Dr Sitona: India resumes visa issuance to South Sudanese nationals after Ebola concerns

South Sudan’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Sitona Abdallah Osman, says India has resumed issuing visas to South Sudanese nationals following diplomatic discussions between the two countries over concerns about suspected Ebola cases in the region.

Visa services resumed on October 30, 2026, after South Sudan engaged India’s Ministry of External Affairs to clarify that no suspected Ebola cases had been recorded in the country.

Ambassador Sitona, announced the development in an interview with the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).

She said India had earlier suspended visa issuance to South Sudanese citizens because of concerns linked to suspected Ebola cases reported in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to Dr Sitona, South Sudan’s diplomatic engagement with Indian authorities helped address those concerns and led to the resumption of visa services.

The visas are available to South Sudanese travelling to India for medical treatment, education, business and other purposes.

The ambassador confirmed that 11 South Sudanese students had already obtained visas to study at Indian universities.

She urged citizens whose previous applications were unsuccessful or remained pending to visit the Indian Embassy and complete the required procedures.

Dr Sitona said the resumption of visa services would allow South Sudanese patients seeking medical treatment, students and businesspeople to travel to India.