South Sudan
South Sudan visa guide: eVisa, embassy visas, residence and asylum
- 4 visa types
- checked 25 October 2026
How visas for South Sudan work
South Sudan's visas are issued by the Department of E-Visa and Immigration Service of the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration, part of the South Sudan National Police under the Ministry of Interior. The main channel is the official portal evisa.gov.ss: create an account, pay by card and download the PDF eVisa within 72 hours, then have it verified and stamped at the port of entry. An eVisa Renewal service runs on the same eServices system.
South Sudanese embassies still issue paper visas. The Washington and Kampala embassies charge USD 100 for most African, Asian and European passports and USD 160 for US passports and ask for an invitation or organisation letter; Washington currently says online applications are suspended at its level. Longer stays fall under the Passports and Immigration Act, 2011, which sets temporary, ordinary and special residence permits.
People fleeing war or persecution can seek asylum after arriving, with registration by the Commission for Refugee Affairs and UNHCR. Because of the security situation in several areas, consult official security information before planning a trip.
Which visa do I need?
Short visit, business trip or work assignment: the eVisa on evisa.gov.ss, or an embassy visa where your embassy issues one.
Already in South Sudan and need more time: eVisa Renewal or an extension request to the Directorate before expiry.
Living in South Sudan: a temporary, ordinary or special residence permit from the Directorate.
Fleeing war or persecution: asylum registration with the CRA and UNHCR after arrival.
Visa types for South Sudan
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Entry visa issued by a South Sudanese embassy
Besides the eVisa, South Sudanese embassies issue entry visas on paper applications.
Maximum stay: London lists one-month single-entry and three-month multiple-entry visas
Residence
- Residence permit Residence permits under the Passports and Immigration Act, 2011 (special, ordinary and temporary)
The Passports and Immigration Act, 2011 sets three residence permits for foreigners, granted by the Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Immigration: temporary permits renewable for up to twelve months at a time, ordinary permits renewable for two years and special permits renewable for five years.
Validity: Temporary: up to 12 months; ordinary: 2 years; special: 5 years, each renewable
Online travel permits
- e-Visa South Sudan eVisa
South Sudan's eVisa is applied for on the Ministry of Interior's portal evisa.gov.ss.
Processing time: PDF visa downloadable within 72 hours
Asylum and international protection
- Asylum and international protection Asylum and refugee status (Refugee Act, 2012)
South Sudan grants asylum to people who reach its territory fleeing war and persecution, under the Refugee Act, 2012.
Validity: Asylum-seeker ID valid one year; refugee ID valid three years
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for a South Sudan visa?
Online on evisa.gov.ss, the Ministry of Interior's official eVisa portal, or at a South Sudanese embassy that issues visas.
How long does the eVisa take?
The portal states that the PDF eVisa can be downloaded within 72 hours.
How much does a South Sudan visa cost?
The eVisa portal shows the fee during the application. Washington and Kampala charge USD 100 for most passports and USD 160 for US passports.
What happens at the border?
The visa officer verifies the eVisa and travel documents and stamps the passport.
Can foreigners live in South Sudan long term?
Yes, with a temporary, ordinary or special residence permit under the Passports and Immigration Act, 2011.
Embassies and consulates
Last checked 25 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.