Sudan

The dissolution of the transitional government by the military occurred on 25 October 2021, and the Prime Minister resigned on 2 January 2022. While the military and civilian parties entered into a framework agreement on 5 December 2022, the situation has escalated.

The security situation remains volatile, and violence could escalate with short notice. Armed conflict is occurring across the country. Heavy fighting, gunfire and explosions are ongoing.

There are reports of assaults, home invasions and looting, including on road departure routes. Foreigners and staff of international organisations have been the target of attacks and assaults, including sexual assault. Further violence could occur, including in places frequented by foreigners. Remain vigilant at all times, including around large crowds. 

There may be disruptions to critical infrastructure and essential services, including road and bridge closures, electricity and telecommunications outages, restrictions to healthcare services and shortages of medical supplies.

We continue to advise do not travel to Sudan.

If you choose to remain in Sudan or are not confident in the safety and reliability of any departure option, you should:

• adopt appropriate personal security measures
• keep adequate supplies of water, food, fuel, cash and medication
• keep your phone and batteries charged
• take a photo of, and keep your passport and other travel documents with you and up to date
• monitor the media to stay informed on the evolving situation and continue to follow our advice on Smartraveller.

Leaving Sudan 

Australians should strongly consider leaving Sudan as soon as possible. There are commercial departure options from Port Sudan and Port Suakin. You must provide valid travel documentation to exit Sudan and enter Saudi Arabia or Egypt. You should confirm the exact requirements with your transport provider.  Khartoum International Airport is not operating. 

Overland travel is becoming more dangerous, including to border areas. You should consider the risks for any departure route, including during ceasefires. Any travel options, including convoys, are taken at your own risk. Make sure you have up-to-date travel documents and visas. 

Contact your friends and family as soon as possible to let them know you’re safe. If you have significant concerns for your welfare, or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 62613305 outside Australia.

There are reports of visa scams impersonating the Department of Home Affairs. A fake visa won’t be recognised in Australia. To protect yourself from visa scams, you should only deal with official Australian Government channels such as the departmental website, reputable travel agents, Australian Visa Application Centres, or the Australian High Commission or Embassy.

Entry into Saudi Arabia 

If you're travelling from Sudan to Saudi Arabia, you must have valid travel documentation. Provisional travel documents (PTDs) or IMMICards will not be accepted. You are unable to enter Saudi Arabia on an Emergency Passport but may be allowed entry for transit only in some locations (not including Jeddah). You will need to show proof of onward travel on a Saudi airline with a transit of less than 10 hours.

You need a visa for Saudi Arabia. You can obtain a visa online (e-visa) or on arrival. 

Read the Saudi Arabia travel advice for information on entry requirements. 

If you've arrived in Saudi Arabia from Sudan and need consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy on +966 11 2500990 or email consular.riyadh@dfat.gov.au 

Sudanese passport holders have different visa and entry requirements for Saudi Arabia. If you're a Sudanese passport holder check the visa and entry requirements with the Sudanese and Saudi Arabian Consulate or Embassy or directly with your travel provider. Entry and visa requirements can change without notice. 

Entry into Egypt

There are no commercial flights from Port Sudan to Egypt. You can enter Egypt by the land border accessed through Wadi Halfa. Transit through the Egyptian border can take several days with almost no infrastructure and very limited access to food and water. Carefully consider the risks. 

If you're travelling from Sudan to Egypt, you must have valid travel documentation. Emergency Passports are accepted in Egypt.

You need a visa to enter Egypt. You can obtain a visa online (e-visa) or on arrival.

Read the Egypt travel advice for information on entry requirements. 

Sudanese passport holders have different visa and entry requirements for Egypt. If you're a Sudanese passport holder check the visa and entry requirements with your travel provider or the relevant authority. Entry and visa requirements can change without notice.

Other land borders 

You may not be able to cross some land borders. Sudan's border with Chad and Eritrea are closed. Do not travel to neighbouring Libya, Chad, Central African Republic and South Sudan. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. You should carefully review our travel advice for any neighbouring country. 

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.

