Destinations / South Sudan
Driving in South Sudan as a visitor
Usually yes. South Sudan expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What South Sudan expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 777 (police, Juba) |
| Top speed limit | 80 km/h highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | Local rules |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in SSP. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Unpaved roads outside Juba. |
|---|---|
| Local practice | Checkpoints are frequent. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in South Sudan
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold but supply is unreliable and queues are common; stations are scarce outside Juba, so carry jerry cans of extra fuel for any long journey, and pay in cash (often US dollars or South Sudanese pounds).
After a crash
After a crash do not move the vehicles if there are injuries; call police (the general emergency line is 777) and remain at the scene, as a police report is required for any insurance claim and leaving can be treated as a serious offence.
Sources: internationaltravelpermits.com · tyremap.com · idpservices.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in South Sudan?
Usually yes. South Sudan expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does South Sudan accept?
South Sudan recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in South Sudan ask for one?
Self-drive is rare; an IDP, passport and 4x4 are expected where available.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.