US warns against all travel to South Sudan

South Sudan's soldiers sit on a truck at the airport in Juba on June 12, 2014. The State Department issued a stern warning on Thursday against all travel to South Sudan by US citizens. AFP PHOTO | SAMIR BOL

What you need to know:

  • Embassy staff are required to travel in armoured US government vehicles at all times in Juba, the State Department said, noting that personnel must also observe a 9 pm to 6 am curfew.
  • Health care in the country is “extremely limited and poor,” the notice states. “US citizens with medical conditions should not travel to South Sudan.”

The State Department issued a stern warning on Thursday against all travel to South Sudan by US citizens.

The posting said the “ordered departure” of some personnel at the US embassy in Juba has been rescinded.

But it added that because of the continuing armed conflict in South Sudan the embassy “will continue operating at reduced staff levels for the foreseeable future.”

Embassy staff are required to travel in armoured US government vehicles at all times in Juba, the State Department said, noting that personnel must also observe a 9 pm to 6 am curfew.

“Due to security concerns,” the department added, “spouses and family members of US government personnel are not permitted to reside in South Sudan.”

The travel warning depicts South Sudan as a chaotic country rife with dangers to US citizens.

“In addition to instability related to the current civil conflict, the risk of violent crime is high in Juba,” the warning says.

“The government of South Sudan has limited capacity to deter crime or provide security to travelers anywhere in the country.”

Health care in the country is “extremely limited and poor,” the notice states. “US citizens with medical conditions should not travel to South Sudan.”