Ugandans to Pay Up to Shs920,000 for South Sudan Visa Under New Entry Rules

What the report says

Nile Post reports that South Sudan has revised its visa rules, introducing new fees that will require Ugandan travellers to pay from about Shs185,000 for a single-entry visa to about Shs924,000 for a six-month multiple-entry permit. The changes, reflected on South Sudan’s updated e-Visa portal, replace what the outlet describes as a more uniform system with charges that vary by nationality.

Under the revised schedule cited by Nile Post, citizens of Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo fall under a discounted category: $50 for single entry, $125 for a three-month multiple-entry visa and $250 for a six-month multiple-entry visa. Most other nationals face higher rates, including $100 for single entry, $200 for three months and $350 for six months. The report says Somalia and Burundi are in the $100 single-entry category, while Egypt and Tanzania remain fee-exempt, and South African passport holders do not need visas for visits of up to 30 days.

The policy could be significant for Uganda because South Sudan is a major market for Ugandan exports and a key destination for traders, transporters and business travellers using the Elegu-Nimule corridor. Nile Post notes that Uganda also hosts about 900,000 South Sudanese refugees and has maintained close political, humanitarian and security ties with Juba.

The development may attract scrutiny within the East African Community, where member states have stated goals on freer movement of people, labour and services. Nile Post says travellers should verify current requirements, fees and procedures through South Sudan’s official e-Visa portal before making plans.