Demonstrations and protests

Large scale protests and demonstrations continue to take place in Khartoum and across the country. There are reports of violence against protestors, including arbitrary arrests and deaths. Protests can occur at short notice and turn violent quickly.

Avoid demonstrations and areas of possible unrest. Avoid public spaces in the period surrounding Friday prayers. Remain vigilant and limit your movements.

Internet and phone services continue to experience disruptions and remain unreliable.

Roadblocks and checkpoints continue to be imposed throughout Khartoum depending on the security situation. If you encounter a roadblock, remain calm and seek an alternative route. Do not attempt to force your way through it.

Politically motivated protests, including anti-Western rallies, occur in Sudan.

The use of weapons is common. Conflict can escalate rapidly.

Curfews are imposed with little or no warning. Observe curfews and follow the advice of local authorities.

While the state of emergency has been lifted, security forces may continue to:

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

Fighting between rebel groups and government forces occur across the country. Violent and ongoing clashes occur among rebel groups and with the Sudanese Armed Forces. The Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Response Forces use force against each other and 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.

Civilians, including foreign workers, could be affected by violence directed at others.

Some armed movements in Darfur reject the peace process.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Foreigners have been the target of attacks. Further violence could occur, including in places frequented by foreigners. Remain vigilant at all times.

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:

• the Darfur States
• Abyei region
• Northern and Southern Kordufan
• Blue, White Nile and Sennar states
• areas within 20km 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

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.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Kidnapping is a serious risk in Sudan, including 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:

• 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

Sudan can experience severe weather, including:

• high temperatures
• sand and dust storms
• flooding

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:

• 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

Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance 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.

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 thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

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
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

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
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

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. 

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever 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 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
• COVID-19

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS 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

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:

• 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

Due to the conflict several hospitals are out of service, especially in the Khartoum area. 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
• try to convert a Muslim to Christianity

In July 2020, the Sudanese authorities amended the law on alcohol to allow consumption by non-Muslims, but not in the company of Muslims.

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 is observed in Sudan. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

We continue to advise do not travel to Sudan. The security situation remains volatile. Overland travel is becoming more dangerous, including to border areas. See ‘Safety’.

Visa conditions

If despite our advice you travel to Sudan, you'll need a visa to enter.

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 the Embassy of Sudan in Canberra 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.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Border measures

To enter Sudan, you must provide evidence of a recognised COVID-19 vaccination certificate or negative PCR test taken within 72hrs of arrival into Sudan and departure from Sudan. Children 6 years old and younger are exempt. Check with your airline ahead of travel.

Local authorities have removed all national COVID-19 restrictions. There remains the possibility of curfews, travel restrictions or other measures being re-introduced at short notice. Regularly check the advice of local authorities.

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, within three days of arrival in Khartoum if it's safe to do so. Movement within Khartoum is difficult due to the deteriorating security situation. Consider the risks of moving within Khartoum.

Carry photo identification with you at all times.

In 2020, Sudan introduced new laws to allow women to travel with their children outside of the country without consent of the children’s father. 

Airport departure taxes apply.

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.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTI travellers 

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 and other money transfer systems are currently unreliable. 

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.

Road travel

We continue to advise do not travel to Sudan. The security situation remains volatile. Overland travel is dangerous, including to border areas. 

You should consider the risks carefully for any departure route, including during ceasefires. Any travel options are taken at your own risk.

You may not be able to cross some land borders. Sudan's border with Chad and Eritrea are closed. Do not travel to neighbouring Libya, Chad, Central African Republic and South Sudan. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. You should carefully review our travel advice for any neighbouring country, including Egypt and Ethiopia. 

Prior to the conflict authorities strictly enforced permit regulations for travel outside of Khartoum. Current arrangements are unclear.

If you encounter a roadblock, remain calm and seek an alternative route. Do not attempt to force your way through it.

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.

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.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Driving permit

You’ll need a valid international driving permit (IDP). Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

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.

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 Cairo. Consular services may be severely limited due to local measures.

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
Facebook Australian Embassy in Egypt

Twitter: @AusAmbEGY

See the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

The British Embassy in Sudan is now closed.

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