Juba has firmly pushed back against circulating media reports suggesting that the nation’s immigration rules had been overhauled to permit only citizens of Egypt and Tanzania entry without a visa. In an official declaration, the Ministry of Interior categorized these claims as completely untrue, stating they carried no valid administrative or legal backing and failed to represent any sanctioned government framework.
The widespread confusion began when an updated visa eligibility list surfaced on the digital portal of South Sudan’s Department of E-Visa and Immigration Services. This online table uniquely designated Egypt and Tanzania as exempt from prior visa obligations, alongside a detailed breakdown of proposed fees for global travelers. Had the schedule been legitimate, visitors hailing from the rest of Africa would have encountered standard single-entry charges starting at $100, alongside varying rates for neighboring regional states.
Prompted by rapid viral sharing and intense public interest online, state regulators moved swiftly to take down the disputed web page. The Ministry of Interior subsequently clarified that neither the ministry leadership nor the immigration directorate had authorized any administrative orders, legal decrees, or structural changes to the country’s travel policies.
In addition, officials confirmed that the fee schedules shared across social networks never received formal state approval. The government underscored that any future adjustments to national entry protocols will follow proper legal channels and be broadcast strictly through recognized official platforms.
Observers in the region pointed out that the mix-up may have stemmed from discussions surrounding regional integration frameworks, such as the East African Community mobility protocols. In light of the incident, airlines, embassies, and travelers have been advised to disregard unverified online posts and depend exclusively on official announcements from Juba.
