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Areas where FCDO advises against travel

FCDO advises against all travel to Sudan because of the ongoing military conflict in Khartoum and other parts of the country. This does not include the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil TrapezoidÌýwhere FCDO advises against all but essential travel.

There have been several ceasefires, but these have been regularly broken.ÌýÌý

Khartoum International Airport is closed. The only functional civilian airport operating international flights is Port Sudan Airport.Ìý

Monitor travel advice and other media reports for the latest information.Ìý

Find out more about safety and security in Sudan.Ìý

Get help in SudanÌý

The British Embassy in Khartoum is closed due to the conflict. There are no British consular staff in Sudan. Our ability to provide consular support is severely limited and we cannot provide in-person support inside Sudan.Ìý

If you’re a British national in Sudan, you can call our 24/7 telephone helpline: +44 1908 516 666. Select option 2 for consular services for British nationals.Ìý

Leaving SudanÌý

The UK government is no longer evacuating people from Sudan. �

FCDO cannot offer advice on the safety of travelling to any potential departure point. Consider carefully whether you want to take any of the available options.Ìý

Use your own judgement to move towards a departure point if and when you judge it is safe to do so.Ìý

The UK government’s ability to facilitate onward travel from countries in the region is limited and you’ll be expected to cover the cost of visas, accommodation, insurance and onward travel yourself.  �

Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk. �

FCDO cannot help non-British dependants of British nationals.Ìý

Travel insurance Ìý

If you choose to travel against FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.Ìý

About FCDO travel adviceÌý

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.Ìý

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen� passport from the UK who choose to travel against FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Sudan’s current rules for the most common types of travel. �

The authorities in Sudan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the .ÌýÌý

Passport validity requirementsÌý

To enter Sudan, your passport must have an ‘expiry dateâ€� at least 6 months after the date you arrive.ÌýÌý

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.ÌýÌý

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.Ìý

Visa requirementsÌý

You must have a visa to enter Sudan.ÌýÌý

Applying for a visaÌý

You can , or through the Sudanese embassy in the country you’re travelling from.ÌýÌý

Exit visas

If you enter Sudan on a single-entry visa, you’ll need an exit visa to leave the country, though this is not always enforced. You can get more information on exit visas from Port Sudan Airport Immigration. You may need to show proof of your sponsor and pay the exit visa fee.ÌýÌý

Travel permits

You will not be allowed to leave the Red Sea State without a travel permit. You need to apply for that once in country and pay a fee. The requirements for each state are different. You will have to pay different amounts and go through different processes depending on your destination.ÌýÌý

Previous travel to IsraelÌý

If your passport has an Israeli visa, entry or exit stamp, you will not be allowed to enter Sudan.Ìý

Vaccine requirementsÌýÌý

To enter Sudan, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.Ìý

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .Ìý

Registering with the authoritiesÌý

You must register with the Aliens Department at the Ministry of Interior within 3 days of your arrival in Sudan. You will need 2 passport size photos and to pay a fee.ÌýÌý

If you do not register within 3 days of arrival, you may be fined. Some larger hotels will do this for you. Ask when you check-in.Ìý

Children and young peopleÌý

As well as a visa, children aged 17 and under must have their father’s consent to enter and exit Sudan. Children travelling without their father need a letter giving consent for them to enter and exit Sudan, though this is not always enforced.ÌýÌý

You must get the letter stamped at the Sudanese Embassy in the UK before travel.Ìý

If the father is absent, mothers or guardians must get a court order which shows they have sole custodial rights for the children.ÌýÌý

If the parents are divorced, you’ll need to show divorce documents.Ìý

If the father has died, you’ll need to show the death certificate. Ìý

Contact the for more information.Ìý

Customs rulesÌý

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Sudan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.Ìý

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Sudan.Ìý

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There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   ÌýÌýÌ�

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.Ìý

Terrorism in SudanÌý

Terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners, such as:Ìý

• transport hubsÌý
• ³ó´Ç³Ù±ð±ô²õÌý
• °ù±ð²õ³Ù²¹³Ü°ù²¹²Ô³Ù²õÌý
• places of worshipÌý
• major gatheringsÌý

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.ÌýÌý

Red Sea military activityÌý

There is a military response to Houthi militantsâ€� attempts to disrupt international shipping in the Red Sea. The military activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, but travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should monitor travel advice and follow instructions from local authorities.Ìý

Security situationÌýÌý

There is an ongoing conflict across Sudan following violent clashes, which started in April 2023.Ìý

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There has been widespread violent crime in Khartoum since the start of the conflict. There have also been reports of a large increase in crime in other cities and areas of Sudan.Ìý

