Sudan travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary (large demonstrations in Khartoum in late December and early January). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

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Travel Summary

We advise against all travel to the following parts of Sudan: the Eritrean border, Abyei in South Kordofan, areas south of Juba in Central and East Equatoria and in West Equatoria within 40kms of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). See the relevant Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
We advise against all but essential travel to the following parts of Sudan: Kassala, all parts of southern Sudan (including Juba), Darfur and areas west of the towns of an-Nahud and al-Fula in North Kordofan, which borders Darfur. JEM rebel force movements in West and North Darfur were reported on 12 December 2008. See the relevant Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
There have been a number of large demonstrations in Khartoum in late December 2008 and early January 2009 regarding the conflict in Gaza. We continue to monitor the situation closely and advise those currently in Khartoum to maintain vigilance, avoid crowds and keep in close contact with the Embassy through the Warden network. We advise those considering travel to Sudan to keep abreast of the situation by checking the travel advice on a regular basis.
On 14 July the International Criminal Court Prosecutor publicly announced his application for an arrest warrant for President Bashir on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. There were a number of demonstrations in Khartoum following the announcement. We continue to monitor the situation closely and we advise those currently in Khartoum or considering travelling to Sudan to keep abreast of the latest situation and to check the Travel Advice regularly.
JEM rebels launched an attack on Omdurman, a city close to Khartoum on the west bank of the Nile on 10 May. In response the Government of Sudan imposed a curfew across Khartoum and Omdurman. This no longer remains in force.
Heavy fighting in the Abyei (South Kordofan) region occurred between 14 - 21 May. The UN and other international organisations evacuated their civilian staff from the area. A violent incident at a market in Abyei on 12 December reportedly killed one and injured others. Tensions remain high between tribal elements in the area.
There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Banditry in Darfur is widespread and you should exercise caution when travelling outside the major population centres or at night. There have been several incidents involving NGO and UN staff and some African Union peace monitoring troops have been killed. See the Local Travel (Darfur and North Kordofan) sections of this travel for more details.
The Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in January 2005 has effectively brought to an end the north-south civil war. However, some areas remain tense. There continue to be demonstrations, which have turned violent. You should remain vigilant and avoid demonstrations or similar large gatherings in public places. See the Political Situation section of this advice for more details.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism/Security

There is a high threat from terrorism in Sudan. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Statements by terrorist groups have called for a 'jihad' in Sudan and have specifically mentioned Western interests.

On 26 August 2008, a Sun Air plane travelling from Nyala, Southern Darfur to Khartoum was hijacked and flown to Libya. All 95 passengers were released without harm.

In August 2007 and January 2008, Sudanese authorities made a series of arrests to disrupt a terrorist cell suspected of targeting specific Western interests in Khartoum.

On 1 January 2008, a US Diplomat and a US Embassy driver were shot and killed in the Riyadh area of Khartoum. The perpetrators were arrested later in January. Embassy staff continue to exercise vigilance by keeping a low profile and restricting movement within the city. If you intend to travel in or around Khartoum, you should exercise extreme caution, especially at night, and change your patterns of movement. You should bear this in mind when considering attending prominent social events on predictable dates during the Christmas and New Year season.

For more general advice see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

The incidence of street crime in Khartoum and other major northern Sudanese cities, other than in Darfur, is low compared to many parts of Africa. However, you should exercise caution, particularly after dark.

We are aware of reports of individuals who have attempted to use personal information to extort money from their relatives. You should be careful to keep your personal information secure.

For more general advice see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Sudan Country Profile

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in January 2005 effectively brought to an end the civil war in the south. The ruling National Congress Party and the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement/Army formed a Government of National Unity on 20 September 2005, and the devolved Government of Southern Sudan was formed on 22 October 2005. The CPA calls for elections to be held in early 2009.

There was a major, but peaceful demonstration on 27 February 2008 in Khartoum, in protest against cartoons that were re-published in a Danish newspaper. You should remain vigilant at all times and avoid crowded areas.

New negotiations to resolve the Darfur conflict began in Libya in October 2007. They are in response to the failure of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) (signed on 5 May 2006, by the Government of Sudan and the largest faction of the Sudanese Liberation Movement (SLM) rebel group led by Minni Minnawi to bring an end to the conflict.

