U.S. Travel Alerts for South Sudan and Somalia: Overview of Current Security Conditions
Both Sudan and Somalia remain under Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisories due to crime, terrorism, and unrest.
AFRICA - As of March 7, 2025, South Sudan and Somalia face significant security threats, prompting U.S. travel warnings. In South Sudan, ongoing conflict and violence have led the U.S. Embassy in Juba to recommend departure and emergency planning for citizens (U.S. Embassy Juba, 2025). In Somalia, credible terrorist threats, including at Mogadishu’s airport, have halted U.S. Embassy personnel movements, with warnings of kidnappings and bombings (U.S. Embassy Mogadishu, 2025).
Both Sudan and Somalia remain under Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisories due to crime, terrorism, and unrest, supported by UN reports (U.S. Department of State, 2024; 2025).
In South Sudan, ongoing conflict and violence have led the U.S. Embassy in Juba to urge citizens to consider leaving and prepare emergency plans (U.S. Embassy Juba, 2025).
In Somalia, credible threats of terrorist attacks, including at Mogadishu’s airport, have prompted the U.S. Embassy to halt personnel movements, emphasizing risks of kidnappings and bombings (U.S. Embassy Mogadishu, 2025).
Both countries remain under U.S. Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisories due to crime, terrorism, and unrest, a stance supported by UN and other independent reports (U.S. Department of State, 2024; 2025).
Current Do Not Travel Advisories In Place
South Sudan
The security environment in South Sudan remains highly volatile and subject to rapid deterioration as of March 7, 2025. The U.S. Department of State has consistently highlighted ongoing concerns stemming from armed conflict, inter-communal violence, and widespread criminal activity.
On January 31, 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Juba issued an updated security alert urging U.S. citizens in South Sudan to consider departing via available commercial options due to the unpredictable nature of the situation (U.S. Embassy Juba, 2025).
The alert advises those who remain to develop contingency plans for emergencies, including the possibility of sheltering in place if conditions worsen. U.S. citizens are also reminded to ensure their passports are valid for at least six months and to schedule appointments for passport services through the U.S. Embassy Juba website: https://ss.usembassy.gov
This guidance aligns with the Department of State’s Level 4 Travel Advisory for South Sudan, in effect since its last update on July 31, 2024, citing risks from crime, armed conflict, and kidnapping (U.S. Department of State, 2024).
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported in its February 2025 update that clashes between armed groups and intercommunal tensions continue to displace civilians and disrupt humanitarian efforts (UNMISS, 2025).
The International Crisis Group also noted in its January 2025 briefing that political fragmentation and economic challenges exacerbate the country’s fragile security landscape (International Crisis Group, 2025). These factors collectively underpin the U.S. government’s cautious stance.
Somalia
In Somalia, the security situation is equally precarious, with credible threats of terrorist activity prompting heightened concern as of March 7, 2025. The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu issued a security alert on February 28, 2025, citing intelligence about potential imminent attacks targeting multiple locations, including Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu (U.S. Embassy Mogadishu, 2025).
As a precautionary measure, all movements of embassy personnel have been suspended until further notice. The embassy emphasizes that terrorist groups, notably Al-Shabaab, continue to plan and execute kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks across the country.
This aligns with the U.S. Department of State’s Level 4 Travel Advisory for Somalia, reaffirmed on January 22, 2025, which advises against travel due to pervasive risks from crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health concerns, kidnapping, and piracy.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) reported in its March 2025 update that Al-Shabaab retains operational capacity to conduct sophisticated attacks, particularly in Mogadishu and southern regions (UNSOM, 2025).
Additionally, a February 2025 report from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) highlighted the group’s targeting of critical infrastructure, including airports, as a persistent threat (ATMIS, 2025).
The combination of these factors sustains Somalia’s designation as a high-risk environment by both U.S. authorities and international observers.
Recent Statements From The US State Department/Travel On The Situation In South Sudan And Somalia
South Sudan: "The security situation in South Sudan continues to be volatile and unpredictable. We urge U.S. citizens currently in South Sudan to consider departing via commercial means. U.S. citizens who choose not to depart should prepare contingency plans for emergency situations and be prepared to shelter in place should the situation deteriorate further. Ensure U.S. passports up to date and have more than 6 months validity. Visit the U.S. Embassy Juba website for passport appointments."
Somalia: "U.S. Embassy Mogadishu is tracking credible information related to potential imminent attacks against multiple locations in Somalia including Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. All movements of U.S. Embassy Mogadishu personnel have been cancelled until further notice. The embassy reminds U.S. citizens that terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in Somalia. The U.S. Department of State level four travel advisory (“do not travel”) for Somalia remains in effect due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy."
