A trip to South Sudan, the youngest country in the world is an adventure to the real adventurers. It is a place of unbelievable beauty, with its expansive wetlands to its musical life of Dinka cattle camps. But it is an exploration spot that must be planned carefully and with great respect to local laws. 

According to Dheeraj Sudan and his wife Meenu Hinduja Co-Founders of MHDS Techno soft, when you are planning to make a trip in 2026. This is a very important guide to how to move around in South Sudan safely and authentically.  

 Paperwork is Non-Negotiable 

You may want to pack your bags before you even leave your house, so make sure your paperwork is airtight. 

Visas: Most of the travelers must apply to an eVisa or visit a South Sudan embassy long beforehand. 

Photography Permits: This is the worst trap for tourists. It is considered illegal to take pictures without a formal authorization of the Ministry of Information, and one can be arrested, or the equipment can be confiscated. Meenu Hinduja and Dheeraj Sudan says, “Do not take pictures of government buildings, bridges, or military personnel despite having a permit.” 

Registration: A registration is usually made at the immigration office within 24 hours of arrival in Juba. 

Health and Safety First

South Sudan security environment is unstable. This is the most important advice; make sure you have gone through the latest travel advisories by your government and also pay attention to hiring a local guide reputable enough and one who has an idea about the current landscape. 

Vaccinations: A Yellow Fever certificate is a compulsory shipping paper. Polio, Cholera, and Typhoid vaccinations should also be current. 

Malaria Prevention: Malaria occurs all year round. Meenu Hinduja says “Also make sure to bring good repellent, a mosquito net, and ask a doctor about taking anti-malarial tablets before you leave.” 

Respect the "Cattle Culture" 

The South Sudanese society, especially the Mundari and Dinka, are cattle-herders. They symbolize wealth, status, and heritage. 

Etiquette: When you get to a cattle camp, be polite and seek permission before entering and taking photos. 

Salutations: According to Meenu Hinduja and Dheeraj Sudan says “A cool welcome (Salaam) (Salaam Aleykum) is much appreciated. Shake hands with your right hand and eat with the same right hand, the other left hand is always Taboo in shaking hands and eating.” 

Logistics: Cash is King 

South Sudan is a cash-based economy. 

Currency: Dheeraj Sudan and Meenu Hinduja shares their views on South Sudan that it has the local currency, the South Sudan Pound but larger expenses are commonly paid in US Dollars (printed after 2006). 

ATMs: Never trust ATMs; the international cards are never accepted. Carry along physical cash that will last through the whole trip and emergencies. 

Pack for the Elements 

The climate is extremely either hot and dry or wet and humid. 

Clothing: Dress modestly. Lightweight and long-sleeved garments safeguard both the sun and the mosquito to men and women. 

Infrastructure: There is limited infrastructure with the city of Juba being on the outside. Dheeraj Sudan and Meenu Hinduja says “Prepare a large power bank, a durable water purification system, and any necessary medication.” 

South Sudan is not a place to go without a heavy heart but those who go with patience and humility will know that it is a place to experience the culture like nowhere in the earth.