ÌýTypes of crime include:Ìý

• ±ô´Ç´Ç³Ù¾±²Ô²µÌý
• burglaries and home invasionsÌý
• ³Ù³ó±ð´Ú³ÙÌý
• ³¾³Ü²µ²µ¾±²Ô²µ²õÌý
• demands for money at checkpointsÌý
• mobile phone and bag-snatching, including drive-by bag-snatching by thieves on motorbikesÌý
• aggressive begging, including attempts to open the doors of stopped vehiclesÌý

To reduce the risk to yourself and your belongings, you should:Ìý

• not leave valuable items on displayÌý
• keep doors locked and windows closed when drivingÌýÌý

If you’re stopped or attacked, comply with demands and do not resist.Ìý

Criminal kidnapÌý

There is a high threat of detention, including kidnap, enforced disappearances and unlawful arrest across Sudan. There have been a number of recent incidents where British nationals and other westerners have been detained against their will.Ìý

Humanitarian aid workers and journalists are viewed as legitimate targets.

Mobile phone and internet accessÌý

There are regular communication blackouts. Mobile phone and internet services are not always available. Telecommunications networks could be disrupted without warning.Ìý

Laws and cultural differencesÌýÌý

Personal IDÌý

It is a legal requirement to carry photographic ID, such as a passport, with you at all times.Ìý

Dress codeÌý

Non-Muslim women do not have to wear a veil or cover their heads. Men and women should dress modestly and respect local customs and sensitivities.Ìý

Ramadan Ìý

Sudan is an Islamic country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

Alcohol and drug lawsÌý

Non-Muslims are allowed to drink alcohol in Sudan, but not in the presence of Muslims. However, you may still be arrested for drinking alcohol regardless of the circumstances.Ìý

There are severe penalties for drug trafficking.Ìý

Using cameras in secure areasÌý

Due to the conflict, it is not advisable to take photographs in secure areas in Sudan. Do not take photographs or use a mobile phone camera close to:Ìý

• government buildingsÌý
• military installationsÌý
• public utilities, including petrol stationsÌý
• other sensitive areas, such as bridges and airportsÌýÌý

Plain-clothed public security officers operate in these areas.Ìý

LGBT+ travellersÌý

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Sudan and not tolerated in Sudanese society. This includes inviting guests into hotel rooms.ÌýÌýÌý

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.Ìý

Relationships outside marriageÌý

It’s illegal to have extramarital relations and there are severe penalties. It’s illegal to live together, or to share the same hotel room, with someone of the opposite sex if you’re not married or closely related.Ìý

Guests in hotel roomsÌý

It’s illegal to invite guests into your hotel room. Business meetings should take place in hotel lobbies or meeting rooms, not hotel rooms. Tourist police patrol the hotels, and British nationals have reported problems with Sudanese authorities about this.Ìý

Technical equipmentÌý

You might need a licence to use some technical equipment in Sudan, including:Ìý

• satellite phonesÌý
• listening or recording devicesÌý
• radio transmittersÌý
• powerful cameras or binocularsÌý

Contact the before travelling for more information.Ìý

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It’s difficult to use non-Sudanese credit or debit cards, and most banks and ATM machines will not let you withdraw cash. Bring US dollars with you to Sudan.ÌýÌý

You may be able to exchange US dollars dated 2006 onwards (older ones will not be exchanged), but this will be difficult due to the current conflict.ÌýÌý

British pounds are rarely exchanged. Only change money through banks or official exchange bureaus. Ìý

Transport risks Ìý

Road travelÌý

If you are planning to drive in Sudan, see information on driving abroad.ÌýÌý

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Sudan for up to 3 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence.ÌýÌý

Road conditions and safetyÌý

Road travel will involve heightened levels of risk due to the current conflict and should only be undertaken if strictly necessary.Ìý

Road conditions are poor. Roads, even major ones, might:Ìý

• be untarred or unsurfacedÌý
• have potholesÌý
• be used by pedestrians, donkey-carts and rickshaws

At night, there is generally no street lighting and many vehicles do not have lights.ÌýMany drivers in Sudan do not have a licence or insurance.Ìý

Road traffic accidents are common. There is a high risk of traffic accidents when using public transport or vehicles for hire, such as rickshaws and ‘amjad minivansâ€�.Ìý

Sudanese law prohibits the use of mobile phones while driving.Ìý

Air travelÌý

Khartoum International Airport is closed following the outbreak of violence in April 2023.ÌýÌýÌý

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) understands that some commercial flight operations leaving Port Sudan Airport have started, operated by Egypt and Badr Airlines. There are no Sudanese airlines which currently meet the standards required to operate direct flights to the UK or EU.Ìý

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Sudan that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the .Ìý

