June 28 (UPI) — The U.S. Department of State renewed its travel advisory for South Sudan on Thursday, advising Americans not to travel to the country.
The advisory, which reiterates a prior warning issued in January, urges travelers not to visit South Sudan due to crime and armed conflict in the African country.
“Violent crime, such as carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings is common throughout South Sudan, including Juba,” the advisory states.
“Armed conflict is ongoing throughout the country and includes fighting between various political and ethnic groups, and weapons are readily available to the population.”
The advisory also warns of cattle raids throughout the country that can lead to violence.
Journalists were also cautioned that working in South Sudan without the proper documentation from the South Sudanese Media Authority is illegal and any journalistic work is considered very dangerous. Many journalists have reported harassment and others have been killed while working in the country, according to the advisory.
Walking and other forms of travel for government personnel working in South Sudan is restricted to certain areas and family members can’t accompany government employees who work in the country.
“U.S. government personnel in South Sudan are under a strict curfew. They must use armored vehicles for nearly all movements in the city, and official travel outside Juba is limited,” the advisory states.
The advisory also lists several suggestions for people who choose to travel to the country including avoiding border travel, demonstrations and photography and taking several steps to establish identity and proof of life and inform others of the trip.
“The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in South Sudan,” the State Department said.
