Travelling to South Sudan

The Republic of South Sudan is located in northeastern Africa, bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic.

The country is currently unstable, with violent crime prevalent, making travel unsafe. But, once travellers are able to safely visit, they will be able to enjoy a wealth of national parks packed with different animals, as well as meet a wide variety of tribal groups, each with their own customs and traditions.

Yellow fever vaccination

Yellow fever vaccination is required for arriving travelers from all countries if traveler is ≥1 year of age.

Hepatitis A vaccine

This vaccine is recommended because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water , regardless of where you are eating or staying.

Antimalarials

You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria.

Tetanus vaccine

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water . This vaccine is recommended for most travellers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

Meningitis

This vaccine is recommended if you plan to visit parts of  East African Counties  located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common.

Stay Healthy and Safe

Eat and drink safely

Sudanese cuisine has also been influenced by its history and geographic location close to the Middle East, demonstrated by food being contained an ingredient list that includes cardamom, cinnamon, green peppers and apricots.

Eat

  • Food of your choice either raw or cooked
  • Fruits and vegetables, you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
  • Pasteurized dairy products

Don't Eat

  • Food which is not well prepared
  • Eat food without washing hands
  • Unwashed or unpeeled fruits or vegetables

Drink

  • Bottled water that is sealed
  • Water that has been disinfected
  • Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Hot coffee or tea
  • Pasteurized milk

Don’t Drink

  • Water which has not been boiled or disinfected
  • Unpasteurized milk

Take Medicine

Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen. Protect yourself;

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while travelling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise;

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call South Sudan embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available on their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

Malaria is a risk in South Sudan. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills.

South Sudan: Officially known as the Republic of South Sudan, is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa. The country gained its independence from Sudan in 2011, making it the newest country with widespread recognition. Its capital and largest city is Juba. South Sudan is bordered by Sudan to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya to the southeast, Uganda to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the southwest and the Central African Republic to the west. South Sudan is the newest member of the East African Community, it is also referred to as the youngest nation in Africa after gaining independence on 9 July 2011.

Joined EAC: April 2016