The U.S. Embassy cautions U.S. citizens against hiking in the Jebel Mountain area. Five non-South Sudanese citizens were recently detained by South Sudanese government officials while hiking on Jebel Mountain in the Rock City area of Juba for not having permission to be on the mountain. Past incidents on Jebel Mountain include the death of two individuals due to unexploded ordinance. Additionally, armed criminals are known to utilize the area for nefarious activities. U.S. citizens should remain on well-worn paths while walking in South Sudan and avoid open fields or uncharted areas. If you find unexploded ordinances, do not approach or touch such items.
All U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in South Sudan are urged to enroll online in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.Travel.State.gov. Enrolling gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact citizens in case of emergency. U.S citizens without Internet access should enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for South Sudan, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for South Sudan. For information on “What the Department of State Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis,” please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs Emergencies and Crises page. U.S. citizens in South Sudan can obtain the latest security information by visiting the U.S. Embassy website. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
We remind U.S. citizens that the U.S. Embassy in Juba is operating at reduced staffing levels for the foreseeable future. The U.S. Embassy is therefore only able to offer very limited emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Republic of South Sudan. Due to the draw down in personnel in Juba, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi [Tel.: +254 (20) 363 6451 or +254 (20) 363 6170, e-mail: Kenya_acs@state.gov is available to help U.S. citizens in South Sudan who need assistance; in an emergency, contact the U.S. Embassy in Juba, daytime: +211 (0)912 105 188; after hours: +211 (0)912 105 107.
