Kenyans and other East African travelers can heave a sigh of relief after South Sudan formally clarified reports of the introduction of a new visa-free regime for travelers from Egypt and Tanzania.
In a press statement dated July 22, the ministry reaffirmed that no new policy had been adopted on the visa requirement.
The clarification from South Sudan follows information circulating in the media about visa changes affecting members of the East African Community (EAC).
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan reaffirms the statement issued by the Ministry of Interior addressing false and misleading claims which continue to circulate on some media outlets regarding alleged visa-free entry policy for nationals of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United Republic of Tanzania and other related fees to other countries,” part of the statement read.
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South Sudan on Visa-Free Entry Rules
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation visa policy, entry and immigration are the responsibility of the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration.
The ministry has assured the members of the public and diplomatic missions accredited to South Sudan that the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration under the Ministry of Interior will communicate any changes in the visa requirement.
In addition, Juba emphasized that neither the Minister of Interior nor the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration had issued any directive or legal instrument introducing a new visa regime.
As a member of the EAC, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the African Union, the ministry argued that the government could not selectively favor certain partner states while disregarding agreements and relationships with other member countries.
South Sudan has affirmed its commitment to maintaining cooperative relations with its regional neighbors, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia.
Members of the public have been advised to disregard falsified information and seek clarification from the relevant authorities.
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Media Reporting on Visa-Free Entry to South Sudan
According to the ministry clarification statement, media outlets reported that the official e-visa website listed only citizens of Egypt and Tanzania as “exempted” from visa requirements.
On July 20, the Ministry of Interior in South Sudan dismissed the information, adding the neither the Interior Minister General Aleu Ayieny Aleu nor the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration had issued any directive on policy changes.
East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member Kim Gai Ruot also rejected the reports, citing that Tanzanian citizens have been allowed to enter South Sudan without a visa since the government implemented the arrangement in line with the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol.
Further, an EALA member noted that Tanzania has allowed South Sudanese citizens to enter the country without a visa since 2017 under the same regional framework.
According to Kim, citizens of all EAC Partner States enjoy rights under the Common Market Protocol, including visa-free entry through official border points subject to the laws of each Partner State.
Kenya and South Sudan Ties
Kenya and South Sudan have a strategic relationship founded on diplomacy, trade, security cooperation, and strong people-to-people ties.
In addition, Kenya supported the attainment of independence in South Sudan in 2011 and has continuously hosted peace talks and mediation efforts to resolve internal conflicts in the country.
Further, President Salva Kiir and President William Ruto have maintained diplomatic ties as members of EAC, IGAD and AU.
Economically, Kenya is among the major trade partners of South Sudan, with imports from the country transiting through Kenyan ports as citizens from Kenya work and live in South Sudan.
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