Sudan

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:

• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• sites frequented by foreigners
• tourist attractions
• hotels, restaurants, bars and coffee shops
• shopping centres and markets

The threat of terror attack is high in:

• Northern, Southern and Western Darfur
• Abyei region
• Northern and Southern Kordufan
• Blue, White Nile and Sennar states
• areas within 15km of the border with Eritrea and Ethiopia
• areas within 50km of the border with Libya

To protect yourself if you travel to Sudan despite the risks:

• vary routes and patterns of movement
• avoid travel at night, including in Khartoum and other urban areas
• avoid crowded areas and other possible targets
• monitor the media for threats, curfews and other restrictions
• take official warnings seriously

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:

• Terrorism

Demonstrations and protests

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:

• ban unauthorised public gatherings
• give security forces increased powers to arrest, restrict movement and seize assets
  Border crossings can close at short notice.

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:

• avoid areas of possible unrest
• avoid public spaces in the period surrounding Friday prayers
• adopt appropriate personal security measures
• keep adequate supplies of water, food, fuel, cash and medication
• keep your passport and other travel documents up to date
• review contingency plans and be ready to leave Sudan at short notice

Obtain professional security advice if you travel to 'do not travel' areas.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

The level of street crime in Khartoum and other major Sudanese cities, except Darfur, is low but increasing.

To protect yourself from crime:

• Remain alert to possible threats.
• Take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
• Leave valuable items out of sight.
• Keep your doors locked and windows closed at all times.
• If you’re stopped, avoid confrontation.

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

Kidnapping is a serious risk in Sudan 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:

• rural areas
• in and around Darfur's state capitals and towns
• Nyala
• Kutum
• Zalingei

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

People trafficking groups operate in:

• the south and east of Sudan along the border with Eritrea and Ethiopia
• some northern states

Severe weather

Sudan can experience severe weather, including:

• high temperatures
• sand and dust storms
• flooding

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:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources, such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 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 thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

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.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health (World Health Organization)

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:

• what the medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

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:

• dengue
• Zika virus
• filariasis
• leishmaniasis
• river blindness
• African sleeping sickness

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Consider taking medication to prevent malaria.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS

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.

Other infectious diseases

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. Including these listed by the World Health Organization:

• typhoid
• cholera
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• polio (poliomyelitis)
• meningitis
• viral hemorrhagic fevers
• Rift Valley fever
• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• don't swim in fresh water
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

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

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.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe.

More information:

• Carrying and using drugs

Other laws

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

Serious crime, such as murder, can attract the death penalty.

Some offences attract physical punishment such as lashes.

In Sudan it's illegal to:

• have same-sex relationships
• have extra-marital relations
• import or drink alcohol, even in private
• try to convert a Muslim to Christianity

Photography

You need a permit for photography of any kind.

Even with a permit, you can't photograph:

• military areas
• bridges
• broadcast stations
• public utilities
• slum areas
• beggars

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

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:

• Dual nationals

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.

Ramadan

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan will be from late April to late May in 2020. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public and in the front of people who are fasting.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can’t help you.

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.

Yellow fever vaccination

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:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB) (World Health Organisation)

Other entry requirements

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.

Border crossings

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.

Validity

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.

Lost or stolen 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.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

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.

Travel outside Khartoum

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 travel

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:

• verify local security and road conditions
• seek local advice on possible routes
• check your insurance cover
• learn local traffic laws and practices
• make contingency plans

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use registered taxis and limousines. Book these through your hotel.

Take care when travelling alone at night.

Public transport

Avoid using public transport as safety and maintenance standards are poor.

Boat travel

Piracy occurs in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

All forms of shipping are attractive to pirates, including:

• commercial vessels
• pleasure craft
• luxury cruise liners

To protect yourself when travelling by boat:

• check the International Maritime Bureau piracy reports
• be alert to threats
• exercise extreme caution

Air travel

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:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, you could contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 777.

Medical emergencies

Call 333 or go to the hospital.

Police

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.

Australian Embassy, Cairo

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

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

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia