South Sudan Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for South Sudan
US State Department Travel Advisory
Do Not Travel
Updated May 17, 2026
South Sudan recorded 14.0 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2012, a rate that is high by global standards. That places South Sudan #30 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates South Sudan at Level 4 of 4: Do Not Travel.
Homicide Rate
14.0 /100k
Safety Rank
#166 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 4 of 4
Data Year
2012
Homicide Rate Trend (2012-2012)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How South Sudan Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Armed Conflict Context
South Sudan has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
2(2024)
Military Spending
2.0% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for South Sudan:
Do not travel to South Sudan due to risk of unrest , crime , kidnapping , landmines , and health risks . The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in South Sudan due to the health and security situation Family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in South Sudan. U.S. government personnel working in South Sudan are under a strict curfew. U.S. government personnel must use armored vehicles for nearly all movements. Official travel outside Juba is limited.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for South Sudan
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated November 26, 2025).
In Juba
, the most frequently reported violent crimes include armed robbery, carjacking, and home invasion. Criminals target people who are walking, driving, traveling alone or in small groups, especially at night. Most criminal incidents affecting Westerners appear to target victims based on perceived wealth and vulnerability rather than nationality. Criminals frequently wear security service uniforms, carry military weapons, and use the ruse of security check points or official business to stop individuals or gain access to compounds.
Outside Juba
, road ambushes and roadside crime are common and often involve violence. Violent crimes (murder, armed robbery, home invasions, cattle raiding, kidnapping) and non-violent petty theft and fraud are pervasive. Throughout the country, crimes of opportunity include: Muggings Pickpocketing Theft from vehicles Fraudulent currency exchanges Thefts usually occur near restaurants, banks, or other areas in proximity of foreigners. Avoid walking alone, especially after dark. Do not display cash or valuables. Dress conservatively. Drive with doors locked and windows closed. Travel with a copy of your U.S. passport and visa. Keep original documents in a secure location. International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by going in-person to the closest police station and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(211) 912-105-188. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide a list of local attorneys Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place on any level. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
South Sudan Population & Demographics
Population of 11,943,408, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Sudan safe to visit?
The US State Department rates South Sudan at Level 4 of 4 (Do Not Travel). Cited risks include crime, kidnapping, health, landmines. The homicide rate of 14.0 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in South Sudan?
South Sudan has an intentional homicide rate of 14.0 per 100,000 people (2012, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #30 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for South Sudan?
South Sudan is currently at Level 4: Do Not Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in South Sudan compare to other countries?
South Sudan's homicide rate of 14.0 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Africa average of 7.6.