Which countries offer visa-free access to South Sudan passport holders?

South Sudanese citizens can travel visa-free to 18 countries including: Benin, Botswana, Barbados, Dominica, Ghana, The Gambia, Haiti, Kenya, Malaysia, Micronesia, Palestinian Territory, Rwanda, Singapore, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Tanzania, Uganda, and Cook Islands. Most visa-free stays range from 30 to 90 days depending on the destination.

Do South Sudanese citizens need a visa for the United States, UK, or Canada?

Yes, South Sudanese passport holders require a visa to enter the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. All three countries are classified as visa-required destinations. Applicants must apply through the respective embassy or consulate, provide supporting documents (invitation letters, financial proof, travel itinerary), attend interviews, and allow several weeks for processing.

Can South Sudan passport holders get a visa on arrival in Dubai (UAE)?

No, South Sudanese passport holders cannot obtain a visa on arrival in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Dubai. The UAE requires South Sudanese citizens to obtain a visa in advance through an embassy, sponsor, or approved visa service. E-visa options may be available through UAE-based sponsors or hotels, but not as a standard visa-on-arrival facility.

What documents are required to apply for a South Sudan passport?

To apply for a South Sudan passport, applicants typically need: a completed application form, birth certificate or national ID, citizenship certificate, four recent passport-sized photographs, proof of residency, and payment of the applicable fee. First-time applicants may need additional documents such as parental consent (for minors) or marriage certificates. Applications are processed through the Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Immigration in Juba or South Sudanese embassies abroad.

How long does it take to renew a South Sudan passport?

Passport renewal processing times in South Sudan vary significantly. Within South Sudan, renewal can take 2-6 weeks depending on the workload at immigration offices in Juba. At South Sudanese embassies abroad, processing may take 1-3 months due to limited resources and the need to coordinate with Juba. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of travel and check with their nearest embassy for current processing times.

Is military service mandatory for South Sudanese passport holders?

While South Sudan does not currently enforce universal mandatory military conscription for all citizens, the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) has historically recruited citizens, and military service obligations may apply in certain circumstances. Males of military age may face restrictions on travel or passport issuance without clearance certificates. Specific requirements vary and citizens should verify their status with immigration authorities before international travel.

Can South Sudanese citizens apply for e-visas to visit African countries?

Yes, South Sudanese passport holders can apply for e-visas to several African countries including: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea, Nigeria, Togo, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, and Democratic Republic of Congo. Additionally, countries like Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Egypt offer visa-on-arrival options. Rwanda and Kenya offer visa-free access, while Tanzania provides visa-free entry as an East African Community member state.

Why did South Sudan's passport ranking drop from 94th to 97th in 2025?

South Sudan's Henley Passport Index ranking dropped from 94th (with 46 visa-free destinations) in 2024 to 97th (with 43 visa-free destinations) in 2025, losing access to 3 destinations. This decline reflects changing visa policies by other countries, diplomatic relations, security concerns, and reciprocity agreements. The passport's power has fluctuated since South Sudan's independence in 2011, with rankings varying between 87th and 104th over the past decade.

Can South Sudanese passport holders transit through European airports without a visa?

South Sudanese passport holders generally require an airport transit visa (Type A visa) to transit through most Schengen Area airports, even without leaving the international zone. Countries like France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands typically require transit visas for South Sudanese citizens. However, if holding a valid visa for the final destination (US, UK, Canada) or certain residence permits, transit may be permitted. Always verify specific transit requirements with the airline and destination country embassy before travel.

South Sudan Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 43 Countries

The South Sudan passport ranks 97th globally in 2025, granting visa-free access to 43 destinations worldwide. As one of the world's newer passports, issued since South Sudan's independence in 2011, it offers limited travel mobility compared to more established nations. South Sudanese citizens typically require visas for most international travel, though the passport provides access to select African nations and a handful of other countries. The ranking has fluctuated between 86th and 104th place over the past decade, reflecting the young nation's evolving diplomatic relationships and international standing.

Global Rank

#97

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for South Sudan passport

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

153

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for South Sudanese Citizens

Popular destinations where South Sudan passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Kenya	Up to 90 days	KE
Ethiopia	Up to 90 days	ET
Uganda	Up to 90 days	UG
Rwanda	Up to 90 days	RW
Philippines	Up to 30 days	PH

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for South Sudan passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

18 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

22 countries

🔐 ETA Required

3 countries

Sri Lanka
Seychelles
St. Kitts and Nevis

💻 E-Visa

31 countries

❌ Visa Required

153 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

South Sudan's passport ranking progression from 2008 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 11 positions from 2008 to 2025

Official South Sudan Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - South Sudan

🔗

Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Immigration - South Sudan

Compare South Sudan Passport with Other Passports

See how South Sudan's passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
South Sudan (You are here)	#97	43	12/100	18/100
Equatorial Guinea	#87	55	12/100	13/100
Guinea	#87	55	28/100	13/100
Mali	#88	54	42/100	51/100
Guinea-Bissau	#89	53	28/100	58/100
Comoro Islands	#89	53	42/100	18/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, South Sudanese passport holders can visit 43 countries and territories without a prior visa. This includes 18 visa-free destinations (such as Kenya, Singapore, Malaysia, Rwanda, and Benin), 21 visa-on-arrival destinations (including Ethiopia, Egypt, Cambodia, and Maldives), and 3 electronic travel authorization destinations (Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and St. Kitts and Nevis). South Sudan ranks 97th globally on the Henley Passport Index.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover South Sudan's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

South Sudan Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 43 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 30 days

Historical Ranking Trend

South Sudan's passport ranking progression from 2008 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 11 positions from 2008 to 2025

Compare South Sudan Passport with Other Passports

See how South Sudan's passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
South Sudan (You are here)	#97	43	12/100	18/100
Equatorial Guinea	#87	55	12/100	13/100
Guinea	#87	55	28/100	13/100
Mali	#88	54	42/100	51/100
Guinea-Bissau	#89	53	28/100	58/100
Comoro Islands	#89	53	42/100	18/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for South Sudan passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for South Sudanese Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

South Sudan's passport ranking progression from 2008 to 2025

Official South Sudan Passport & Travel Resources

Compare South Sudan Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can South Sudanese passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Which countries offer visa-free access to South Sudan passport holders?

Do South Sudanese citizens need a visa for the United States, UK, or Canada?

Can South Sudan passport holders get a visa on arrival in Dubai (UAE)?

What documents are required to apply for a South Sudan passport?

How long does it take to renew a South Sudan passport?

Is military service mandatory for South Sudanese passport holders?

Can South Sudanese citizens apply for e-visas to visit African countries?

Why did South Sudan's passport ranking drop from 94th to 97th in 2025?

Can South Sudanese passport holders transit through European airports without a visa?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for South Sudan passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for South Sudanese Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

South Sudan's passport ranking progression from 2008 to 2025

Official South Sudan Passport & Travel Resources

Compare South Sudan Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can South Sudanese passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Which countries offer visa-free access to South Sudan passport holders?

Do South Sudanese citizens need a visa for the United States, UK, or Canada?

Can South Sudan passport holders get a visa on arrival in Dubai (UAE)?

What documents are required to apply for a South Sudan passport?

How long does it take to renew a South Sudan passport?

Is military service mandatory for South Sudanese passport holders?

Can South Sudanese citizens apply for e-visas to visit African countries?

Why did South Sudan's passport ranking drop from 94th to 97th in 2025?

Can South Sudanese passport holders transit through European airports without a visa?

Explore More Passport Rankings