The South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa is a type of visa that enables foreign nationals to travel to South Sudan for the purpose of visiting their family members or friends who are legally residing in the country. This visa is valid for a limited period of time, and the duration of the visit is determined by the visa validity period.

The South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa is issued to individuals who are not residents of South Sudan and are seeking to visit their family members or friends who are residing in the country for an extended period. This visa is granted for a single entry, and the applicant must leave the country before the visa expires.

To apply for a South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa, the applicant must complete an application form and submit it to the Embassy of South Sudan in their country of residence. The application form must be accompanied by a valid passport, a passport-sized photo, and proof of financial means to support the trip. Additionally, the applicant must provide a letter of invitation from their family member or friend in South Sudan, indicating their relationship, the purpose of the visit, and the duration of the stay.

Once the application has been processed and approved, the applicant will receive their South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa, which will indicate the date of entry, the duration of stay, and any other relevant conditions. It is important for the visa holder to adhere to the conditions of their visa and leave the country before the expiration date of their visa validity.

The South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa is an essential visa for foreign nationals who wish to visit their family members or friends residing in South Sudan. The application process is straightforward, and the visa is granted for a limited period, ensuring that the applicant does not overstay their visit. It is important to plan ahead and apply for the visa well in advance of the intended travel date to avoid any delays or issues with the visa application process.

Required documents for South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa application

If you are planning to apply for a South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa, you must provide the following documents:

• Application Form: A duly completed and signed application form.

• Photo: One passport-size photo with a light background. The photo must be recent and whole-face capture. The head should take 70-80% of the photo, and you should be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed). Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

• Passport and Copy of the Main Page: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date, and it must have at least two blank pages. You should also provide a copy of the main page of your passport.

• Copy of ID Card: You need to submit a copy of your ID card.

• Residence Permit/Visa Copy: If your country of residence and citizenship are different, you must provide a copy of your residence permit/visa.

• Vaccination Certificate: A yellow fever certificate is mandatory to apply for a South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa.

• Flight Ticket Reservation: Roundtrip ticket booking is required to obtain a South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa.

• Proof of Accommodation: A valid hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.) is mandatory. In case of staying at a private house, you need to submit a copy of the house owner’s resident card (both front and backside) and fill out the address on the application form.

• Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements, cash, traveler’s cheques, vouchers, etc. are required to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in South Sudan.

• Proof of Kinship: You need to provide documents proving your relationship with your family member or friend in South Sudan, such as a marriage certificate or a birth certificate.

• Entry Permit: You need to obtain an entry permit from the concerned family member/friend through the Immigration Department in South Sudan.

Application process for South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa

The application process for a South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa is as follows:

Complete the application form: Obtain and complete the visa application form accurately and legibly. Ensure that all the required fields are completed and all the necessary documents are attached.

Gather required documents: Gather all the required documents for the visa application, which include a passport and copy of the main page, ID card copy, residence permit/visa copy, yellow fever vaccination certificate, flight ticket reservation, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of kinship.

Submit the application: Submit your application in person or through a representative at the South Sudan embassy or consulate in your country of residence. If you are applying through a representative, you must provide them with a written authorization letter.

Pay the visa fee: Pay the required visa fee, which varies depending on your nationality and the country of submission. Payment can usually be made in cash, by bank transfer or credit card.

Wait for processing: The processing time for a South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa is typically 5-14 working days. However, it may take longer if additional documentation is required.

Collect your visa: Once your visa is approved, collect your passport and visa from the embassy or consulate. Verify that all the details on the visa are correct and make sure that the visa validity period covers the duration of your intended stay.

Travel to South Sudan: After obtaining your visa, you can travel to South Sudan to visit your family or friends who are legally residing in the country. Make sure to have all the necessary documentation, such as your passport, visa, and entry permit, with you when you travel.

Visa validity and duration for South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa

The validity and duration of a South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa may vary depending on the type of visa issued. Typically, the visa is issued for a single entry with a validity of up to 3 months, and the maximum duration of stay is 30 days. However, the visa validity and duration can be extended or changed by the South Sudanese authorities based on their discretion and on a case-by-case basis.

It is important to note that a South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa only allows you to stay in the country for a limited period, and overstaying your visa could result in fines, deportation, or other legal consequences. Therefore, it is essential to plan your travel accordingly and ensure that your visa remains valid throughout your stay in South Sudan.

Extension or renewal of South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa

The South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa cannot be extended or renewed. If you wish to stay longer than the duration allowed by your visa, you must exit the country and apply for a new visa from the South Sudanese embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence. Keep in mind that overstaying your visa can result in penalties and difficulties with future visa applications.

If you have an emergency situation that requires you to stay in South Sudan longer than your visa allows, you may apply for an extension or renewal through the Ministry of Interior. However, these situations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may not always be granted. It is best to plan your travel accordingly and apply for a visa with an appropriate duration to avoid any complications.

Restrictions and limitations of South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa

Like any visa, the South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa has certain restrictions and limitations that applicants should be aware of:

Purpose of Visit: The visa is only for the purpose of visiting family or friends who are legally residing in South Sudan. The visa holder is not allowed to engage in any form of employment or business activity during their stay.

Duration of Stay: The maximum duration of stay for the South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa is 90 days. Visa holders must depart the country before their visa expires or apply for an extension if possible.

Immigration Control: All visitors to South Sudan are subject to immigration control upon arrival. This includes a health screening and security check. Visitors must comply with all immigration regulations and laws during their stay in the country.

Visa Validity: The validity of the South Sudan Visiting Family and Friends visa is determined by the embassy or consulate issuing the visa. It is important to note that the visa may not be valid for the entire duration of the intended stay and may need to be renewed or extended.

Travel Restrictions: Visitors must comply with any travel restrictions or advisories issued by the South Sudanese government or their home country.

Compliance with Laws: Visitors must comply with all laws and regulations of South Sudan during their stay. Failure to comply may result in detention, fines, or deportation.

It is important for applicants to carefully review all visa requirements and restrictions before applying and to seek clarification if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions