Is Codeine legal in South Sudan?
- Legal status
- Codeine is controlled as a medicine under South Sudan's Drug and Food Control Authority Act 2012; it is non-capital. The Penal Code's only capital drug provision is confined to coca, opium and cannabis, so codeine is not death-eligible.
- Consequences if caught
- Unlawful possession or use is handled under the 2012 Act (imprisonment plus fine); codeine is non-capital.
- If prescribed or medical
- Dispensed as a controlled medicine under the 2012 Act.
- Documentation
- Nominal Ministry of Health authorisation applies; carry full documentation (infrastructure is weak).
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with South Sudan’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →