In South Sudan, there are several types of official passports issued by the government, each serving a specific purpose based on the passport holder’s status or duties. Here are the main categories:
1. Ordinary Passport (Green Cover)
- Issued to: Regular South Sudanese citizens.
- Purpose: For general travel, tourism, study, or work abroad.
- Validity: Usually 5 years.
- Most common passport type.
2. Diplomatic Passport (Red/Burgundy Cover)
- Issued to:
- Senior government officials (e.g., president, vice president, ministers, ambassadors)
- Members of Parliament on diplomatic missions
- Top judiciary members
- Privileges:
- Visa-free or simplified travel to some countries
- Priority at customs and immigration
- Immunity in some host countries under diplomatic law
3. Official/Service Passport (Blue Cover)
- Issued to:
- Government employees and civil servants traveling abroad for official business
- Delegates on government assignments
- Not for personal travel but only when representing the government.
- Sometimes called a service passport.
4. Emergency Travel Document
- Issued to: South Sudanese citizens who have lost their passport abroad or are in distress.
- Purpose: To return to South Sudan.
- Short-term validity and limited use.
Other Notes:
- Passports are issued by the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passport and Immigration.
- South Sudan passports are biometric and comply with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.
- Applicants usually need a national ID or citizenship certificate to obtain a passport.
