South Sudan has been added to the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list due to escalating violence and instability, joining countries like Yemen and Venezuela. This advisory significantly harms South Sudan’s tourism sector, threatening flight availability, bookings, and foreign investments. The wider global travel industry faces similar challenges as conflict zones become increasingly unsafe for visitors.
The U.S. Department of State has recently placed South Sudan on its highest-risk “Do Not Travel” list, a designation that now includes countries such as Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, Libya, Ukraine, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Haiti. This advisory stems from escalating violence, armed conflict, crime, and kidnappings, effectively barring South Sudan as a travel destination and severely impacting its fragile tourism sector. Expect reductions in airline flights, unavailability of travel insurance, and a decline in foreign investment in hospitality, exacerbating economic difficulties for the country.
As global instability rises, the travel and tourism industry faces disruptions due to conflicts, kidnappings, and terrorism. Such advisories are issued primarily for security reasons but have far-reaching effects on local economies and global travel patterns. South Sudan has struggled for years with political instability, ethnic violence, and ineffective governance. A recent order for the departure of non-emergency personnel on March 8, 2025, marks a further decline in the country’s security.
The advisory explicitly warns of violent crime including carjackings, shootings, armed robberies, and kidnappings. Armed groups remain active throughout South Sudan, and the accessibility of weapons increases the likelihood of sudden attacks. Foreign nationals, particularly journalists, face heightened risks as they operate under illegal circumstances and could be subjected to harassment or violence.
Despite South Sudan’s potential for wildlife tourism and cultural experiences, the travel advisory renders any hopes for a tourism-driven recovery unrealistic. Tour operators focusing on adventure tourism or wildlife experiences are likely to experience a dramatic drop in bookings. Additionally, airlines may either reduce or suspend their flights to South Sudan, complicating travel logistics.
Tourism-related businesses—including hotels, tour guides, and transportation services—are expected to face significant hardships in the wake of this advisory. Foreign investors typically shy away from nations on the “Do Not Travel” list, jeopardizing future tourism development and investments. The advisory emphasizes that even aid workers, journalists, and business professionals face considerable risks and may be compelled to limit or cease their operations within South Sudan.
South Sudan joins a troubling list of nations under strict U.S. travel advisories, each burdened with unique yet severe risks that impair tourism viability. Countries like Yemen are considered perilous due to terrorism, civil war, and a long-standing lack of U.S. consular support. Venezuela suffers from high crime, arbitrary detentions, and economic turmoil, rendering it unsafe for travelers. Following its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has become increasingly hostile toward Americans, limiting travel opportunities significantly.
Libya’s instability is marked by militia control, rampant crime, and terrorists posing risks to visitors. Similarly, Ukraine’s ongoing conflict leaves many areas unsafe, while martial law and travel restrictions hamper tourism. In the CAR, years of armed conflict result in rampant violence and limited assistance for travelers. Meanwhile, Haiti’s chaos, fueled by kidnappings and gang violence, also deters tourism. These challenges reflect an alarming increase in nations on the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list, revealing patterns of escalating global security issues.
South Sudan’s placement on the U.S. “Do Not Travel” list signifies yet another setback for the global tourism industry, driven by rising conflicts and danger across multiple regions. The tourism sector must now adapt, recognizing that numerous countries have effectively become off-limits to travelers. Businesses and tourists alike must reassess their plans, while those affected countries search for recovery strategies in an increasingly uncertain environment.
The U.S. Department of State’s decision to add South Sudan to its “Do Not Travel” list underscores a broader trend of escalating global insecurity affecting tourism. The advisory not only signals a deterioration in safety but also forecasts significant economic challenges for South Sudan’s tourism sector, impacting flight availability, bookings, and foreign investment. As the situation unfolds, both travelers and businesses must navigate new realities shaped by rising conflicts and instability across various regions.
Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com
