South Sudan Added to U.S. “Do Not Travel” List: Implications for…

The U.S. Department of State has added South Sudan to its “Do Not Travel” list due to escalating violence and crime. This advisory severely impacts South Sudan’s tourism sector, which already struggles with political instability. The advisory warns of significant risks, effectively eliminating the country as a viable travel destination and potentially affecting other nations on the list.

The United States Department of State has recently categorized South Sudan as a high-risk destination, placing it on the “Do Not Travel” list alongside nations such as Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, Libya, Ukraine, the Central African Republic, and Haiti. This designation is due to the worsening violence, armed conflict, and prevalent crime, which collectively diminish South Sudan’s attractiveness as a travel destination, significantly impacting its fragile tourism sector.

This advisory arrives within a broader context of escalating global instability characterized by increased conflicts, kidnappings, and terrorism, which severely disrupt travel and tourism across numerous regions. Although these advisories are fundamentally rooted in security concerns, they bear profound implications for the tourism sector and local economies.

South Sudan has been plagued by political instability and ethnic violence for years. The recent order issued on March 8, 2025, mandating the departure of non-emergency personnel further underscores the declining security situation.

The advisory highlights severe threats, including violent crimes such as carjackings, shootings, armed robberies, and kidnappings. With armed groups operating freely and firearms readily available to civilians, the risks posed to travelers, particularly foreign nationals, escalate dramatically.

This deteriorating circumstance has rendered South Sudan devoid of any substantial tourism prospects. Although the nation possesses potential for wildlife tourism and cultural experiences, the present advisory renders any recovery through tourism implausible.

Tour operators focusing on adventure or wildlife tourism in South Sudan can anticipate a sharp decline in bookings. Moreover, airlines may scale back or entirely halt flights to the region, compounding travel difficulties.

Businesses affiliated with tourism, including hotels, tour guides, and transport services, are likely to face significant operational challenges. Notably, foreign investors tend to steer clear of destinations classified under the “Do Not Travel” list, stalling prospective tourism development projects.

Typically, visitors to South Sudan include aid workers, journalists, and business professionals. However, the latest advisory warns that even these groups face heightened risks of violence and kidnappings, potentially leading to a reduction or cessation of operations in the area.

Now, South Sudan joins a growing number of nations facing stringent travel advisories from the U.S., each with unique and severe risks that have crippled tourism and economic activities.

Yemen remains a particularly perilous environment due to ongoing terrorism, civil strife, and kidnapping incidents, compounded by the closure of the U.S. Embassy in Sana’a since 2015. Similarly, Venezuela grapples with extreme crime levels and has not offered diplomatic assistance to American travelers since the closure of its U.S. Embassy in 2019.

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s hostile stance towards U.S. travelers has been tightening, further dissuading tourism amid limited consular support and increased risk of arbitrary detentions. Libya continues to teeter on instability, while significant hazards remain for travelers in Ukraine due to ongoing military attacks.

The Central African Republic has experienced persistent armed conflict, leading to control by various armed groups and heightened violence. Haiti now faces escalating chaos, with rampant crime and political instability affecting safety for all travelers.

The rising number of countries within the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list mirrors a deteriorating global security landscape, indicating key trends related to safety and tourism viability.

As South Sudan joins the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list, the global tourism sector endures yet another challenge amidst increasing conflict and political unrest. Stakeholders within the tourism industry are urged to reassess their strategies, recognizing the profound implications of these travel advisories on their operations.

In conclusion, the U.S. Department of State’s decision to include South Sudan on the “Do Not Travel” list underscores the extensive risks posed by conflict and crime, adversely affecting tourism and local economies. As travel advisories continue to expand, the tourism sector must confront the reality of diminished access to formerly viable destinations, compelling travelers and businesses to adapt to an increasingly volatile global landscape.

Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com