Check the official site before you travel. imptmanhattan.com is a hotel and travel site; it does not issue visas or ESTAs and this is not legal advice. Rules change: confirm on esta.cbp.dhs.gov and travel.state.gov.
| Status | Visitor visas suspended |
|---|---|
| Visa or authorization | Full suspension: all visa categories |
| Where to apply | Check the State Department notice first |
| Fees and processing | Set by the US government: check the official site |
| Arrival | Inspection by US Customs and Border Protection at the airport |
South Sudanese citizens cannot currently be issued new US visitor visas. Presidential Proclamation 10998, in force since January 1, 2026, suspends new B-1 and B-2 issuance, with limited exceptions such as certain dual nationals traveling on another country's passport. Visas issued before the proclamation were not revoked. An ESTA is not available. Check the State Department's announcement before planning the trip.
What the suspension means
Under Presidential Proclamation 10998, in force since January 1, 2026, the State Department has suspended new visitor visa issuance, B-1 and B-2, to South Sudanese nationals. A consular officer cannot approve a new visitor visa while the suspension stands. Limited exceptions exist, and the announcement describes them. Visas issued before the proclamation were not revoked. Check the State Department's announcement before booking.
Before you fly and arrive
An ESTA is not available to South Sudanese citizens, so the Visa Waiver Program route does not apply. Travelers who fly need a visa issued before the proclamation or status covered by an exception. Confirm the position with the US embassy or consulate before buying a ticket. At JFK, LaGuardia or Newark, Customs and Border Protection officers ask about the visit and return.
Staying in Manhattan
Manhattan hotels ask for identification and a payment card at check-in, and a printed confirmation makes the process quicker. Keep the address handy for the arrival form and the airport officer. Reserve accommodation that can be cancelled while the visa position is unsettled. From JFK or Newark, airport trains and buses run into Midtown; LaGuardia has no rail link, so plan a bus or licensed car service.
Work, study and longer stays
Visitor visas cover tourism, family visits and short business trips. Study, employment, exchange programs and moves to join family each need a different category, with their own application and documents. The proclamation addresses new visitor visa issuance; whether another category is affected depends on the announcement's wording, so read it and ask a consular officer. Check travel.state.gov. This site does not issue visas or give legal advice.
Step by step
- Read the State Department's announcement of Presidential Proclamation 10998 in full first.
- Check whether an exception applies, such as dual nationality or a valid visa.
- Contact the US embassy or consulate responsible for South Sudan with your trip details.
- Wait for written confirmation before paying for flights, hotels or other non-refundable items.
- Keep bookings refundable and check travel.state.gov and the consulate again shortly before departure.
Documents to carry
- Passport used in the visa application
- Printed visa or written evidence of an exception
- Hotel confirmation with the Manhattan address
- Return or onward ticket for the visit
South Sudanese citizens: questions
Can South Sudanese citizens get a US visitor visa for Manhattan?
New visitor visa issuance to South Sudanese nationals is suspended under Presidential Proclamation 10998, with limited exceptions. A consular officer cannot approve a new B-1 or B-2 visa while the suspension stands. Check the State Department's announcement and ask the US embassy or consulate whether an exception applies.
Is ESTA an option for South Sudanese citizens traveling to the United States?
No. South Sudanese citizens are outside the Visa Waiver Program, so an ESTA is not available to them. A traveler who flies needs a visa issued before the proclamation or a status covered by an exception. Confirm the position with the US embassy or consulate and check esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
What should South Sudanese citizens carry when arriving in New York?
Carry the passport, the visa or written evidence of an exception, a printed hotel confirmation with the Manhattan address, and a return ticket. Customs and Border Protection officers at JFK, LaGuardia or Newark may ask about the purpose of the visit, where you will stay and when you plan to leave.
Can South Sudanese citizens work or study in Manhattan on a visitor visa?
No. Visitor visas cover tourism, family visits and short business trips. Employment, study, exchange programs and moves to join family need a different visa category with its own application and documents. Read the State Department's announcement and check travel.state.gov for the category that matches the trip.
Where will you stay in Manhattan?
Midtown for a first visit, SoHo or the West Village for character, the Upper West Side for the park. Live prices for your dates open in the IMPT app.
Photo credits: Pexels.