MWE Correspondent
South Sudan has significantly revised its immigration policy by granting visa-free entry exclusively to citizens of Tanzania and Egypt, a move that strengthens diplomatic and economic ties with the two countries while maintaining visa requirements for most other African nationals.
The updated regulations allow Tanzanian and Egyptian passport holders to enter South Sudan without obtaining a visa in advance or paying visa-related charges, making them the only African nationalities currently enjoying unrestricted access under the country’s revised immigration framework.
The decision reflects Juba’s broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with key regional partners as it seeks to expand trade, investment and cross-border cooperation across East and North Africa.
Immigration officials say the revised policy is intended to facilitate the movement of businesspeople, investors, government officials and tourists between South Sudan, Tanzania and Egypt.
Analysts believe the decision could encourage greater commercial activity by reducing travel barriers and improving connectivity between the three countries.
The announcement comes at a time when African governments are increasingly pursuing policies that support easier movement of people under regional integration initiatives, including the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Observers say Tanzania has become one of South Sudan’s closest regional partners, particularly through cooperation in peacebuilding, diplomacy, education and security.
Tanzania has played an important role in supporting peace efforts in South Sudan and remains an influential member of the East African Community, where South Sudan joined in 2016.
Egypt, meanwhile, continues to strengthen its engagement with South Sudan through infrastructure development, water resource management, agriculture and technical cooperation, particularly in projects linked to the Nile Basin.
The visa exemption is viewed as another step toward deepening those longstanding partnerships.
Despite expanding access for Tanzania and Egypt, South Sudan has retained visa requirements for citizens of most other African countries.
Travellers from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana and several other African states will still be required to obtain visas and pay the prescribed immigration fees before entering South Sudan.
Authorities have advised all international travellers to verify the latest entry requirements through official government channels before making travel arrangements, as immigration policies remain subject to periodic review.
Economists say easier travel could help stimulate investment, tourism and business exchanges between South Sudan and the two visa-exempt countries.
Reduced travel restrictions are also expected to benefit transport operators, exporters and companies seeking to expand commercial activities within East Africa.
The policy further signals South Sudan’s intention to strengthen strategic bilateral relationships while gradually integrating more closely into regional economic and diplomatic frameworks.
