23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 777.
Call 333 or go to the hospital.
Call 999 or visit the police station.
Do not travel to Sudan.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Do not travel to North, South and West Darfur, Abyei region, North and South Kordufan, Blue and White Nile State or Sennar State, or areas within 15km of the border with Eritrea and Ethiopia.
Do not travel to:
See Safety
Do not travel to within 50km of Sudan's border with Libya.
Do not travel to:
See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time.
Terrorist groups have previously stated their intent to harm Westerners through suicide operations, bombings, shootings, and kidnappings.
Targets include:
The threat of terror attack is high in:
To protect yourself if you travel to Sudan despite the risks:
If you're travelling outside urban areas, arrange personal security.
If there's an attack, leave as soon as it's safe. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Avoid the area after an attack because of the risk of secondary attacks.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Sudan’s political situation remains unstable. A Sovereign Council was established in August 2019. The Council will run the country for a three year transitional period until elections.
Tensions have somewhat eased since the formation of the Sovereign Council. However, the security situation remains unpredictable and could deteriorate quickly. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Politically motivated protests, including anti-Western rallies, occur in Sudan.
The use of weapons is common. Conflict can escalate quickly and the security situation can deteriorate quickly.
Curfews are imposed with little or no warning. Observe curfews and follow the advice of local authorities.
The state of emergency is in effect. Security forces have increased powers to:
Khartoum International Airport can reduce operations or close at short notice.
Before travelling outside Khartoum, check your route and destination.
Border areas are extremely dangerous, including the disputed area of the Sudan and South Sudan border.
Fighting between rebel groups and government forces occurs in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states.
The Sudanese Defence Forces, including the Rapid Response Forces, use force against suspected rebel activity.
Violent skirmishes occur between local communities and armed groups in Abyei.
Violence has resulted in the deaths of hundreds and displaced thousands of people.
Security at the border is worse due to violent conflict in South Sudan. Large numbers of displaced persons and refugees have entered Sudan.
Darfur remains dangerous despite some progress in the peace process.
Violent and ongoing clashes occur among rebel groups and with the Sudanese Armed Forces.
Civilians, including foreign workers, could be affected by violence directed at others.
Some armed movements in Darfur reject the peace process.
To protect yourself if, despite the risks, you travel to Sudan:
Obtain professional security advice if you travel to 'do not travel' areas.
More information:
The level of street crime in Khartoum and other major Sudanese cities, except Darfur, is low but increasing.
To protect yourself from crime:
Foreigners are targeted for robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking elsewhere in Sudan and particularly in Darfur.
Banditry is widespread throughout western Sudan. Particularly in the Darfur and Chad–Sudan border regions, where several incidents have resulted in deaths.
Sexual assault is common in areas of armed conflict.
Due to the high risk of HIV/AIDS infection, if you are a victim of violent crime, especially rape, seek immediate medical assistance outside of Sudan.
Kidnapping is a serious risk in Sudan, even in Khartoum, and travellers have been kidnapped.
Kidnappings can be for financial or political gain, by criminals or terrorists. Humanitarian aid workers and journalists have been targeted for kidnapping.
Hotspots include:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
Severe weather
Sudan can experience severe weather, including:
Recent heavy rainfall has intensified in Sudan, causing flooding, displacement and deaths. Ensure you check local weather reports, avoid flood affected areas and adhere to instructions by local authorities.
The temperature in Sudan can be extremely high. It can reach more than 50˚C.
Sudan experiences regular sand and dust storms.
The rainy season is from July to October. Seasonal flooding can affect overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.
To protect yourself if severe weather is approaching:
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance for the whole time you’ll be away. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Confirm what activities and care your policy covers, including in terms of health and travel disruptions. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation: the Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
You're likely to need a specialised insurance policy for travel to a 'do not travel' destination. Some Australian insurance policies may not cover you for travel to 'do not travel' destination.
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Sudan. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Current Outbreaks
Sudan is experiencing an outbreak of Cholera and vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV). Polio cases have been reported in the following States: Blue Nile, Gezira, Red Sea, West Darfur and East Darfur.
COVID-19
COVID-19 remains a risk in Sudan.
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Yellow fever (World Health Organization) is widespread in Sudan. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.
Malaria (World Health Organization) is a year-round risk.
Other insect-borne diseases include these listed by the World Health Organization:
To protect yourself from disease:
Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
Consider taking medication to prevent malaria.
More information:
HIV/AIDS (World Health Organization) is common.
Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.
If you're exposed to a risk of infection get immediate medical assistance outside Sudan. This includes if you are the victim of a violent crime or sexual assault.
Sudan is currently experiencing an outbreak of Cholera.
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. Including these listed by the World Health Organization:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.
Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
Medical facilities are basic in Khartoum and inadequate elsewhere.
You'll need to pay cash before doctors and hospitals will treat you.
If you become ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe.
More information:
Sudan follows Islamic sharia law.
Seek legal advice about family law matters, including divorce, custody and child support.
Be aware of your rights and responsibilities.
Serious crime, such as murder, can attract the death penalty.
Some offences attract physical punishment such as lashes.
In Sudan it's illegal to:
You need a permit for photography of any kind.
Even with a permit, you can't photograph:
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Sudan recognises dual nationality.
Local authorities can decide whether they consider you Sudanese or Australian.
In practice, dual Australian-Sudanese nationals are treated as Sudanese.
This limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
More information:
There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Sudan.
If you're a woman, wear a headscarf and loose clothing to cover the arms and legs.
Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public and in the front of people who are fasting.
You need a visa to enter Sudan.
Getting a visa can take several months. Visas are not granted automatically.
Visitors on a single entry visa need to obtain an exit visa to leave the country. However, this is not always enforced. You can get an exit visa at the airport. You should be ready to show proof of your sponsor and pay the exit visa fee. Visa and other entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. This includes currency, customs and quarantine.
Contact an Embassy of Sudan for details.
You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Sudan. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever (Department of Health).
More information:
If your passport has an Israeli visa or Israeli entry/exit stamps you won’t be allowed to enter Sudan. This can happen even if you have a valid Sudanese visa.
Register with the Aliens Registration Office, Ministry of the Interior, west of the presidential palace, within three days of arrival in Khartoum. You’ll need at least two passport size photos. If you don’t register within three days of arrival, you may be fined. Some of the larger hotels will do this for you, but you should ask when you check-in.
Carry photo identification with you at all times.
Sudanese law prevents women and their children from leaving Sudan without the consent of the children's father. This applies regardless of nationality.
This can apply even if a Sudanese, Australian or other court has granted the mother custodial rights.
Airport departure taxes apply.
Land borders between Sudan and many countries are effectively closed.
The Wadi Halfa ferry through Lake Nasser between Egypt and Sudan is open but can close without notice.
Check with local authorities on the rules and regulations governing this crossing.
The status of land borders between Sudan and South Sudan often change without notice.
Some international flights into and from Sudan have resumed. All border crossings and seaports are closed.
Sudanese authorities require that you possess a certified negative PCR test certificate dated within the 72hrs before your arrive. Persons 6 years old and younger are exempt. Check with your airline regarding testing and other requirements
Many places of social gathering may be closed, including schools and universities.
There are penalties for breaking the curfew currently in place in Khartoum, though you can move freely, including crossing bridges outside of curfew hours. Curfew times change regularly. Check the advice of local authorities for current curfew hours.
In Khartoum public transport is restarting and some other restrictions are easing.
There's a ban on public transport between cities, states and in the rest of Sudan.
If you're remaining in Sudan:
Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. It can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.
The local currency is the Sudanese Pound (SDG). You can’t convert outside the country and it’s illegal to export it.
Sudan operates on a cash only economy. Credit and debit cards are not accepted, even at large hotels. Make sure you have enough cash with you. Take unmarked US dollars dated from 2006.
ATMs only accept local bank cards. Western Union only operates in Khartoum.
Change money through banks or official exchange bureaus. It’s illegal to exchange currency outside of official banking channels. You could be fined or go to prison.
To travel outside of the greater Khartoum area, get a permit from the Ministry of Tourism. The Aliens Department at the Ministry of Interiors will send you a copy of the permit. To travel to Darfur, you need a separate travel permit. It’s extremely difficult to obtain permits for destinations within west Sudan, unless you work for a registered humanitarian organisation or diplomatic mission.
Authorities strictly enforce permit regulations and they may ask for a copies of documents. Carry at least three copies of your travel permit, visa and passport at all times.
You must register with the Aliens Department at the Ministry of the Interior within 72 hours of arriving in Sudan. You must also register with local police within 24 hours of arrival anywhere outside Khartoum.
Driving permit
You’ll need a valid international driving permit (IDP). Get your IDP before you leave Australia.
Road traffic accidents are common. If you use public transport or vehicles for hire such as rickshaws and ‘amjad minivans’, you are at higher risk.
Road conditions are poor and many roads, even major ones, are unsealed or have potholes.
Roads are shared by pedestrians, donkey-carts and rickshaws. At night, there is generally no street lighting and many vehicles have no lights.
Roads in Khartoum are better than the rest of the country but high speeds contribute to serious accidents.
Crowds can gather following accidents and can become violent.
Landmines and unexploded remnants of war are a danger, particularly in the Eastern States and Southern Kordofan. Use main roads and paths labelled as cleared by a competent de-mining authority.
To protect yourself if you drive in Sudan:
More information:
Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers riding a motorbike.
Always wear a helmet.
Use registered taxis and limousines. Book these through your hotel.
Take care when travelling alone at night.
Avoid using public transport as safety and maintenance standards are poor.
Piracy occurs in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
All forms of shipping are attractive to pirates, including:
To protect yourself when travelling by boat:
All Sudanese-registered airlines are banned from operating in European airspace.
There have been hijackings in the past.
DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Sudan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, you could contact your:
Call 777.
Call 333 or go to the hospital.
Call 999 or visit the police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy in Sudan.
You can get consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Egypt.
11th floor, North Tower, World Trade Centre
1191 Corniche El Nil
Boulac, Cairo
Egypt
Phone: +20 2 2770 6600
Fax: +20 2 2770 6650
Email: cairo.austremb@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.egypt.embassy.gov.au
Facebook Australia in Egypt
See the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
The British Embassy in Khartoum provides limited consular assistance for Australians, in coordination with the Australian Embassy in Cairo.
British Embassy
Off Sharia Al Baladia
Khartoum East
(PO Box no.801)
Email: information.khartoum@fco.gov.uk
Phone: +249 183 777 105
Fax: +249 183 776 457, +249 183 775 562
Website: www.ukinsudan.fco.gov.uk/en
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
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