The humanitarian situation remains dire (over two million people have been displaced by the fighting in Darfur). Since January 2008, the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) have started deploying a joint peace support operation (UNAMID. International pressure on the Government of Sudan to address the situation in Darfur is resented in some parts of Sudan, and there have been demonstrations against international actions.

Elsewhere, the United Nations maintains a peace support mission throughout Sudan (UNMIS), with particular focus on the south.

The Ugandan rebel group the Lords Resistance Army (LRA), which has been responsible for a large number of murders and abductions in northern Uganda, also has a presence inside southern Sudan. Since July 2006, the Government of Southern Sudan has been brokering peace talks in Juba between the LRA and Ugandan government. In August 2006 a Cessation of Hostilities Agreement was signed. This Agreement is holding and has led to improvements in the security situation in northern Uganda and southern Sudan. If you intend to visit southern Sudan you should remain wary of the threat from the LRA and other militia groups (see section on Southern Sudan below).

Local Travel

General

The Wadi Halfa border crossing between Egypt and Sudan is open. There is a weekly steamer between Aswan High Dam and Wadi Halfa with a connecting train to/from Khartoum. You should not attempt to cross any other land borders, whether or not at official crossing points. Land mines pose a threat in rural areas in many parts of the country.

The Central African Republic closed its border with Sudan on 14 April 2006.

Desert travel within Sudan should be attempted only if you are fully equipped and experienced.

Permits, obtained locally, are required for all travel to many destinations outside Khartoum, including to Darfur.

Please note the following specific localised warnings, and consult the British Embassy in Khartoum if you intend to travel to the following areas:

Khartoum

On 10 May 2008, following earlier reports of a large number of JEM rebels in Kordofan, rebels launched an attack on Omdurman, a city close to Khartoum on the west bank of the Nile. In response the Government of Sudan imposed a curfew across Khartoum and Omdurman from 1700 (local time) on 10 May. The curfew has now been lifted. The British Embassy resumed normal consular services on 14 May.

Darfur States

We advise against all but essential travel to all three Darfur states (North Darfur, West Darfur, South Darfur). The security situation in Darfur remains unstable and you should exercise a high level of vigilance and extreme caution at all times. Fighting continues, and lawlessness and banditry is widespread.

Since November 2007, there has been fighting in the borders between West Darfur and Chad. In the light of these attacks, we advise against all travel to Chadian/Darfur border areas. We also strongly advise against all but essential travel to other parts of Darfur. If you are in Darfur you should seek advice from the UN security office in Geneina before travelling outside of the state capitals.

Armed groups in Darfur from time to time target people associated with the joint AU/UN peacekeeping mission (UNAMID). The armed groups may engage in violence and attacks, and may not distinguish between official and civilian targets.

JEM rebel forces were reported 12 December to be moving within West and North Darfur.

Overnight curfews are routinely imposed throughout Darfur and these should be respected if you are in Darfur.

There have been a number of instances of attacks on and detention of humanitarian workers and clearly identified humanitarian vehicles throughout Darfur. There are regular reports of attacks, looting and detention of humanitarian convoys and premises, and a number of aid workers have been attacked killed.

NGO workers should ensure that they have co-ordinated their movements with UN Security and ensure that all necessary parties have been notified. Great caution is needed if you intend to travel at night or away from significant population centres.

In August 2006, five foreigners were arrested and detained in Darfur after entering Sudan via the Chadian border town of Bahai without the appropriate documentation. Some of these individuals had solicited, and obtained, escorts in Chad who promised to facilitate their entry into Sudan but who ultimately did not. The Sudanese Government requires that anyone seeking entry to the Darfur area, for whatever purpose, must first obtain a special permit.

Rest of Northern Sudan

North Kordofan State:

We advise against all but essential travel to areas west of the towns of an-Nahud and al-Fula in North Kordofan, which borders Darfur. In May 2008, The Government of Sudan (GoS) have publicly stated that a Justice and Equality Movement (Darfurian) rebel force is currently in Northern Kordofan. Its intent is unclear, but GoS states that the situation is under control. The British Embassy is continuing to monitor the situation.

On 29 August 2007, two Darfuri rebel groups, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Sudanese Liberation Army-Unity (SLA-Unity), attacked a Sudanese army base in Wad Banda in North Kordofan. You should be aware of the risk of rebel attacks spreading outside Darfur and exercise extreme caution at all times.

