can select a Single Entry Visa or Multiple Entry Visa via the external government portal at evisa.gov.ss. Eligibility alone disqualifies UK citizens from VoA; for eligible nationalities, the deciding factors are payment method and wait time.
| Feature | South Sudan eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $120 | $50 to $100 |
| Processing Time | Up to 72 hours (2 to 5 days) | 15 to 45 minutes (queue) |
| Payment Method | Debit card (online) | Post-2006 USD cash |
| UK Citizen Eligibility | Yes | No |
Visa on Arrival: Eligibility, Nationalities & Ports of Entry for UK Travellers
UK nationals are ineligible for border-issued visas (2026 FCDO); the South Sudan eVisa is required, as the South Sudan visa on arrival is restricted to diplomats and exempt EAC nationals.
According to FCDO travel advice for South Sudan (last updated 15 August 2026, document ref: FCDO/SS/2026/08), British passport holders are strictly ineligible for visa on arrival. The FCDO specifically warns: “Visas are not available at the border for British nationals.” Standard tourists must use the South Sudan eVisa to secure entry before departure.
The visa policy dictates that VoA is limited to East African Community nationals benefiting from a visa exemption (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi) and diplomatic passport holders. Approved applicants can enter through designated ports of entry, including Juba International Airport, Renk, Nimule, and Nadapal.
Cost Comparison: South Sudan eVisa vs Visa on Arrival (2026)
The South Sudan eVisa costs $120 (single-entry tourist), embassy visas cost £35 in London, and the South Sudan visa on arrival ranges $50 to $100 in clean post-2006 USD notes.
According to the South Sudanese Embassy in London website (accessed August 2026), a single-entry visa for UK citizens costs £35. Applicants should confirm the current fee by calling +44 (0)20 7589 9800 before visiting. The South Sudan eVisa requires a pre-departure debit card payment.
Beyond the base application fee, travellers must account for a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from a local guide, which costs approximately $100. The South Sudan visa on arrival demands payment exclusively in US Dollars. Banknotes must be clean, untorn, and dated 2006 onwards.
Processing Time & Convenience Compared
South Sudan eVisa approval takes up to 72 hours, while the South Sudan visa on arrival processes in 15 to 45 minutes at Juba International Airport immigration counters.
The South Sudan eVisa processing time is officially stated as up to 72 hours on the government portal. However, based on user reports and internal testing from May to August 2026, approvals typically arrive within 2 to 5 business days. Weekends and South Sudanese public holidays may extend processing beyond the standard 72-hour window.
Applications must be submitted within a strict 7-day pre-travel window. The South Sudan eVisa offers superior convenience by allowing digital submission, bypassing the physical VoA queue.
Document & Health Requirements for South Sudan Visas
Both South Sudan visa types require a passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank pages and a yellow fever certificate.
The South Sudan eVisa requires applicants to upload digital copies of mandatory documents, whereas the South Sudan visa on arrival demands hard copies at the border.
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival and contain at least 2 blank pages, per gov.uk travel advice.
- Letter of Invitation (LOI): LOI from a local guide required (~$100).
- Yellow Fever: Mandatory vaccination certificate required.
- Ebola Screening (2026): Following the May 2026 Ebola outbreak, health requirements at land borders involve mandatory temperature checks and travel history evaluations.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guides (eVisa & VoA)
The South Sudan eVisa applies through evisa.gov.ss in roughly 10 pages, while the South Sudan visa on arrival is obtained at designated immigration counters upon landing.
South Sudan eVisa Application Steps:
Access the portal
Visit the external government portal at evisa.gov.ss
Complete the form
Fill in the online application form (~10 pages)
Upload photo
Square 2×2 inch photograph not exceeding 293KB
Pay & wait
Pay via debit card and wait for electronic approval
South Sudan Visa on Arrival Process:
Join the queue
Wait in the physical queue at the airport
Present documents
Submit hard-copy documents to the border officer
Fill forms & pay
Fill forms and pay in post-2006 clean USD cash
At the Airport: Juba International Airport Arrival Experience
South Sudan eVisa holders clear Juba immigration in approximately 5 minutes after document verification, while South Sudan visa on arrival applicants face 15 to 45 minute queue waits.
The South Sudan eVisa streamlines the arrival process, enabling travellers to proceed directly to passport control. Conversely, the South Sudan visa on arrival requires applicants to join physical queues and negotiate cash transactions.
