South Sudan entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Irish passport holders need an eVisa to enter South Sudan. Apply online before you travel — visa-on-arrival is not available for Irish citizens as of 2026. The eVisa is valid for a single entry, and the maximum stay is set at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter South Sudan. Apply through the South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at mfa.gov.ss. Processing takes several business days — apply at least two weeks before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Irish passport needs at least one blank page for entry stamps. South Sudan does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration will check this | South Sudan immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in South Sudan. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged contact. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have cash (USD is widely accepted) or a bank statement showing you can cover your expenses. There is no fixed minimum amount, but around $100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Security situation
South Sudan has a volatile security environment. Check the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs travel advisory before booking. Avoid travel to conflict zones outside Juba.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Immigration may ask for it at the border.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official South Sudan eVisa portal (check the government website for the current link). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $50–$100 USD, depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with the eVisa PDF. Print at least two copies — one to hand over at immigration, one as a backup. Also save a digital copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at Juba International Airport (JUB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival' (even though you have a visa, you'll still go through this queue). Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. Expect a short wait — Juba Airport is small but can be slow.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. There are no additional checks for most travellers. Exit into the arrivals hall where drivers and hotel reps wait.
Download South Sudan Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €90)
Apply online or on arrival; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$200 USD (approx. €180)
For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$250 USD (approx. €225)
Requires invitation letter from South Sudanese company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. €450)
For those with a job offer in South Sudan. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. €180)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Irish passport holders. | $100 USD (approx. €90) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office before departure. | $50 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through South Sudan
No transit visa needed
Irish passport holders transiting through Juba International Airport do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsJuba International Airport (JUB)
Health & vaccines for South Sudan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
CholeraModerate risk
Waterborne; drink only bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Juba
Directorate of Immigration and Passports
Ministry of Interior, Juba
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Malakal
Malakal Immigration Office
Malakal Town
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Limited services; best to handle in Juba.
Practical information for IE travellers
Country basics
CapitalJuba
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencySouth Sudanese pound (SSP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 4,709.67 SSP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,DTypes C and D, with Type C being the standard European two-pin plug and Type D the old British three-pin.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Irish citizens. You must obtain an eVisa before you travel.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Rush processing may be available for an extra fee.
The fee varies by processing speed, usually between $50 and $100 USD. Check the official eVisa portal for the exact amount at the time of application.
Yes, it is officially required for entry. You may be asked for proof of vaccination at the border. Get the vaccine and carry the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination).
Extensions are not available for this eVisa type. You must leave before your permitted stay expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to exit and reapply.
Immigration at Juba Airport may refuse entry or charge a fine. Always carry a printed copy — digital copies on your phone are not always accepted.
South Sudan has ongoing security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, arrange reliable local transport and accommodation in advance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.