Sea travelÌý

There is a significant risk of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. The threat assessment of the combined international naval counter-piracy forces is that sailing yachts should not enter theâ€�, due to the risk of hijacking.Ìý

If you go ashore along the Red Sea coast, make sure you have reviewed the relevant country travel advice and have the correct documentation for entry.Ìý

Extreme weather and natural disastersÌý

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.Ìý

Rainy seasonÌý

Flash flooding can happen during the rainy season from July to October. Risks at this time of year include:Ìý

• flooding that can make areas inaccessible by road, including areas south of KhartoumÌý
• dry riverbeds (‘wadisâ€�) being hit by flash floods, with many only being passable on a major roadÌý

This section has extra safety advice for regions of Sudan. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.Ìý

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.ÌýÌý

Travelling to Saudi Arabia from Port SudanÌý

For information about arriving in Jeddah and entry requirements, seeâ€�Saudi Arabia travel advice.Ìý

If you’re arriving in Jeddah from Port Sudan and need urgent assistance, you can contact FCDO in Jeddah on +966 (0)12 622 5550 and select option 4.Ìý

Crossing Sudan’s bordersÌý

Sudan’s borders with Chad and Eritrea are currently closed.Ìý

FCDO advises against all travel to Central African Republic, South Sudan, Libya and within 20km of the Ethiopian side of the border with Sudan.Ìý

Sudan-Egypt borderÌý

Significant numbers of people are trying to cross the border from Sudan into Egypt. There are 2 main land border crossings between Egypt and Sudan, at Argeen and Qustul. The nearest town in Sudan to the crossings is Wadi Halfa, 30km from border.ÌýÌý

There is almost no infrastructure at these border crossings. People are waiting several days to cross the border, with limited access to food and water.Ìý

The British Embassy in Egypt does not have staff at the border. Our ability to provide help is very limited.ÌýÌý

If you’re a British national planning to cross into Egypt at Argeen or Qustul and you do not have valid documentation with you, call the British Embassy in Cairo: + 20 (0) 2 2791 6000.Ìý

See our Egypt travel advice for entry requirements, including information on visas.ÌýÌý

Before you travel check that:Ìý

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may needÌý
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuationÌý

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.Ìý

Healthcare in SudanÌý

The current conflict has severely affected health services and many may be unavailable, including hospitals for British nationals in Khartoum.Ìý

Medical facilities in the country are limited and medical evacuation is likely to be necessary for all but the most basic treatments. Make sure you have adequate travel and medical insurance to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.Ìý

There is a particular risk to public health in areas of conflict where immunisation coverage is poor.Ìý

Emergency medical numberÌý

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance.ÌýÌý

If you need emergency medical treatment you should make your own way to hospital, if you can.Ìý

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.Ìý

Vaccine recommendations and health risksÌý

At least 8 weeks before your trip:Ìý

• check the latest Ìý
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the Ìý

Malaria outbreakÌýÌý

Malaria cases have increased in Khartoum. Because of the increased risk from malaria, and the impact of the current civil unrest on health services, all travellers in Sudan should take antimalarial chemoprophylaxis.Ìý

If you’ve recently left Sudan and develop fever or flu-like symptoms, get urgent medical attention. Tell the doctors you’ve recently left a malarial risk area.ÌýÌý

TravelHealthPro has more information on .Ìý

Cholera outbreakÌý

There is an ongoing cholera outbreak in Sudan, made worse by the impact of the conflict on health services. Take care with personal, food and water hygiene.Ìý

TravelHealthPro recommends an if your activities or medical history put you at increased risk.Ìý

Yellow feverÌý

There is a risk of yellow fever in some parts of Sudan. for some travellers.ÌýÌý

Other health risksÌý

There are regular outbreaks of chikungunya, dengue, measles and other diseases in Sudan, particularly in refugee camps. There is a lack of clean water and the inability to remove dead bodies means Sudan is at high risk from various diseases.ÌýÌý

Medication �

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. �

Read . �

Travel and mental health �

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also . �

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.Ìý

Emergency services in SudanÌý

Telephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)Ìý

Contact your travel provider and insurerÌý

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.Ìý

Refunds and changes to travelÌý

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.Ìý

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:Ìý

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a providerÌý
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claimÌý

Support from FCDOÌý

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:Ìý

• finding English-speaking and in Sudan
• dealing with a death in SudanÌý
• being arrested or imprisoned in SudanÌý
• getting help if you’re a victim of crimeÌý
• what to do if you’re in hospitalÌý
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attackÌý

ContactingÌýFCDOÌý

Help abroad �

SeeÌýÌýincluding in an emergency.Ìý

Help in the UKÌýÌý

You can call� FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. �

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) �

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates �

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