The U.S. has added South Sudan to its “Do Not Travel” list, following escalating violence and crime, significantly impacting the tourism sector. This addition to the list suggests a worrying trend of increasing global instability, affecting travel and safety internationally. Tour operators and businesses within South Sudan are expected to suffer major losses as a result of this advisory, which amplifies a growing crisis across multiple nations.

The U.S. Department of State has added South Sudan to its highest-risk “Do Not Travel” list, joining the ranks of Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, Libya, Ukraine, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Haiti due to escalating violence and security concerns. This classification effectively removes South Sudan as a feasible travel destination, further diminishing the global tourism landscape. The advisory anticipates airlines may reduce flights, the unavailability of travel insurance, and a drop in foreign investment in hospitality, leading to significant economic repercussions for the country’s fragile tourism sector.

The advisory reflects a broader trend of escalating global instability marked by violence, crime, and terrorism heavily impacting travel and tourism across various regions. While these advisories aim to prioritize safety, their implications extend to the tourism sector, local economies, and international travel patterns. South Sudan has been plagued by ongoing political instability and ethnic violence, and on March 8, 2025, the U.S. ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel, indicating a further deterioration in security conditions.

The advisory outlines severe risks, such as violent crime, carjackings, shootings, armed robberies, and kidnappings, with armed groups operating throughout South Sudan. The accessibility of weapons to civilians has heightened the likelihood of sudden attacks. Furthermore, foreign nationals, including journalists, face unique dangers; unauthorized reporting may lead to harassment or even fatal consequences, as the media is tightly controlled by the South Sudanese government. This dire scenario effectively eradicates the possibility of any viable tourism in South Sudan.

Though South Sudan is not a typical travel hub, it possesses potential for wildlife tourism and cultural experiences. However, the current advisory renders any hopes for tourism recovery implausible. Tour operators specializing in adventure or wildlife tourism are anticipated to experience drastic decreases in bookings, while airlines may suspend or reduce their flights, complicating travel logistics.

Tourism-dependent businesses such as hotels, tour guides, and transport services are likely to face immense challenges in maintaining viability. The designation as a “Do Not Travel” country typically deters foreign investment, leading to a cessation of potential tourism development initiatives. Presently, the majority of visitors to South Sudan consists of aid workers and business professionals, yet this advisory warns that their safety is also compromised, which may prompt organizations to reconsider or cease operations in the region altogether.

Joining a growing list of countries under stringent U.S. travel advisories, South Sudan faces critical risks that paralyze both tourism and business endeavors. Yemen is recognized as exceptionally dangerous due to terrorism, civil unrest, and widespread kidnappings. The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a has remained shut since 2015, denying American citizens necessary consular support. In Venezuela, arbitrary detentions, severe crime rates, and the closure of the U.S. Embassy since 2019 present significant hurdles for travelers.

Following the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has become increasingly unfavorable for U.S. tourists, experiencing arbitrary detentions and diminished embassy support. The country remains embroiled in conflict with martial law restrictions further discouraging travel. Meanwhile, Libya continues to experience high instability, with widespread crime and militias controlling much of its territory, rendering it unsafe for tourism.

Amongst ongoing assaults from Russian forces, Ukraine remains perilous, particularly near frontline regions. Despite some comparatively safer areas in the west, restrictions on air travel, martial law, and curfews heavily inhibit tourism opportunities. The Central African Republic and Haiti both grapple with extensive armed conflict, political turmoil, violent crime, and unrest, creating hostile environments for tourists.

The growing U.S. “Do Not Travel” list signifies an increasing global security crisis. The addition of South Sudan to this list underlines significant concerns over conflict, crime, and kidnappings, adversely affecting its beleaguered tourism sector. As the situation deteriorates across several nations, the global tourism industry must adapt to a reality where numerous countries are effectively deemed too hazardous for travel. Stakeholders must remain vigilant and reassess their strategies while the nations impacted seek pathways toward stabilization in a volatile world.

In conclusion, the designation of South Sudan as a “Do Not Travel” location by the U.S. reflects a broader trend of increasing global instability that threatens tourism and business viability in affected countries. The challenges faced by nations like Yemen, Venezuela, and Libya, alongside South Sudan, pose considerable risks to international travelers, compelling the tourism sector to navigate a changing landscape where safety concerns prevail. Stakeholders in the tourism industry must adapt to this evolving reality while the states affected strive for recovery amidst significant challenges.

Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com

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