Safety in South Sudan

The overall picture: South Sudan remains a high-risk country with an unpredictable security situation. Never travel between towns after sunset, as armed groups operate on the highways at night.

Checkpoints: The roads are studded with army and police checks, and they can turn aggressive. Be polite, show your documents and don't assert your rights. Small bribes are sometimes requested; judge the situation as you find it.

Photography: Photographing bridges, military installations, the airport and government buildings is absolutely forbidden. A single frame can cost you your camera or several days in a police cell. Always ask people before you photograph them.

Theft: Pickpockets in crowded parts of Juba are highly skilled. Don't wear an expensive watch or pull out a wad of cash in public. Keep valuable electronics in an unremarkable bag, not around your neck.

Landmines: The war left a great deal of unexploded ordnance in the fields. Never step off a beaten track or wander through long grass in the provinces. Watch where you put your feet and take local guides' advice.

Health: Malaria is everywhere, so prophylaxis and repellent are essential. Your policy must cover air evacuation to Kenya or Dubai for serious illness. Bring your own medical kit, because local pharmacies carry a lot of counterfeit stock.

Advisories: Most governments advise against all travel to South Sudan, which also affects whether standard insurance will cover you. Read your own government's current advice, avoid political discussions and keep a low profile throughout.

South Sudan is the world's youngest state and among the most dangerous countries to travel to. All governments advise against going there under any circumstances.

What defines the situation. Since independence in 2011 the country has been through a civil war, and the peace process remains fragile. Armed clashes between groups, intercommunal violence and attacks on roads occur regularly.

Kidnapping and attacks. Foreigners, humanitarian staff included, have been attacked and kidnapped. South Sudan is among the world's most dangerous countries for aid workers.

Practical realities. There is almost no infrastructure: paved roads are few and much of the country is inaccessible in the rainy season. Electricity, communications and water supply are limited. The economy runs on cash and dollars circulate.

Insurance. No standard policy covers South Sudan.

The legal environment. State institutions are weak, and on the ground real power is often exercised by armed formations.

Photography is extremely dangerous. An official permit is required for any photography, and detentions occur even with one. Military installations, bridges, airports, government buildings and people in uniform are categorically off limits. This is the commonest source of trouble for foreigners.

Movement. Travel beyond Juba requires clearance and escort. Roads are unsafe because of ambushes.

Curfew. In force in Juba and other towns.

Permits. Foreigners need documents obtained in advance to move between states.

Consular assistance. Diplomatic presence is minimal.

Yellow fever is compulsory. A certificate is required on entry.

Malaria. Very high risk year-round. Prophylaxis is unconditionally essential.

Other vaccinations. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningococcus, rabies, polio and cholera. The full set, arranged in advance.

Epidemics. Outbreaks of cholera, hepatitis E and measles are recorded, along with Ebola cases in border areas.

Water. Unsafe everywhere.

Humanitarian crisis. A large share of the population depends on food aid, and famine conditions have been recorded in some areas.

Healthcare. Among the weakest systems in the world, with much of it maintained by international organisations. Anything serious means evacuation to Nairobi, which is difficult and expensive.

Climate. Hot, with an April-to-November rainy season that makes roads impassable.

South Sudan sits at the very bottom of global rankings for safety, the rule of law and corruption.

Who controls the ground. State forces and various armed formations. The lines of control shift.

Checkpoints. Numerous, with demands for money ordinary.

Kidnapping and attacks. The main risk to a foreigner.

Where people definitely do not go. Effectively the whole country beyond central Juba, including Jonglei, Upper Nile and Unity states and Equatoria outside the capital area.

Consular assistance. Minimal.

Who is there. UN and humanitarian staff working under strict protocols with armoured transport and constant communications. There is no tourism in the country.

The honest conclusion: South Sudan is not a place to travel to.