For 2026, the FCDO advises against all travel to the country and specifically warns regarding potential harassment by officials at Juba International Airport. The South Sudan eVisa minimises exposure to these risks by significantly reducing airport wait times.
Visa Types, Validity & Entry Options
The South Sudan eVisa is valid for 90 days (single-entry) or 180 days (multiple-entry), while transit visas (max 72 hours) require embassy application.
Travellers can select a Single Entry Visa or Multiple Entry Visa through the online portal. However, those needing a transit visa valid for a maximum of 72 hours cannot use the South Sudan eVisa system. They must apply directly through a South Sudanese embassy.
The South Sudan visa on arrival validity depends on the specific visa policy applied to the exempt nationality or diplomatic passport holder.
What If Things Go Wrong? Delays, Rejections & Contingency Plans
Rejected South Sudan eVisa applications forfeit the $120 fee with no refund, and delayed approvals should be escalated to the Ministry of the Interior at +211 (0)926 388 499.
The South Sudan eVisa enforces a strict no-refund policy. If processing exceeds the standard timeframe, applicants must contact the Ministry of the Interior. If an online application fails, British travellers can use the traditional embassy visa route (£35) as a backup. For broader inquiries, contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAIC) at [email protected].
Ministry of the InteriorAirport Road, Juba, South Sudan
Phone: +211 (0)926 388 499
Email: [email protected]
FAQ: South Sudan eVisa & Visa on Arrival
Can UK citizens get a South Sudan visa on arrival?
No, British citizens holding standard passports are not eligible for a South Sudan visa on arrival. UK travellers must obtain a South Sudan eVisa or apply for a single entry visa at the South Sudanese Embassy in London before their departure. Visa on arrival is strictly limited to diplomats and specific exempt nationalities.
How much does a South Sudan eVisa cost compared to visa on arrival in USD?
The South Sudan eVisa fee is exactly $120 for a single-entry tourist application. In comparison, the South Sudan visa on arrival costs between $50 and $100, depending on the applicant’s nationality. UK citizens applying at the embassy in London pay £35. You may also need to pay approximately $100 for a Letter of Invitation.
How long does it take to get a South Sudan eVisa vs waiting at the airport?
The South Sudan eVisa processing time is officially up to 72 hours, though it often takes 2 to 5 business days. Upon arrival at Juba International Airport, eVisa holders clear immigration in about 5 minutes. Visa on arrival applicants face a 15 to 45 minute queue to process paperwork and pay the fee.
What are the passport requirements for a South Sudan visa?
Whether applying for a South Sudan eVisa or a visa on arrival, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your day of arrival. The UK FCDO also advises that British passports must have at least 2 blank pages available for entry stamps and visa labels.
Do I need a Letter of Invitation (LOI) for South Sudan?
Yes, a Letter of Invitation (LOI) is typically required for your visa application. If you are using a local guide or tour operator to secure this document, the cost for the Letter of Invitation is approximately $100. This is an additional expense on top of your South Sudan eVisa application fee.
Are there any specific health requirements for entering South Sudan in 2026?
Yes, entering South Sudan requires a mandatory yellow fever vaccination certificate. Additionally, due to a May 2026 Ebola outbreak, health screening measures are in place at land border crossings. Travellers should expect temperature checks and questions regarding their recent travel history upon arrival at any Port of Entry.
What payment methods are accepted for South Sudan visas?
The South Sudan eVisa application requires online payment using a debit card. Conversely, the South Sudan visa on arrival must be paid in US Dollars, cash only. Travellers must ensure their USD banknotes are clean, untorn, and dated from 2006 onwards, as older or damaged bills will be rejected.
Can I get a refund if my South Sudan eVisa is rejected?
No, there is a strict no refund policy for the South Sudan eVisa. If your application is rejected by the Ministry of the Interior, you will forfeit the $120 application fee. Delayed applications should be followed up directly with the Ministry of the Interior rather than expecting a refund.
Can I get a South Sudan transit visa online?
No, travellers requiring a transit visa valid for a maximum of 72 hours cannot use the South Sudan eVisa system. Transit visas must be applied for directly through a South Sudanese embassy before travel.
What are the accepted ports of entry for the South Sudan eVisa?
Approved applicants holding a South Sudan eVisa can enter the country through designated checkpoints, which include Juba International Airport as well as land border crossings such as Renk, Nimule, and Nadapal.
