Cross-border route

Sudan South Sudan

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Sudan into South Sudan: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. South Sudan expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the internationally recognised format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. Plan your border crossing in advance and keep your passport, national licence and IDP together.

Get my permit for South Sudan South Sudan requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromSudan

ToSouth Sudan

IDP in South SudanStrongly recommended

Accepted formatLocal rules

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in South SudanSSP

Emergency number777 (police, Juba)

Top speed limit80 km/h highways

Sudan → South Sudan

Crossing the border

Sudan and South Sudan share a land border you can cross by car. Keep your passport, national driving licence and International Driving Permit together, and check opening hours and any toll or vignette requirements before you travel.

Driving rules in South Sudan

Drive on the right.
Unpaved roads outside Juba.
Checkpoints are frequent.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Once you're driving in South Sudan

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

Foreign visitors may drive on a valid home-country licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit, which is effectively mandatory for non-English/Arabic licences; the IDP is only a translation and must always be carried alongside the original licence.

Tolls & road charges

There is no national electronic toll or vignette system; the road network is overwhelmingly unpaved outside Juba, so visitors pay nothing in formal tolls but should budget cash for informal checkpoint demands.

Parking in the cities

There are no organised paid parking zones; in Juba parking is informal kerbside, often watched by self-appointed attendants who expect a small cash tip, and vehicles should never be left unattended with valuables visible.

Fines & camera enforcement

Enforcement is largely manual at checkpoints with on-the-spot cash fines negotiated in person; foreign drivers without proper documents risk vehicle hold-ups, and a 4x4 with comprehensive insurance is strongly advised as cover can be voided without an IDP.

If you have an accident

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.

Driving in the capital

In Juba, police and military checkpoints are frequent, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, and photographing bridges, government buildings or checkpoints is prohibited and can lead to detention.

Sources: internationaltravelpermits.com · tyremap.com · idpservices.org

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Sudan to South Sudan?

Yes — South Sudan commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. South Sudan recognises the internationally recognised format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between Sudan and South Sudan?

No. Both Sudan and South Sudan drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in South Sudan?

In South Sudan, dial 777 (police, Juba) for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 80 km/h highways, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in South Sudan?

How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.