The U.S. Department of State has placed South Sudan on its “Do Not Travel” list, due to escalating violence, joining Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, Libya, Ukraine, the CAR, and Haiti. This advisory severely impacts tourism by reducing flights, deterring foreign investment, and disrupting local economies, highlighting the troubling global security situation that makes travel increasingly dangerous.
On March 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of State designated South Sudan as a “Do Not Travel” location, joining several other high-risk nations, including Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, Libya, Ukraine, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Haiti. This travel advisory, prompted by rising violence and conflict, severely impacts South Sudan’s tourism sector, limiting flight availability, travel insurance, and foreign investment, thereby further shrinking the potential for global tourism.
This decision is set against a backdrop of increasing global turmoil, as armed conflict, kidnappings, and threats of terrorism undermine travel and tourism in many regions. Though primarily issued for safety, these advisories trigger significant repercussions for tourism-dependent economies. South Sudan has a history of political instability and violence, leading to the U.S.’s order for the departure of non-emergency personnel on March 8, 2025, indicating a worsening security situation.
The advisory highlights the risk of violent crimes, including carjackings, shootings, armed robberies, and kidnappings, with armed groups operating throughout South Sudan and civilians gaining easy access to weapons. Danger extends to foreign nationals and journalists, who face risks such as harassment or violence due to strict regulations on reporting. Given these severe conditions, any realistic hope for tourism recovery in South Sudan is now unattainable.
Tour operators focused on adventure and wildlife tourism are expected to experience a dramatic decrease in bookings. The likelihood of reduced airline flights compounds the challenges of travel logistics, making it increasingly difficult for tourists to visit.
Business entities linked to tourism, ranging from hotels to transportation services, will face dire consequences. The presence of foreign investors is dwindling, as they typically avoid countries listed on the “Do Not Travel” alert, which stunts future projects aimed at revitalizing tourism in South Sudan.
Traditionally, many travelers to South Sudan have included aid workers and journalists. However, the new advisory indicates that even these groups face heightened risks of violence, leading organizations to reconsider or completely halt operations in the region.
South Sudan’s designation aligns with a growing list of nations under U.S. travel advisories, each facing unique risks that have had a detrimental effect on tourism and business activities. Yemen, plagued by terrorism and civil war, has seen the U.S. Embassy in Sana’a shuttered since 2015, exacerbating the difficulties for potential tourists.
Venezuela, characterized by high crime rates and arbitrary detentions, has not had a U.S. Embassy present since 2019, further complicating matters for travelers. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, U.S. travel advisories have increased due to heightened hostility and arbitrary detentions of American citizens. Meanwhile, Libya suffers from severe instability with rampant crime and terrorism, while Ukraine remains embroiled in conflict, discouraging any form of tourism.
The CAR has grappled with years of conflict, making travel hazardous with limited U.S. assistance available. Lastly, Haiti faces chaos fueled by gangs targeting foreigners and widespread kidnappings, rendering it a perilous destination.
The addition of countries such as South Sudan to the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list underscores a troubling trend of escalating global insecurity. This shift reflects the increasing dangers associated with international travel, compelling the tourism sector to adapt to a reality where multiple nations remain off-limits to visitors. Travelers and businesses are thus required to thoughtfully reconsider their plans while affected countries seek a viable path forward amidst growing instability.
In conclusion, the inclusion of South Sudan on the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list due to rising violence significantly impacts its struggling tourism sector, exacerbating existing challenges such as reduced airline flights and decreased foreign investment. This advisory joins a growing trend in global travel advisories, indicating an alarming increase in risks throughout various regions. As a result, the tourism industry must navigate a new, complex landscape where many countries are rendered inaccessible, forcing vital reassessments for travelers and businesses alike.
Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com