Northern State:

On 21 September 2008 19 people (8 Egyptians, 5 Germans, 5 Italians and a Romanian) were kidnapped whilst on safari in the Karkur Talh area on the Egypt/Sudan border. They have since been released unharmed. We advise extreme caution if you are considering travelling to this area.

On 13 June 2007, residents in the Kajbar area of Northern State protested against the building of a new dam in the area, which started in April 2007. The Sudanese police appear to have used excessive force during the demonstration and as a result 4 protesters were killed and at least 10 injured. Following the incident the Deputy Governor of Northern State and the local Commissioner of Kajbar have tendered their resignations. There is a possibility of further demonstrations in the area. You should remain vigilant and avoid demonstrations or similar large gatherings in public places.

Kassala and Red Sea States:

We advise against all travel to the Eritrean border. The Sudanese border with Eritrea was tense in 2007. The situation has been calm in recent months, but we currently advise against travel to the border as the situation could deteriorate rapidly.

Travel to eastern Sudan, particularly the major cities, is currently possible. There have not been any recent security incidents. If travelling by road in Kassala state we advise that you remain on the major roads or seek advice from UN Security.

Southern Sudan

West, Central and East Equatoria States:

We advise against all travel south of Juba in Central and East Equatoria States, and against all travel in West Equatoria State within 40kms of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border. On 26 January 2007, UN troops were ambushed near Opari, some 100km South East of Juba near Torit and Pageri. One UN peacekeeper was shot and killed.

The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) are thought to be responsible for a number of attacks since October 2005 against vehicles containing aid workers in Equatoria in southern Sudan and northern Uganda. In November 2005 diplomatic missions in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, saw an extract from a letter, purporting to be from the LRA, which threatens to kill any 'white person' moving in the region. Sporadic attacks against civilians have resulted in fatalities, including one British national and serious injuries. On 14 December 2008 Ugandan, DRC and Southern Sudanese forces launched joint military action against LRA bases in DRC, in response to LRA leader Kony's failure to sign a peace agreement negotiated with the Government of Uganda. There are reports that all civilian movements in Nzara County (near Yambio) have been prohibited. It is possible that the LRA will, as in the past, respond by launching raids into Southern Sudan. If you are currently in the region you should exercise extreme caution, think carefully about your security and whether you need to remain. Some attacks have taken place in daylight hours and close to population centres.

Rest of Southern Sudan

We advise against all but essential travel to other parts of southern Sudan, including Juba. Since October 2006 there have been a series of violent incidents east and south of the town resulting in around 50 deaths. There has also been some increase in lawless incidents, including car-jacking, within Juba itself, and you should remain vigilant at all times.

A demonstration by students took place in Juba on 11 November 2008. Some Government buildings and passing vehicles were damaged during the protest. One student was killed and another injured when police fired warning shots to disperse the crowd. On 7 December 2008, an incident in the cattle camps on the East bank of the Nile spread into Juba town, with looting, fighting and shooting in Konyo Konyo market, Hai Malakal and areas near camps used by international staff. The problems continued sporadically for several hours, and flared up again even after the initial trouble had apparently been brought under control. On both occasions problems in one part of town quickly spread elsewhere.

Since the start of 2008 there have been numerous armed attacks on residential compounds, hotels and restaurants used by NGOs and UN staff. These have been characterised by armed robbery accompanied by violence, including in at least one case the mock execution of a member of staff. Although the frequency of these attacks has decreased since the peak in April/May, there have been occasional further incidents. You should consider carefully the security arrangements for any accommodation you use, and seek guidance from UNDSS (located in the UNDP compound).

The UN has a curfew for their staff in Juba between 01:00 and 05:00, and has put Konyo Konyo market off limits between 20:00 and 07:00 hours. They also have curfews in other towns in Southern Sudan, the timings of these vary according to local circumstances. We recommend that you adhere to UN restrictions, and check locally with the UN for the latest information. During the hours of curfew there will be no official UN presence around town, and it may be more difficult to get assistance in the event of problems.

Police in Juba have advised that they are implementing additional security measures, including establishing checkpoints, between 02:00 and 04:00. They will detain overnight anyone who cannot justify their presence on the streets at that time, and/or who appears to be drunk.

