South Sudan introduced its electronic visa (eVisa) system to simplify entry for international travelers. Whether you are visiting for tourism, business, or transit, the eVisa allows you to apply and receive approval entirely online before departure. This guide covers everything you need to know about the South Sudan eVisa — from eligibility and costs to the step-by-step application process.
The official portal for the South Sudan eVisa is evisa.gov.ss, operated by the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration under the Ministry of Interior.
South Sudan eVisa at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official eVisa website | evisa.gov.ss |
| Issuing authority | Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration (Ministry of Interior) |
| Visa types and fees | Single entry, 3 months: USD 100 · Multiple entry, 3 months: USD 200 · Multiple entry, 6 months: USD 350 |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days per visit (tourism or business) |
| Processing time | Usually 3 to 7 working days |
| Earliest application date | The portal does not accept applications more than 7 days before your entry date |
| No visa needed | Citizens of Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda |
| Visa on arrival | Citizens of Burundi and Rwanda; diplomatic, official and service passport holders |
| Key documents | Passport valid 6 months with 6 blank pages, 2×2 in photo, passport scan, yellow fever certificate, letter of invitation if requested |
| Upload limit | 293 KB per file |
| Ports of entry | Juba International Airport (JUB); land borders at Nadapal, Kaya, Nimule, Majok Nyin Thiou and Renk |
South Sudan or Sudan? The Republic of South Sudan and Sudan are separate countries with separate visa systems. This guide covers only the South Sudan eVisa issued through evisa.gov.ss. This website is an independent information guide and is not the official government portal.
What Is the South Sudan eVisa?
The South Sudan eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that permits foreign nationals to enter the Republic of South Sudan. Instead of visiting an embassy or consulate in person, applicants can complete the entire process online — from form submission to payment to receiving a downloadable PDF visa.
The eVisa is available for:
- Single entry — valid for 3 months, costs USD 100
- Multiple entry (3 months) — costs USD 200
- Multiple entry (6 months) — costs USD 350
All eVisas permit a maximum stay of up to 90 days per visit for tourism or business purposes.
Who Needs a South Sudan eVisa?
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter South Sudan. However, there are exceptions:
Which countries do not need a visa to visit South Sudan?
Citizens of the following 4 countries do not need a visa to visit South Sudan:
- Egypt
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Who can get a visa on arrival in South Sudan?
Citizens of these countries can obtain a visa on arrival:
- Burundi
- Rwanda
Additionally, holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports from any country can obtain a visa on arrival.
For all other nationalities, the eVisa is the standard entry document required before traveling to South Sudan. See the full list of South Sudan eVisa eligible countries.
South Sudan eVisa Fees
The cost of a South Sudan eVisa depends on the type of visa you need:
| Visa Type | Validity | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | 3 months | 100 |
| Multiple Entry | 3 months | 200 |
| Multiple Entry | 6 months | 350 |
Payment is made online via credit or debit card during the application process. Note that some applicants have reported a small processing fee on top of the base visa cost (approximately $126 total for a single-entry visa, as reported by travelers on TripAdvisor). All costs are explained in our South Sudan eVisa fees guide.
Required Documents
To apply for a South Sudan eVisa, you will need:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your date of entry
- A passport-sized photograph (2×2 inches / 5×5 cm)
- A scanned copy of your passport information page
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate
- A letter of invitation (may be required — see below)
The complete document checklist is in our South Sudan eVisa requirements guide.
Do I need a letter of invitation for the South Sudan eVisa?
The letter of invitation (LOI) requirement is inconsistent. Some applicants report receiving their eVisa without one, while others are asked to submit one after applying. If you are visiting for tourism, you can often obtain a free LOI from your hotel in Juba. Business travelers typically need one from their host organization in South Sudan. Have one ready to avoid delays.
What is the file size limit for eVisa document uploads?
All uploaded documents must be no larger than 293 KB. This can be challenging for JPG images. Use an image editor to compress files before uploading, or convert them to PDF format where possible.
