Kiir lifts general travel restrictions, introduces prior approval rules for officials

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has lifted previous general travel restrictions on government officials, replacing them with a system requiring prior authorisation for foreign travel and written notification for domestic journeys, according to the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).

Under Republican Order Number 36-10/2026, serving senior government officials intending to travel abroad must obtain written permission from the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, with endorsement from the Presidency.

The requirement also applies to former senior government officials, including former vice presidents, ministers, governors and members of parliament, who must secure prior approval from the Presidency before travelling outside the country.

For domestic travel, current and former senior officials are required to notify the Minister of Cabinet Affairs in writing, providing details of the purpose of the journey, destination, duration and mode of transport.

The order requires all travel permission requests and notifications to be submitted at least 48 hours before the intended journey.

The new arrangement establishes separate procedures for international and domestic travel, with foreign trips subject to authorisation and journeys within South Sudan requiring advance notification.

SSBC reported the presidential order but did not provide further details on the reasons behind the revised travel arrangements or how compliance will be enforced.