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South Sudan travel health
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Overview
South Sudan has a fragile health system with ongoing large-scale outbreaks and frequent disruptions to services and transport. Prepare for high malaria risk across the country, a long-running cholera epidemic with focal transmission in many counties, and recent vaccine-preventable outbreaks (measles, circulating vaccine‑derived poliovirus). Health facilities are limited outside Juba; medical evacuation to regional hubs is commonly required. Carry documentation of routine vaccinations, plan for evacuation/insurance, and seek pre-travel advice tailored to your itinerary and health history.
Entry vaccination certificate (Yellow fever)
The Government of the Republic of South Sudan requires incoming travellers aged 9 months and older to present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis for yellow fever; exceptions apply for those medically ineligible or infants too young. Confirm current entry rules with the Ministry of Health or your nearest South Sudan mission before travel. South Sudan Ministry of Health travel advisory and routine travel guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend yellow fever vaccination for travellers to South Sudan. CDC: South Sudan travel health.
Vaccinations and entry requirements
Separate legal entry requirements from medical recommendations. Get routine and travel‑specific vaccines well before departure; some need multiple doses or time to take effect.
Routine vaccines
Make sure you are up to date with routine immunizations (MMR, diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis, polio, routine childhood vaccines). Low routine coverage and ongoing measles transmission increase the risk to unvaccinated people; children and non‑immune adults should complete recommended schedules before travel. CDC: routine vaccine advice for South Sudan.
Measles
Measles transmission has been reported in South Sudan. All international travellers should be fully immunized with MMR (two doses for most adults/children) or have documented immunity; infants 6–11 months travelling to high‑risk areas may be given an early dose (this does not replace the routine series). Check records and vaccinate before travel. CDC: measles and travel and national surveillance reports showing recent measles activity. WHO AFRO IDSR bulletin (South Sudan).
Yellow fever (vaccine required and recommended)
Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry for travellers aged 9 months and older. Vaccination is also recommended for protection when travelling in areas with transmission. Carry an up‑to‑date International Certificate of Vaccination. Seek vaccination at an approved centre; allow time before travel for the certificate to be valid. Ministry of Health, South Sudan and CDC travel guidance.
Polio
South Sudan has reported detections of circulating vaccine‑derived poliovirus in 2025–2026. Ensure you and your child(ren) are fully vaccinated against polio. Adults who completed their childhood series and who will be working in high‑risk settings or travelling to outbreak areas should consult a clinician about an additional inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) booster. WHO Regional Office for Africa: polio updates and CDC: polio and travel.
Hepatitis A and B, and other recommended vaccines
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for most unvaccinated travellers to South Sudan; hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for those at risk (long stays, medical procedures, sexual exposure). Depending on itinerary and exposures, also consider typhoid and influenza vaccines. Discuss your travel plans with a clinician at least 4–8 weeks before departure. CDC: vaccine recommendations for South Sudan.
Other health risks
Non‑vaccine prevention, insect avoidance, and practical steps are often the most important measures for traveller safety in South Sudan.
Malaria
Malaria risk is high throughout South Sudan, with Plasmodium falciparum the main species. The CDC recommends that all travellers to South Sudan take effective antimalarial prophylaxis and use insect‑bite prevention (long‑lasting insecticide‑treated nets, repellents with DEET/icaridin, protective clothing, sleeping in screened/air‑conditioned rooms). Choose chemoprophylaxis in discussion with your clinician (options include atovaquone‑proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine where appropriate). CDC: malaria guidance for South Sudan.
Cholera, hepatitis E and water‑borne illness
A large cholera outbreak has been ongoing since 2024, and hepatitis E outbreaks have also been reported in multiple counties. Travelers should assume limited safe water and sanitation in many areas: drink bottled or boiled water, avoid raw foods washed in untreated water, practise frequent hand hygiene, and seek prompt care for watery diarrhea (oral rehydration can be lifesaving). Oral cholera vaccination may be considered for people who will work or live in areas with active transmission—discuss with a travel clinician. WHO AFRO: cholera response and South Sudan IDSR weekly bulletin (WHO AFRO).
Mpox and other communicable threats
Clusters of mpox have been reported in 2025–2026 in several counties. Avoid close contact with symptomatic people, practice standard precautions for personal protective measures, and ensure routine vaccinations where indicated. Monitor national surveillance updates for localized risks. WHO AFRO: IDSR bulletin.
Healthcare access, evacuations and medicines
Medical services are limited nationally; emergency care and diagnostics may be unavailable outside Juba. Travelers should have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and repatriation, carry a supply of essential prescription medicines with original labelling, and be prepared to pay for care locally. Verify legal status of prescription drugs before travel. UK FCDO: health and healthcare in South Sudan.
Injury, transport and environmental risks
Roads and emergency response can be poor; road injuries, flooding during rainy season, and limited search‑and‑rescue capacity raise non‑infectious risks. In eastern highlands (near Uganda) altitude sickness can occur above 3,000 m. Plan safe transport, avoid travel at night, and carry adequate first‑aid supplies. FCDO: travel health overview.
Current health alerts
Active or recent events that affect traveller risk—check official updates close to departure.
Cholera (ongoing epidemic)
A protracted cholera outbreak that began in September 2024 has continued into 2026, affecting many counties with periodic focal transmission. Large vaccination and response campaigns have reduced transmission in some areas, but cholera remains a significant public‑health emergency in South Sudan. Avoid unsafe food/water and seek immediate care for severe watery diarrhea. WHO AFRO: cholera response (Feb 2026) and WHO IDSR weekly bulletin (Mar 2026).
Poliovirus detections (cVDPV)
Circulating vaccine‑derived poliovirus (cVDPV) has been detected in 2025–2026, prompting national and cross‑border vaccination campaigns. Ensure polio immunization is up to date; travellers to outbreak or high‑risk areas should seek clinician advice about a booster. WHO AFRO: regional polio update (May 2026).
Measles and vaccine‑preventable outbreaks
Measles cases have continued in 2025–2026 in the context of low routine immunization coverage; travellers should confirm MMR immunity and obtain missing doses. WHO IDSR bulletin (Mar 2026).
Situational note on insecurity and health services
Conflict, floods and displacement continue to disrupt health services and access to care in many areas. This influences outbreak patterns and limits response capacity; follow travel advisories from your government and humanitarian partners. WHO: South Sudan Health Emergency Appeal 2026 and FCDO: South Sudan health advice.
Before you travel
Plan early, vaccinate if indicated, and pack for care in remote settings.
Practical preparation
See a travel‑medicine clinician 4–8 weeks before departure to review vaccinations (yellow fever certificate, MMR, polio, hepatitis A/B, typhoid where appropriate), start malaria prophylaxis, and discuss cholera vaccination only if your itinerary places you at risk. Carry proof of yellow fever vaccination if required, adequate prescription medicines and a travel insurance policy that covers medical evacuation. For country‑level health system limits and safety considerations consult national travel advice. CDC: South Sudan travel health and UK FCDO: South Sudan health.
This information summarizes published public-health guidance. A travel-health professional can advise on your itinerary, medical history and vaccination needs.