Generally, the situation on the ground in southern Sudan is volatile. Despite the signing of the CPA, arms remain in circulation and there are regular reports of armed militias. Problems and clashes have previously been reported in Upper Nile (including Malakal), Jonglei and Unity (Bentiu and Ribkona) States. Lawlessness remains a problem and there have been several recent reports of attacks on NGO and UN staff in Rumbek. Government curfews are occasionally imposed in towns in southern Sudan and must be observed.

You should be aware that a few foreign personnel in the oil fields of south Sudan have occasionally been subject to brief "abductions" without ransom, usually linked to labour disputes involving oil companies. On 9 November 2006, a UK citizen was taken hostage but was released unharmed within a few hours.

Travel in the south is not straightforward, particularly during the rainy season (from July to October/November). If you do need to travel in Southern Sudan, we strongly advise against travel at night and outside major population centres.

South Kordofan State/Nuba Mountains region:

We advise against all travel to Abyei. Heavy fighting in the Abyei (South Kordofan) region occurred between 14 - 21 May 2008. The UN and other international organisations evacuated their civilian staff from the area, although some have since returned. A shooting incident at an Abeyi market on 12 December 2008 killed one and injured others. Tensions between tribal elements in the area remain high.

Sudanese and International media sources reported on 7 December that significant levels of government forces were moved to the South Kordofan area for security reasons.

On 18 October, nine Chinese workers from the Chinese National Petroleum Cooperation were kidnapped about 50 km south of Muglad in Southern Kordofan. Five hostages subsequently died on 30-31 October, and four were released.

On 23 October 2007, five oil workers were kidnapped from the Defra oil field and held for ransom. Other armed groups may be planning further attacks on oil and gas industry targets in the area. You must be vigilant at all times and exercise caution when travelling/working in the area. You should register with the British Consulate in Khartoum on arrival in Sudan.

You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

The Nuba Mountains have been subject to a cease-fire since 2002, and this has been incorporated into the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. International personnel have participated in a peace-monitoring mission since 2002 (which has now been taken over by the UN), and the cease-fire has largely been upheld. On occasions, unofficial visitors to the Nuba Mountains area have been arrested and held in detention.

Road Travel

You are at risk of involvement in traffic accidents when using public transport, as many vehicles are unsafe.

The driving conditions and standards in Sudan are below those in the UK and other European countries. Only major roads are metalled. Residential areas usually have unsurfaced roads. At night, there is generally no street lighting and many vehicles have no lights. Roads are used by pedestrians, donkey-carts and rickshaws, as well as motor vehicles.

Outside Khartoum, some major routes between towns have good roads. Off the beaten track, roads may consist of a rough track and in many areas, not even that. Any journeys not following a major route or road should include a local guide with experience of the area. Many areas south of Khartoum become inaccessible by road during the rainy season from July to October. The wadis (dry riverbeds) are subject to dangerous flash floods and many are not passable during the rains unless travelling on a major road.

Although drivers need a licence and insurance, many do not have these. You should ensure that you obtain adequate insurance, preferably including a premium for "blood money" in case of involvement in an accident involving a third party. You can drive in Sudan using a full UK driving licence for a maximum period of three months. You can obtain local driving licences from the police.

There are no restrictions on women driving in Sudan and both men and women can obtain local driving licences, upon production of a full UK driving licence, from the local authorities.

Sudanese law prohibits the use of mobile phones whilst driving.

For more general advice see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

There are serious doubts about the reliability and safety of internal flights operated by Sudanese airlines and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) staff have been instructed to use alternatives to domestic services in Sudan.

In addition, Air West has been refused permission to operate services to the EU because it does not meet international safety standards. If you have a flight booked with Air West and it is part of a journey which began in the EU, you should consult your travel agent.

On 10 June 2008 a Sudan Airways plane crashed at Khartoum Airport killing at least 30 people. All Sudan Airways (the national carrier) domestic and international flights have been grounded by the Sudanese Government for an “undefined period”. If you have a flight booked with Sudan Airways you should consult your travel agent.

On 2 May 2008 a plane chartered from Southern Sudan Air Connection crashed while flying from Wau to Juba, killing all 21 people on board.

On 24 January 2007, a Sudanese Air West passenger plane was hijacked en route from Khartoum to Nyala (in Darfur). The aircraft later landed in Chad and all passengers and crew were released.

