US government bans Americans from travelling to South Sudan

The United States Department of State has advised American citizens not to travel to South Sudan. In an advisory issued yesterday, the government advised its citizens to avoid South Sudan as violent crime, such as carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings is common throughout the country..

“Armed conflict is ongoing throughout the country and includes fighting between various political and ethnic groups, and weapons are readily available to the population. In addition, cattle raids occur throughout the country and often lead to violence. Reporting in South Sudan without the proper documentation from the South Sudanese Media Authority is considered illegal, and any journalistic work there is very dangerous. Journalists regularly report being harassed in South Sudan, and many have been killed while covering the conflict there,” the advisory reads in part.

The US government also issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) “due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of South Sudan, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)”.

The advisory also advised daring citizens to first prepare well before embarking on a trip to South Sudan if they really must go.

Below are the survival tips given in the travel advisory:Exercise extreme care in all parts of the country, including Juba. Travel outside of Juba with a minimum of two vehicles along with appropriate recovery and medical equipment in case of mechanical failure or other emergency.Avoid travel along border areas.

Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings. Even events intended to be peaceful can become violent.

Be aware that photography in public is strictly controlled and you are required to obtain authorization from the Ministry of Information before taking any photographs or video in public – including while inside a vehicle.

Monitor local/international news and consular messages.

Enroll your trip in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Review your personal security plan and visit our page on travel to high risk areas.

Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.

Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.

Share important documents, log-in information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs, if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Find a suggested list of such documents here.

Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization, or consider consulting with a professional security organization. Your plan should include sheltering in place, maintaining outside communication, and a personal evacuation plan via commercial means.

Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify who you would contact first, and how they should share the information.

Be sure to appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact with hostage-takers, media, U.S. and host country government agencies, and Members of Congress, if you are taken hostage or detained.

Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones can know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).

Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.

Erase any sensitive photos, comments, or other materials from your social media pages, cameras, laptops, and other electronic devices that could be considered controversial or provocative by local groups.