Destinations / South Sudan
Driving in South Sudan as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. South Sudan drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, and most travel relies on 4x4s and arranged drivers.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What South Sudan expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. South Sudan drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, and most travel relies on 4x4s and arranged drivers.
Which translation format is used for South Sudan?
South Sudan uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in South Sudan ask for a translation?
Self-drive is rare; an IDP, passport and 4x4 are expected where available.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for South Sudan?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Africa
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.