HAYA Travel
Health information for travelers
Traveling to, from, or within South Sudan and the broader East African region requires preparation to protect your health. Different countries have different health risks, vaccination requirements, and entry regulations. This page provides general health information for travelers. It covers required and recommended vaccinations, practical health and safety guidance, and steps you can take before and during your journey to reduce the risk of illness.
The information provided here is for general guidance only. Vaccination requirements and health risks change over time. Before traveling, consult a qualified health provider or visit a travel health clinic to receive advice specific to your destination, the duration of your stay, and your personal health history.
Required Vaccinations
Certain vaccinations are required by law for entry into or exit from specific countries. Without valid proof of these vaccinations, you may be denied boarding, entry, or transit. Requirements are set by national governments and the World Health Organization.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It is common in parts of Africa and South America. South Sudan is classified as a yellow fever endemic country. The World Health Organization requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers entering or leaving South Sudan. The vaccine is given as a single injection and provides lifelong protection. You must receive this vaccine at least ten days before travel. Without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, you may be denied entry at international borders.
Polio
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause permanent paralysis. South Sudan has experienced polio outbreaks in recent years. Travelers may be required to show proof of polio vaccination, particularly when traveling to or from countries with active polio transmission. The vaccine is typically given in childhood, but a booster dose may be required for adult travelers. Check with your health provider to confirm your vaccination status before traveling.
COVID-19
Requirements for COVID-19 vaccination vary by country and change frequently. Some countries require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for entry. Others may require a negative test result instead of or in addition to vaccination. Before traveling, check the entry requirements of your destination country. Keep your vaccination certificate or digital health pass accessible during travel.
Recommended Vaccinations
The following vaccinations are not legally required for entry but are strongly recommended by health authorities for travelers to South Sudan and the East African region. These vaccines protect against diseases that are common in the area and can cause serious illness.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus found in contaminated food and water. It is common in areas with limited sanitation. The vaccine is given in two doses, six months apart. The first dose should be given at least two weeks before travel. Hepatitis A can cause severe illness lasting several weeks. Vaccination is strongly recommended for all travelers to South Sudan and neighboring countries.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids. It can be transmitted through medical procedures, unsterilized needles, or unprotected sexual contact. The vaccine is given in three doses over six months. If you have not been vaccinated, speak with your health provider well in advance of travel. Hepatitis B can cause chronic liver disease if left untreated.
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include high fever, weakness, stomach pain, and headache. The vaccine is available as an injection or oral capsules. It should be given at least two weeks before travel. Typhoid is common in areas where clean water and sanitation are limited. Even after vaccination, practice safe food and water habits.
Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can spread rapidly in crowded conditions. The meningitis belt in sub-Saharan Africa, which includes parts of South Sudan, has seasonal outbreaks, particularly during the dry season from December to June. The vaccine is recommended for travelers to affected areas, especially those who will be in close contact with local populations.
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal viral disease transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most commonly dogs. There is no cure for rabies once symptoms appear. The pre-exposure vaccine is given in three doses over a period of three to four weeks. It is recommended for travelers who will spend extended time in rural areas, work with animals, or have limited access to medical care. If bitten by an animal, seek medical attention immediately regardless of vaccination status.
Cholera
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by contaminated water or food. It can cause severe dehydration and death within hours if untreated. South Sudan has experienced cholera outbreaks, particularly during the rainy season and in areas affected by flooding or displacement. An oral cholera vaccine is available and may be recommended for travelers to high-risk areas. The vaccine is given in two doses, one to six weeks apart.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Measles is highly contagious and remains common in many parts of Africa. If you were not vaccinated in childhood or are unsure of your vaccination history, you should receive the MMR vaccine before traveling. Measles can cause serious complications including pneumonia and brain inflammation. Two doses of the vaccine provide long-term protection.
Malaria Prevention
Malaria is one of the most serious health risks for travelers in South Sudan and across East Africa. It is caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Malaria can be fatal if not treated promptly. There is no vaccine widely available for malaria, so prevention depends on a combination of medication and mosquito avoidance.
Steps to Prevent Malaria
- Visit a health provider or travel clinic before your trip to discuss antimalarial medication. Common options include Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone), Doxycycline, and Mefloquine. Your provider will recommend the most suitable option based on your health history and destination.
- Begin taking antimalarial medication before departure, as directed by your health provider. Some medications must be started one to two weeks before entering a malaria-risk area.
- Continue taking the medication during your stay and for the prescribed period after leaving the malaria-risk area. Stopping early can leave you unprotected.
- Use insect repellent containing at least twenty percent DEET on all exposed skin, particularly during evening and nighttime hours.
- Sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net every night, even if the accommodation appears to be free of mosquitoes.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, especially after sunset. Light-colored clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes.
- If you develop a fever, chills, headache, or body aches during or after travel, seek medical attention immediately and inform the health provider that you have been in a malaria-risk area.