How to Apply for the South Sudan eVisa
The application process follows three simple steps:
- Create an account at evisa.gov.ss and fill out the online application form
- Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card
- Download your eVisa as a PDF once approved (typically within 72 hours)
For a detailed walkthrough of each step, see our guide on how to apply for a South Sudan eVisa.
South Sudan Visa Application Form: Online Only, No PDF
There is no separate paper or PDF application form to download for the South Sudan eVisa. The application form is filled in online at evisa.gov.ss after you create an account. It runs to about 10 pages and covers:
- personal and passport details,
- travel information (purpose of visit, entry date, port of entry, accommodation),
- contact details and an emergency contact,
- document uploads (each file under 293 KB).
Completing the form takes about 20 to 30 minutes, plus time to prepare and compress your documents. The only PDF in the process is the approved eVisa itself, which you download from your account and print in color. Each step is described in our South Sudan eVisa application guide.
South Sudan eVisa Processing Time
Processing times vary, but most applicants can expect:
- Online application review: 3 to 7 working days
- Approval and PDF download: Within 72 hours after approval
- Embassy processing (if applicable): Minimum 7 working days
Some travelers have reported waiting up to 10 days, particularly if additional documents are requested. Plan ahead and apply at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date.
For more information on processing timelines, see our South Sudan eVisa processing time guide.
Ports of Entry
Holders of a South Sudan eVisa can enter the country through the following routes:
By Air:
- Juba International Airport (JUB)
By Land:
- Nadapal
- Kaya
- Nimule
- Majok Nyin Thiou
- Renk
Important Tips for eVisa Applicants
- Apply within 7 days of entry: The online system will not accept applications submitted more than 7 days before your specified entry date.
- Print your eVisa: Download and print the PDF eVisa in color. Present it to the visa officer at your port of entry.
- Blank passport pages: Ensure you have at least 6 blank pages in your passport. Some travelers have been turned away for insufficient pages.
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
- Currency: South Sudan uses the South Sudanese Pound (SSP), but US dollars are widely accepted. Bring clean, undamaged USD notes dated 2006 or later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for South Sudan?
Yes, US citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to South Sudan. The eVisa is the most convenient option and costs USD 100 for a single-entry visa.
Can I get a visa on arrival instead of an eVisa?
Visa on arrival is only available to citizens of Burundi and Rwanda. All other nationalities must obtain an eVisa before departure.
How long is the South Sudan eVisa valid?
A single-entry eVisa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue and permits a stay of up to 90 days. Multiple-entry visas are available for 3-month or 6-month validity periods.
Why are South Sudan eVisa applications rejected?
Incomplete applications or missing documents are the most common reasons for rejection. Ensure all required documents are uploaded correctly and within the file size limits. If rejected, you can reapply or contact the nearest South Sudanese embassy.
Is the South Sudan eVisa fee refundable?
No, visa fees are non-refundable regardless of whether the application is approved or denied.
Is there a South Sudan visa application form in PDF?
No. The South Sudan eVisa application form is completed online at evisa.gov.ss and there is no separate paper form. Only the approved eVisa is issued as a PDF, which you download and print in color.
What is the official South Sudan eVisa website?
The official portal is evisa.gov.ss, operated by the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration under the Ministry of Interior. This website is an independent guide, not the official portal.
How much does a South Sudan visa cost?
The eVisa costs USD 100 for a single entry (3 months), USD 200 for a multiple entry (3 months) and USD 350 for a multiple entry (6 months). Some applicants report a small processing fee on top of the base fee.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for South Sudan?
Yes. India is not on the visa-free or visa-on-arrival list, so Indian citizens apply for the eVisa online at evisa.gov.ss. The fee is the same as for other nationalities: USD 100 for a single entry.
Do Kenyan citizens need a visa for South Sudan?
No. Kenya is one of the four countries, together with Egypt, Tanzania and Uganda, whose citizens do not need a visa to visit South Sudan. A valid passport is presented at the port of entry.