These are a small selection of incidents in the last five years. The International Civil Aviation Organisation reported in October 2008 that there have been 21 known major accidents to Sudan airline operators during the last five years, nine of which resulted in fatalities; and that there have been 16 known major accidents to foreign airline aircraft in Sudan in the last five years, two of which resulted in fatalities.

You should ensure that onward or return flights are reconfirmed with the airline at least 72 hours before departure.

For more general information see Airline Security.

Sea Travel

Mariners should be aware that incidents of piracy have been reported in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and are advised to exercise vigilance and seek local advice.

For more general advice see River and Sea Safety.

Local laws and customs

Local laws reflect the fact that Northern Sudan and the capital Khartoum are predominantly Muslim. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see Travelling during Ramadan.

Northern Sudan operates Islamic Sharia Law. Alcohol is not permitted. Under the terms of the Sudanese constitution, until the referendum on secession of Southern Sudan takes place, Sharia law will apply in the states of Northern Sudan, but not Southern Sudan. Although the constitution specifies that in the national capital, Khartoum, non-Muslims shall not be subject to Sharia law, at present this has not resulted in any practical changes and you should expect Sharia law to apply.

Non-Muslim women are not expected to wear a veil or cover their heads, but you should dress modestly and respect local customs and sensitivities.

Homosexual practices and extra marital relations are illegal and subject to severe penalties under Islamic Sharia law. Sudanese society is not, therefore, tolerant of homosexual relationships.

There is no legal requirement to carry identification documents but we strongly recommend that you carry a form of photo identification with you at all times.

There are severe penalties for drug trafficking in Sudan.

All photography requires a formal photographic permit. A permit can be obtained following an application to the External Information Centre (part of the Ministry of Information). We strongly advise against taking photographs close to Government Buildings, military installations and other sensitive areas (bridges, airports etc).

For more general advice see for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Visas

You should obtain a visa before travelling.

If you have a flight out of Sudan, you should note exit visa requirements.

If you do not hold a diplomatic passport you are required to register with the Aliens Department within three days of your arrival in the country (2 passport size photos are needed and the fee is the Dinar equivalent of around £15). Once registered, you are not required to obtain an exit visa to leave the country. You are required to pay US$20 per person airport tax.

You must obtain a permit before travelling outside of Khartoum and you must also register with the police at your new destination within 24 hours of arrival.

If your passport has an Israeli visa or Israeli entry/exit stamps you will not be allowed to enter Sudan.

Passport Validity

Your Passport must have a minimum of six months validity from the date of arrival in Sudan.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Sudanese Embassy in London.

Health

On 31 October the UN confirmed a suspected outbreak of Hemorrhagic fever in the Al Fula area, 165 km North West of Kadugli, which has led to a number of fatalities. There have been no reports of any British casualties. The local authorities are taking health measures to minimise the outbreak. The outbreak is being investigated by the World Health Organisation and the Federal Ministry of Health. We advise against all travel to Al Fula.

As a general rule, GP facilities in Khartoum are adequate but the hospitals are not suitable for elective problems and only suitable for stabilisation of serious medical problems prior to evacuation.

Water and food-borne diseases are common to Sudan. These include salmonella, typhoid, shigella, giardia, hepatitis A and amoebiasis. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Sudan you should seek immediate medical attention.

Since mid-2005 the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported cases of meningitis in the northern states of Sudan, including Khartoum.

In October 2007 an outbreak of Rift Valley fever was reported: this disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. As of January 2008, the number of cases was declining.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 290,000 adults aged 15 or over in Sudan were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 1.4% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Sudan and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general information see Travel Health.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

The World Organisation for Animal Health confirmed on 28 November that Sudan has regained its status as free of H5N1 avian influenza following outbreaks in September 2006 in Juba, the capital of Southern Sudan.

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

Natural disasters

Sudan suffers from both drought and flash flooding. If you are planning to travel overland to remote areas, flooding can make areas inaccessible by road.

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. This should include cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

Registration

You should register with the British Embassy in Khartoum on arrival and keep in touch throughout your stay. You may register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Money

Credit cards and travellers' cheques are not usually accepted in Sudan. It is not possible to obtain cash against credit cards at banks, and credit cards are not accepted at hotels to settle bills. Neither is it possible to cash travellers' cheques through the local banking system in Sudan. You should ensure that you have sufficient hard currency, preferably US Dollars (dated 2003 onwards), to cover expenses during your stay.