Health and Safety During Travel
In addition to vaccinations and malaria prevention, the following practices will help you stay healthy during your travels. These apply whether you are traveling within South Sudan, to neighboring countries, or internationally.
Water Safety
Do not drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth unless you are certain it has been treated. Use bottled water with an unbroken seal, or boil water for at least one minute before drinking. Avoid ice in drinks unless you know it was made from safe water. Water-borne diseases including cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A are common in areas with limited water treatment.
Mosquito Protection
Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes and is a leading cause of illness and death in South Sudan and across East Africa. Use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin. Sleep under a treated mosquito net every night. Wear long sleeves and long trousers during evening and nighttime hours when mosquitoes are most active. If your doctor prescribes antimalarial medication, take it exactly as directed, including before, during, and after your trip.
Food Safety
Eat food that has been thoroughly cooked and is served hot. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs. Wash fruits and vegetables with safe water before eating, or peel them yourself. Avoid food from street vendors unless you can see it being prepared fresh and cooked at high heat. Diarrheal diseases are among the most common illnesses affecting travelers.
Personal Hygiene
Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least sixty percent alcohol. Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth. Carry your own soap and hand sanitizer when traveling to areas with limited facilities.
Medication and First Aid
Carry a personal supply of any prescription medications you take regularly. Bring enough to last the entire trip plus extra in case of delays. Keep medications in their original labeled containers. Pack a basic first aid kit including bandages, antiseptic, oral rehydration salts, pain relief, and anti-diarrheal medication. If you require antimalarial tablets, obtain them before departure.
Travel Documents
Carry your vaccination certificate, commonly known as the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, also called the yellow card. Keep copies of your passport, travel insurance documents, and emergency contact information in a separate location from the originals. Some countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry. Check requirements well in advance of your departure date.
Before You Travel
Preparation is the most effective way to protect your health while traveling. The following steps should be completed well in advance of your departure date, ideally four to six weeks before travel.
- Visit a travel health clinic or your regular health provider. Discuss your travel plans, including your destination, the duration of your stay, the type of accommodation, and any activities you plan to undertake.
- Review your routine vaccinations and confirm they are up to date. This includes tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio.
- Receive any required or recommended travel vaccinations. Some vaccines require multiple doses given over several weeks, so plan ahead.
- Obtain a prescription for antimalarial medication if you are traveling to a malaria-risk area.
- Purchase travel health insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation.
- Prepare a travel health kit with prescription medications, first aid supplies, insect repellent, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, and any other items recommended by your health provider.
- Research the health risks and entry requirements of your destination country. Requirements can change, so check for updates close to your departure date.
- Make copies of important documents including your passport, vaccination certificate, insurance policy, and prescription medications list. Store copies separately from the originals.
Emergency Preparedness While Traveling
Know Local Emergency Numbers
Before arriving at your destination, find out the local emergency telephone numbers. In South Sudan, emergency services can be reached at 777. Save these numbers in your phone. Know the location of the nearest hospital or clinic to where you will be staying.
Travel Insurance
Obtain travel health insurance before departure. Confirm that your policy covers medical evacuation, as some areas may not have adequate medical facilities for serious conditions. Keep your insurance policy number and emergency contact number accessible at all times.
Register with Your Embassy
If you are traveling to a country where your government has an embassy or consulate, register your travel plans with them. This allows your government to contact you in case of emergency, natural disaster, or civil unrest.
Carry Identification
Always carry a form of identification and a card listing your blood type, any allergies, medical conditions, and medications you take. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, or a heart condition, wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a medical information card.
Common Travel-Related Illnesses
The following illnesses are commonly reported among travelers in the East African region. Being aware of their symptoms can help you seek treatment early.
Traveler's Diarrhea
Frequent loose or watery stools, stomach cramps, nausea, and sometimes fever.
Stay hydrated with oral rehydration salts dissolved in safe water. Avoid dairy products and fatty foods until symptoms improve. If diarrhea is severe, bloody, or lasts more than three days, seek medical attention.
Malaria
Fever, chills, sweating, headache, body aches, nausea, and fatigue. Symptoms can appear seven days to several weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Seek medical attention immediately. Malaria can progress rapidly and become life-threatening within hours. Inform the health provider that you have been in a malaria-risk area. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
Heat-Related Illness
Excessive sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. In severe cases, the body may stop sweating and the skin becomes hot and dry.
Move to a cool, shaded area. Drink water slowly. Apply cool, wet cloths to the skin. If symptoms include confusion, loss of consciousness, or the person stops sweating, this is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical help.
Respiratory Infections
Cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Rest, drink fluids, and monitor your symptoms. If you develop difficulty breathing, a high fever that does not respond to medication, or symptoms that worsen after initial improvement, seek medical attention.
Sources and Further Reading
- World Health Organization (WHO) — International Travel and Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Travelers' Health: South Sudan
- South Sudan Ministry of Health — Vaccination Requirements
- International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT)
The information on this page is for general guidance only. Health risks and vaccination requirements change over time. Always consult a qualified health provider before traveling.